In an extraordinary example of cultural homogenisation, the most popular boy's name in the Netherlands last year was Liam, regarded by the Dutch as a diminutive of William – though not at all, strangely, as a particularly Irish name.
In total, 82,000 boys were born in the Netherlands last year, 720 of whom were named Liam, the first time it has topped the favourites list. The most popular girl’s name was Emma, another non-traditional choice, chosen 793 times.
William, of course, is hugely popular in the Netherlands. King Willem-Alexander is the latest in a line of monarchs from the House of Orange-Nassau, dating back to William I of Orange – or William the Silent – in the 16th century.
William III, a century later, did have particular Irish connections, specifically the fact that as "King Billy" he defeated the English king, James II, at the Battle of the Boyne, outside Drogheda in 1690, ensuring the continuation of the Protestant ascendancy in Ireland.
Cultural connection
But could this sudden 21st century Dutch fondness for the name Liam really have such rarefied historical roots?
Not at all, said Irish musician, Aisling Casey, director of the annual St Patrick's Festival in Amsterdam.
She said there appeared to be an Irish cultural connection to Liam's popularity – actor Liam Neeson. "Young Dutch parents will certainly know Liam Neeson from the movies, but that's about as far as it goes – they won't necessarily have a clue what nationality he is."
Ms Casey also said the pronunciation was often different. “It tends to be more ‘Lie-am’ than what we Irish might recognise as Liam.”
Other names on last year’s list included Genius, Goodluck, Amen, Godmother and You. And one little girl will henceforth be known as “Eh”.
