Boy Name Due 4/2 - Help! Very different taste from husband

Boy Names
1

We’re having trouble with boy names. My husband and I have very different tastes, with a few random exceptions. My style is perhaps best described as old man names, preferably with cute nicknames ([name_m]Gerald[/name_m]/[name_u]Jerry[/name_u], [name_m]Henry[/name_m]/[name_m]Hank[/name_m], [name_u]Francis[/name_u]/[name_u]Frankie[/name_u], [name_m]Carl[/name_m], [name_u]Dean[/name_u], [name_m]Russel[/name_m]/[name_m]Russ[/name_m], [name_m]Charles[/name_m]/[name_m]Chaz[/name_m]). I want to use [name_u]Francis[/name_u] [name_m]Xavier[/name_m], in honor of my grandfather, and also just because I really love the name. [name_u]Frankie[/name_u] is definitely my top contender!

However, my husband really dislikes [name_u]Francis[/name_u]/[name_u]Frankie[/name_u], although he does like [name_m]Xavier[/name_m]. His other favorites: [name_m]Octavius[/name_m], [name_m]Cassius[/name_m], [name_m]Casimir[/name_m], [name_m]Ax[/name_m]. I think these are terrible -ha!

There is one name we both love: [name_m]Thomas[/name_m]/[name_m]Tommy[/name_m]. Here’s the catch: we already have a 2-year-old son named [name_u]Jerry[/name_u] (Ger@ld J0seph).

So what do you think - can we use [name_m]Thomas[/name_m]? Normally, I’d agree with the majority of the people I’ve polled already, and say absolutely not. However, we’ve always loved it; we think it’s perfect, style-wise, with [name_u]Jerry[/name_u], and it seems silly to rule out a name based on something that might only be an issue for the relatively short period of our lives when the two kids are always together… but I can’t help but think that if I were an outsider, I would think this was a little bit funny.

I myself have raised an eyebrow at less-egregious sibling name pairs. Am I setting us up to be laughed at? I, ideally, want 4 kids, and I realize it’d be better to wait and use [name_m]Tommy[/name_m] for the third or fourth (if we should have another boy), when there would be another kid in-between to water down the association. I’d really appreciate a fresh perspective and your unbiased advice on this dilemma.

If you have any suggestions of other names we might like, we’re all ears! We both like [name_m]Henry[/name_m]/[name_m]Hank[/name_m], but I’m hesitant to use it, only because if my husband ever comes around to [name_u]Frankie[/name_u] for a future child, we definitely couldn’t use it if we already have a [name_m]Hank[/name_m].

Thanks in advance!

2

I love [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] / [name_m]Tommy[/name_m] and [name_m]Henry[/name_m] / [name_m]Hank[/name_m]!

While I can’t deny [name_u]Jerry[/name_u] and [name_m]Tommy[/name_m] isn’t funny, it’s not necessarily a bad funny, it’s a simple, innocent, amusing kind of funny. Also, do kids these days even know about [name_m]Tom[/name_m] & [name_u]Jerry[/name_u]? I’m certain even my youngest family member have zero clue, and by the time that little one is older, even less of a chance. The only ones left giggling are us and hey, imagine you’re having a bad day - calling for to those kids would certainly put a smile on your face? :smiley:

Okay, okay, should that be saved for a later child, I think [name_m]Henry[/name_m] / [name_m]Hank[/name_m] is a great option. I think I’m missing something, because I’m not seeing the connection between [name_m]Henry[/name_m] / [name_m]Hank[/name_m] and [name_u]Frankie[/name_u]? If it’s just about the rhyming [name_m]Hank[/name_m] and [name_m]Frank[/name_m], I think they’re different enough and it’s very much ok.
But if your hubby isn’t on board with calling the little one [name_u]Frankie[/name_u], why not have it as a middle name? [name_m]Xavier[/name_m] [name_u]Francis[/name_u], [name_m]Xavier[/name_m] [name_u]Frankie[/name_u], [name_m]Henry[/name_m] [name_u]Francis[/name_u]… would be terrific options as well.

