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Saoirse Ronan's first name  is pronounced "Sur-sha,"  which is an Irish name that  means "freedom" in Gaelic. 

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Despite being known for her  Irish heritage, Ronan was  actually born in the  United States, in New York City. 

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Ronan is a dual citizen of  Ireland and the United States,  and holds passports from  both countries. 

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Ronan was homeschooled  by her mother for most of  her childhood, in order to accommodate her acting career. 

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Ronan is a talented singer and  has performed on screen in  several films, including "Mary  Queen of Scots" and "Ammonite." 

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Ronan is an avid reader and  has spoken about her love of  books, citing Margaret  Atwood and Sylvia Plath as  two of her favorite authors. 

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Ronan is a trained ballet  dancer and has incorporated  her dance background into some  of her performances. 

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Ronan is a big fan of the  TV series "Friends" and has  said that she can quote  almost every episode. 

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Ronan is an ambassador for  the Irish Society for the  Prevention of Cruelty to  Children, a charity that works  to protect children. 

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Ronan has expressed an  interest in someday  directing films,  in addition to acting.