In my previous post I asked you all which name you prefer: August or Amias. Since then, both names have been vetoed My husband confessed that he doesn’t really like either of them. I’m gutted.
So, after a long and very emotional discussion, the final three names we are choosing from are:
Octavian - If this baby was a girl (which I really thought he was!) we would have named her Octavia. My only hesitation with Octavian is its usability. Is it too much? Too heavy-sounding and too frilly for a self conscious adolescent boy to pull off? It’s rarely used in real life and that worries me.
Orlando - my husband likes it and I’ve always thought it has a lovely sound.
Otto - as this is number 8 in Italian it also would be very special
Thank you so much again. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this. Our sweet boy really needs a name! emphasized text
You’re not really selling us on [name_m]Orlando[/name_m] so I think you are down to two. Either would be wonderful! I like the vibe of [name_m]Otto[/name_m] better and don’t think it’s too popular.
I agree with the comment above. Scrap [name_m]Orlando[/name_m] and decide between [name_m]Octavian[/name_m] and [name_m]Otto[/name_m]. I think [name_m]Otto[/name_m] could be easier to live with and doesn’t seem too popular, at least I don’t know any at the schools I work closely with near me. However [name_m]Octavian[/name_m] is a real stand out name with multiple different nickname options. I particularly like [name_f]Tavi[/name_f] or even simple [name_m]Ian[/name_m]
I like [name_m]Otto[/name_m] for you. Meaningful, simple but feels substantial and has two syllables like your two older boys. [name_m]Otto[/name_m] will be easier to wear than [name_m]Octavian[/name_m] (though I love the drama and elaborateness, tbh) and still sits at almost no. 300 popularity-wise if you’re in the US.
As an aside, I love [name_m]Ambrose[/name_m]. It doesn’t get anywhere near enough love. Great names all round - well done!
Orlando (nn Orly/Oli/Lando)- I think it’s the most handsome and goes best with other two. I would definitely choose this one! Perfect
Second choice - Otto - has real pluckish charm and obv wealthy vibes.
Octavian - would like it as a middle as I do like the “tavian” part of the name. But I just don’t love Octo starting names because of all the weird Octo- things. It’s just a little too stylised for me.
I think [name_m]Otto[/name_m] is perfect with [name_m]Edmund[/name_m] & [name_m]Ambrose[/name_m]! I like it much better with the set than [name_m]August[/name_m] or [name_m]Amias[/name_m].
I wouldn’t worry about the relative popularity. You were considering [name_m]August[/name_m] and that’s way more popular than [name_m]Otto[/name_m]. (Although, it sounds like you’re probably not in the States, so I should retract that statement. Maybe [name_m]Otto[/name_m] IS more popular where you live.)
I like [name_m]Otto[/name_m] best! I don’t think it’s too popular and the hidden significance is so sweet! [name_m]Octavian[/name_m] seems a little out-there especially with [name_m]Edmund[/name_m] and [name_m]Ambrose[/name_m]. Good luck!
[name_m]Octavian[/name_m] - bold and distinctive, like [name_m]Edmund[/name_m] and [name_m]Ambrose[/name_m]. I think with the familiarity of [name_f]Octavia[/name_f] and -ian names for boys, it doesn’t feel too out there. Nicknames [name_m]Ian[/name_m], [name_m]Otto[/name_m], [name_m]Van[/name_m], [name_m]Tay[/name_m] and [name_f]Vinnie[/name_f] could make grounded nicknames.
[name_m]Orlando[/name_m] - so beautiful and cool - love the flair and literary vibes.
[name_m]Otto[/name_m] - gentle, beautiful and lovely - and feels meaningful to you too - it’s my favourite of the three but if you’d rather do a hidden gem, the other two might be better in that sense (but less popular than August)
I think [name_m]Octavian[/name_m] ‘Otto’ could be one way to go?
I find the factors that usually drive the naming decision are how much you like the name, how meaningful it is, and how many issues it has.
