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“Siobhan” is a feminine Irish version of the name “Joan,” and means “God is gracious.”[1] Learn how to pronounce “Siobhan” appropriately to avoid offending individuals with this name.
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![Step 1 Pronounce the “Sio” portion of the name as “Shi” with a soft “ih” sound.]()
Pronounce the “Sio” portion of the name as “Shi” with a soft “ih” sound. -
![Step 2 Pronounce the “bhan” portion of the name as “vawn.]()
Pronounce the “bhan” portion of the name as “vawn.” “Vawn” should be pronounced to rhyme with “lawn” or “gone.”Advertisement -
![Step 3 Combine both syllables of the name to pronounce “Siobhan” as “Shi-vawn.]()
Combine both syllables of the name to pronounce “Siobhan” as “Shi-vawn.”[2]
Donna Wong, Award-Winning Irish Language ExpertSiobhan is a lovely Gaelic name that trips up many English speakers. The key is realizing 'Siobhan' is pronounced 'shiv-AWN' — not 'see-o-ban.' Say it as if it began with 'shiv' as in 'shiver.' Let the middle vowels lightly combine into 'awn.' With practice, the lilting shiv-AWN will roll naturally off your tongue, beautifully honoring a proud Irish heritage.
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