See the results of this poll: Ethan ?
Respondents: 52 (This poll is closed)
- Ethan Ellis : 7 (13%)
- Ethan Herbert : 17 (33%)
- Ethan Gray: 28 (54%)
As far as cool goes, I think [name_m]Ethan[/name_m] [name_u]Gray[/name_u] sound the best. I like [name_u]Ellis[/name_u] because it is different (the initials wouldn’t bother me). I love the thought of someone finally using Grandpa’s name but [name_m]Herbert[/name_m] is just not one I love. Is that what he goes by? Does he like his name? Has he always wanted someone to use it? If so, I would probably be persuaded to use it.
I absolutely adore [name_m]Ethan[/name_m] [name_u]Gray[/name_u]. That would be my first choice. I also adore [name_m]Ethan[/name_m] [name_u]Ellis[/name_u]. The initials would not bother me.
Forgot to mention that I have not yet asked my father his thoughts on [name_u]Gray[/name_u].
[name_m]Ethan[/name_m] [name_u]Gray[/name_u] definitely sounds and flows the best to me, but I would talk to your father and grandfather to get their ideas and opinions on honoring them.
Personally [name_m]Ethan[/name_m] [name_m]Herbert[/name_m] is the winner for me, so clunky uncool it sounds SO cool and lovely that it directly honours your Grandfather.
“…he would be the first namesake for my grandpa after 17 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren” - got me right in the feels. [name_m]Ethan[/name_m] [name_m]Herbert[/name_m] gets my vote! [name_m]Ethan[/name_m] [name_u]Gray[/name_u] and [name_m]Ethan[/name_m] [name_u]Ellis[/name_u] are both great too, tho EEL would bother me… Good luck!
I also adore [name_m]Ethan[/name_m] [name_u]Gray[/name_u], but would love for grandpa [name_m]Herbert[/name_m] to be honored, finally!! The initials of EEL aren’t horrible, but less than ideal. I also prefer the sound/flow of [name_m]Ethan[/name_m] [name_u]Gray[/name_u] or [name_m]Herbert[/name_m] over [name_u]Ellis[/name_u].
My vote goes to [name_m]Ethan[/name_m] [name_m]Herbert[/name_m]! I love a good honor name. Although it does look a little “off.” Not sure if you’re open to suggestions, but I also love [name_m]Egan[/name_m] [name_m]Herbert[/name_m].
I think [name_m]Ethan[/name_m] [name_m]Herbert[/name_m] would be such a sweet gesture after so many grand- and great-grandchildren! I wouldn’t be surprised if [name_m]Herbert[/name_m] turned out to be an ahead-of-the-curve clunky-retro-cool choice 
[name_m]Ethan[/name_m] [name_u]Ellis[/name_u]!
I’m gonna go with [name_m]Ethan[/name_m] [name_m]Herbert[/name_m]. 
I really like the sound of [name_m]Ethan[/name_m] [name_u]Ellis[/name_u]. If the initials EEL is your only dislike, I wouldn’t let that ruin the name. It isn’t very often that you ever write out your full initials and who knows, maybe he’ll like it anyways! My [name_m]SIL[/name_m] was [name_m]ALF[/name_m] and she loved it so much growing up even though I find it a bit funny. [name_f]Hope[/name_f] this helps
[name_m]Ethan[/name_m] [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] was the winner! Thank you all for your thoughtful input