Famous for having one of the most difficult names to pronounce in Hollywood, Dennis Quaid announced the Saoirse Ronan’s name as “Shee-shah” during the 2015 Golden Globe nomination ceremony.
When hosting Saturday Night Live in December 2017, the actress used her opening monologue to address the common mispronunciation of Saoirse, which translates to “freedom” in English.
The “Lady Bird” star also schooled the audience on how her name really sounds by teaching them a catchy song.
What does the name Saoirse mean?
I am very Irish, and I have an extremely Irish name,” Saoirse said. “Some would say too Irish. It’s Saoirse. It means freedom. But I’ve got a little problem: It’s spelled wrong. It’s a full typo.”
Several SNL cast members joined the fun, calling the host everything from “Cersei,” “Sushi,” and “Sore Cheese.” Her name is pronounced “Sur-sha,” which she also made clear when attending The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
The “Little Women” actress joined her on-screen sister Florence Pugh at the 2020 Critics’ Choice Awards on Sunday at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.
She told Deadline that Greta Gerwig deserved a Best Director Oscar nomination for the coming-of-age period drama film Little Women.
Saoirse Ronan believes Greta Gerwig should have been nominated for Best Director for Little Women
“I’m really happy that the Academy recognized [Gerwig] for Adapted Screenplay and Picture, and I feel like if you’ve been nominated for Best Picture, you have essentially been nominated for Best Director,” Saoirse Ronan told the entertainment magazine.
Saoirse Ronan’s Irish name is pronounced Sur-sha and means freedom
“But to me, Greta, since she started, has made two perfect films, and I hope when she makes her next perfect movie, she gets recognized for everything because I think she’s one of the most important filmmakers of our time.”
Saoirse Ronan’s Erdem Spring 2020 ‘Aurelio’ floral print tiered dress
Styled by British Vogue contributing editor Elizabeth Saltzman, the Irish actress donned a floral print dress from Erdem’s Spring 2020 collection and accessorized with Tamara Mellon’s Reveal shoes ($375 at Tamara Mellon) and Niwaka jewelry.
Greta Gerwig rocked an Alberta Ferretti tuxedo with Stuart Weitzman shoes and Nikos Koulis jewelry.
Saoirse Ronan and Greta Gerwig at the 2020 Critics’ Choice Awards at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, on January 12, 2020
Credit: Instar / WENN