Everyone weighs these factors differently but I would choose the name you and your husband collectively like best. Since you can add meaning with the middle name, you can honour family members in other ways, and if you like a name enough it doesn’t matter what the issues are.
If you and your husband had to rank these names, which name gets the best combined score? Or another way to look at it, if you would be happy with any of these options, which one would your husband choose? He didn’t like the last two contenders so that’s why I’m focusing on his choice in particular.
If it was my choice, I would choose Orlando for you as it seems to be a name you both enjoy for it’s sound. It also fits the style of his siblings the best and fulfils your desire for a hidden gem in a way that the other options don’t quite. I would find another meaningful name for the middle if it’s yet to be decided. If not your Dad in some way, perhaps your maiden name or another connection to your side of the family.
I’m happy that you found names that you both adore and names that hold special meanings for your family.
My vote goes to Octavian nn Otto! It combines two of your favorite choices and all the positive aspects of both names. Octavian is unique, strong, traditional, charismatic and distinctive. Otto has a friendly, calm and cool vibe. I love this idea for your little one!
I hope you find the right choice soon. Let us know what you decide. Good luck with everything
Naming is so challenging and I can imagine naming multiple boys must be challenging
Octavian ~ this name does feel bold however names are getting bolder so why can’t Octavian work? I think Octavian fits in with your boys and looks visually great too. Furthermore I think the nickname Tavi could work as a more down to earth option.
Orlando ~ This is gorgeous! I love the romance of Orlando he’s so handsome, intriguing and has this fairy tale quality. I like the idea of Ollie and Lando as nicknames. I also think Orlando looks gorgeous with your boys very striking sibling set.
Otto ~ this is my favourite from your list but not as a brother for your boys. Otto is spunky, handsome and boyish. I think the connection to 8 is cool due to the sentiment however he is increasing in popularity. The name has been used within the last 5 years within my family my step grandmother grandson is Ott0 S@ndy I think his name is adorable but this does make the name feel more mainstream.
My favourite for you is Orlando! Could you go Orlando Otto? Maybe too many O’s but I dig it
Out of the two, [name_m]Otto[/name_m]. Would your husband be okay with using one of names you like as a middle name? I think [name_m]Otto[/name_m] [name_m]Amias[/name_m] is really cute. It pairs well and has a great flow. I agree [name_m]Octavian[/name_m] is a bit heavy so if anything I would prefer as a middle name.
I agree with past comments that [name_m]Orlando[/name_m] doesn’t seem to have as much meaning to you as the other two options do. Personally I think I would do [name_m]Octavian[/name_m], because it’s for sure one of those hidden gems, and I think it flows nicely with siblings. [name_m]Otto[/name_m] for me is a little to popular for your little crew. I think it’s a lovely name in general though. Of course, at the end of the day, it’s up to you & husband. I hope this was helpful and you soon find a name for your precious little one!
I agree with previous post that [name_m]Octavian[/name_m] nn [name_m]Otto[/name_m] would work! This way you get two names you like and don’t have to worry about popularity.
I love all three names with your other boys’!
If you really love [name_m]Octavian[/name_m] but are worried about how mouthy it is being 4 syllables, you should possibly consider [name_m]Tavian[/name_m] ! It’s just a shorter version of [name_m]Octavian[/name_m] that might be better suited for your taste, just a suggestion
As I read your thoughts on [name_m]Octavian[/name_m], I thought “what about the nickname Otto?” and then [name_m]Otto[/name_m] was your third option! So how about [name_m]Octavian[/name_m] nn [name_m]Otto[/name_m]?
I’m going to start out by saying that I think that popularity should not be a consideration with any of these names you’ve proposed. None of them are very popular, at least not in the US. Of the three I like [name_m]Octavian[/name_m] best, though I see your concern about usability. I wonder what you feel about the nickname [name_f]Tavi[/name_f]?
My husband confessed that he doesn’t really like either of them. I’m gutted.
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