3

Are [name_m]Tom[/name_m] and [name_u]Jerry[/name_u] relevant anymore?? I understand where you would be hesitant, maybe sit on it till the next kid

[name_m]Thomas[/name_m] [name_m]Xavier[/name_m]??
Or

Perhaps [name_m]Franklin[/name_m] [name_m]Xavier[/name_m] “[name_u]Frankie[/name_u]”

Other ideas

[name_m]Terrance[/name_m] “[name_u]Terry[/name_u]”
[name_m]Roland[/name_m]
[name_u]Lionel[/name_u]/[name_u]Leland[/name_u]/[name_m]Leon[/name_m]"[name_m]Leo[/name_m]"
[name_m]Arthur[/name_m]
[name_u]Lawrence[/name_u]
[name_m]Linus[/name_m]
[name_m]Martin[/name_m]
[name_m]Mitchell[/name_m]
[name_m]Marshall[/name_m]
[name_u]Stanley[/name_u]
[name_m]Preston[/name_m]
[name_m]Desmond[/name_m]
[name_m]Orson[/name_m] “[name_m]Oz[/name_m]” “[name_m]Ozzy[/name_m]” “[name_u]Sonny[/name_u]”
[name_m]Warren[/name_m]
[name_m]Clive[/name_m]
[name_m]Harvey[/name_m]
[name_u]Curtis[/name_u] “[name_m]Curt[/name_m]”
[name_m]Calvin[/name_m] “[name_u]Cal[/name_u]”
[name_m]Crispin[/name_m] “[name_m]Kip[/name_m]”
[name_m]Edgar[/name_m] “[name_m]Ed[/name_m]” “[name_m]Eddie[/name_m]”
[name_m]Brandt[/name_m] “[name_u]Bran[/name_u]”
[name_u]Sidney[/name_u] “[name_m]Sid[/name_m]”
[name_m]Luther[/name_m] “[name_u]Lou[/name_u]”
[name_m]Clifford[/name_m] “[name_m]Ford[/name_m]” “[name_m]Cliff[/name_m]”
[name_m]Otis[/name_m] “[name_m]Odie[/name_m]”
[name_u]Wendell[/name_u] “[name_u]Dell[/name_u]”
[name_m]Alasdair[/name_m] “[name_m]Alec[/name_m]”
[name_m]Benson[/name_m] “[name_m]Ben[/name_m]”
[name_u]Corben[/name_u] “[name_u]Corey[/name_u]” “[name_m]Ben[/name_m]”
[name_m]Malcom[/name_m] “[name_m]Mack[/name_m]”
[name_u]Quincy[/name_u] “[name_u]Quinn[/name_u]”
[name_u]Percy[/name_u]
[name_m]Rupert[/name_m]
[name_u]Sterling[/name_u]
[name_m]Sylvester[/name_m] “[name_m]Sly[/name_m]”
[name_m]Conrad[/name_m]
[name_m]Reuben[/name_m]
[name_m]Amos[/name_m]
[name_m]Emil[/name_m]
[name_m]Cecil[/name_m]
[name_u]Emmett[/name_u]
[name_m]Otto[/name_m]
[name_m]Reginald[/name_m] “[name_u]Reggie[/name_u]”
[name_u]August[/name_u] “[name_u]Gus[/name_u]”
[name_m]Harland[/name_m] “[name_m]Hank[/name_m]” “[name_u]Harley[/name_u]”
[name_u]Sheldon[/name_u]
[name_m]Edwin[/name_m]
[name_m]Winston[/name_m]
[name_m]Truman[/name_m]
[name_m]Hoyt[/name_m]

4

Well I’m 24 and most of my peers never even knew [name_m]Tom[/name_m] and [name_u]Jerry[/name_u]. I don’t think it aired on Cartoon Network much past 2000 really. However, upon googling it says they are making a movie, so there may be a resurgence soon. (Yeah what isn’t being remade these days…) Still though, I can’t honestly see it being that big again and too much of a problem for their generation if [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] is the only name you can agree on. Especially if you plan on calling him [name_m]Tommy[/name_m].

