Finlayson slur: What's in a name?

As a proud Finlayson, I've always found it curious whenever someone pronounces my surname with a soft "i" sound, as in "fin-luh-sun." Growing up, I was taught to emphasize the "a," making it "fin-LAY-sun." But where did this "slur" come from, and why does it persist?

The Scottish Roots

My family hails from Scotland, where the name Finlayson is derived from the Gaelic "Fionnlagh," meaning "fair hero." The "i" in this original spelling has a soft pronunciation, so it's not surprising that early immigrants to North America may have carried that over.

Americanization and Language Evolution

However, over time, languages evolve, and so did the pronunciation of Finlayson in the US. The "a" sound became more prominent, perhaps influenced by other Scottish names like MacDonald and MacKay. This "Americanized" pronunciation has now become the norm.

The Slur Factor

The term "Finlayson slur" is playfully used to describe the soft "i" pronunciation. Some people argue that it's a "wrong" way to say it, while others see it as a charming nod to our Scottish heritage. It's all in good fun, but it does raise the question:

What's in a Name?

Ultimately, a name is just a label. It's what we choose to make of it. I'm happy to embrace both the "slurred" and "Americanized" pronunciations of Finlayson. They're both part of my family's history and the evolution of our language.

So, if you ever meet a Finlayson, feel free to ask them how they pronounce their name. You might just get a little lesson in linguistics and a warm smile.

To all my fellow Fins, may our names be pronounced with pride, no matter the syllable!