Boy Name?
I was set with two girls names that were perfect, but not one boy name that is just 'it'. We just found out we're expecting a boy, so I'm on a search for a name we'll be thrilled with. The names that we have put together for boys are:
- James Henry (nn Hank)
- Owen
- Hugh
- Graham
- Alistair
- Teddy
- Malcolm (nn Mac)
I favor Graham and Hugh, but my husband is not crazy about either. I've always loved James but it's just too common. And I recognize that Alistair might be a tough name for the kid, though I really like it.
My husband likes Hank, Owen, and Teddy which are just okay to me. Oh, and I also like Rex, but my huband hated it.
What do you think of these? Any other names that are a similar style? Thank you!
By Gray
Thu, 06/07/2012 - 10:54pm
Thu, 06/07/2012 - 10:54pm
Replies
You have some great names on your list! The only one I can't get behind is Teddy if that's the full name on the birth certificate- that would be very hard for a grown man to carry. Have you thought about Theodore, nn Theo or Ted/Teddy? That would give him options as he grows up.
Other names that may interest you: Oliver, Patrick, Duncan, Evan, Leo, Rowan, Simon, Elliot, Milo, Grant, Bennett
The only name on your list that I'm really not a fan of is Hugh. No particular reason, it just doesn't appeal to me.
I like Teddy better as a nickname for something-Edward, Edmund, Theordore. Teddy is adorable on a little one, but it seems awkward/too cute for a given name on a teenager or adult.
James (#17) is more popular than the other names, but it seems to be holding steady while Owen (#44) is rising. wouldn't be surprised if Owen catches up in the next few years. James does make a good middle name though. If numbers are the only thing holing you back, it would be a nice middle option.
Im not sure what your concern is about Alistair. It's unusual here in the states, but I don't think it's super odd or especially tease-worthy. But if you aren't sure, I think it's another good option for the middle name slot.
Some combos I like using only your list-Owen Henry, Owen James, Owen Malcolm, Graham Alistair, Graham Malcolm, Graham Edward (Graham Teddy makes me think of Teddy Grahams), Alistair James.
Some other names for you to consider- Monroe, Ian, Evan, Everett, Rowan, Dexter and Charles.
I like James, Owen, Graham, and Malcolm, in that order. Teddy is good as a nickname, but I don't like it as a full name. Not a big fan of Hugh, but it's ok. I really don't like Alistair.
I should clarify! Teddy would definitely be Theodore; we would just call him Teddy.
Thanks for your input! It helps to hear other opinions. I like a lot of the suggested combinations. Our other dilemma is that I would like the middle name to be Stephen (family name) so I have to figure if any of those name work with Stephen.
I think James and Theodore go best with Stephen!
I think the 3-2 cadence for first/middle sounds nicer and Theodore Stephen is by far my favorite. Alistair Stephen has the same 3-2, but the S's sound a little lispy to me.
My second favorite would be Graham Stephen (I'm assuming you are American and aren't saying Gray-am).
I don't think the S ending of James is ideal with the S of Stephen and since you have concerns about James, I wonder if you'd like Stephen James?
Theodore Stephen is my favourite followed by Alistair Stephen. I think I slightly prefer a combo of Alistair James but Stephen in the middle slot works well.
I like James Henry, but you could also reverse it and do Henry James. Was there a reason you wanted it to be James Henry nn Hank?
Owen, Graham, Hugh and Malcolm don't flow as well with Stephen for me. Owen is pretty popular in my circles (up there with James) but I do like both Owen and James despite their popularity. Hugh I'm a fan of too. Have you considered Hugo? Hugo Stephen flows better and you can always use the nickname Hugh.
Other suggestions: Elliott, Oliver, Oscar, William, Nathaniel and Elias.
I'd avoid the James Henry (or Henry James) combination because of the literary connection. It just seems weird to me to give a child the name of a literary giant.