5

Honestly, if it’s the only name you can agree on, go for it! Yes, people might think of [name_m]Tom[/name_m] and [name_u]Jerry[/name_u] when they meet your boys, they’ll chuckle, they’ll get over it. They’ll get to know your boys and that association will fade. If you have a 3rd baby someday it’ll be even less of an issue.
If you agree on [name_m]Henry[/name_m] and [name_m]Hank[/name_m] I think that’s an excellent option too. You may never have a 3rd boy, if you do your hubby may still dislike [name_u]Frankie[/name_u]… And if you do have a 3rd and he does have a change of heart I really don’t think [name_u]Jerry[/name_u], [name_m]Hank[/name_m] and [name_u]Frankie[/name_u] is that bad.
Other ideas:
[name_m]Thompson[/name_m] nn [name_u]Sonny[/name_u] instead of [name_m]Tommy[/name_m]
[name_m]Malcolm[/name_m] nn [name_m]Mac[/name_m]
[name_m]Alexander[/name_m] nn [name_m]Xander[/name_m]
[name_m]Simon[/name_m] or [name_m]Silas[/name_m] nn [name_u]Si[/name_u]
[name_m]Frederick[/name_m] nn [name_u]Freddy[/name_u]
[name_m]Leopold[/name_m] nn [name_m]Leo[/name_m]
[name_m]Theodore[/name_m] nn [name_u]Theo[/name_u]

6

I wouldn’t worry about the association. I am of the cartoon’s era and it took me a few minutes to figure out your concern. My mind didn’t go there and I watched the cartoon for years. [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] is a good name and I don’t think you should let a slightly humorous coincidence put you off it.

7

Truth be told more adults than children would even think of the reference at this point (and I don’t think even too many adults would). Most younger kids I meet don’t even know of the cartoon, and if you plan on calling him Tommy than there really is no reference happening. Thomas Xavier is handsome, Tommy is a darling nickname, and Thomas and Gerald/Tommy and Jerry is honestly a lovely sibset.

8

Under those circumstances I think it’s fine to use [name_m]Thomas[/name_m]. It’s getting less and less relevant and it’s not a bad association if someone does make it. Personally I’d make a point of saying [name_u]Jerry[/name_u] and [name_m]Tom[/name_m] as [name_u]Jerry[/name_u] is older and I think it would stop some people making the association so quickly.

9

I’m going to be the unpopular dissenter here and say that I don’t think you can use [name_m]Thomas[/name_m]/[name_m]Tommy[/name_m] with big brother [name_u]Jerry[/name_u] — at least not this time. With a child or two between them, fine, but [name_m]Tom[/name_m] and [name_u]Jerry[/name_u] is such a strong association still (I’m British, and a 90’s baby, and not really a cartoon fan at all, but it’s still my immediate association).

As for [name_m]Henry[/name_m]/[name_m]Hank[/name_m], I think it’s a great fit but it would put [name_m]Frank[/name_m] and [name_u]Frankie[/name_u] out of the running for future sons. Have you considered [name_m]Henry[/name_m] called [name_m]Hal[/name_m] instead? It’s my favourite [name_m]Henry[/name_m] nickname and seems to fit your style perfectly.

A few that spring to mind for you…

[name_m]Gilbert[/name_m] “[name_m]Gil[/name_m]”, “[name_u]Bertie[/name_u]”
[name_m]Edward[/name_m], [name_m]Edmund[/name_m], [name_m]Edwin[/name_m] “[name_m]Ned[/name_m]”, “Ted”
[name_m]Rupert[/name_m] “[name_u]Rue[/name_u]”
[name_m]Conrad[/name_m] “[name_m]Rad[/name_m]”
[name_m]Chester[/name_m] “[name_m]Chet[/name_m]”
[name_m]Jethro[/name_m] “[name_u]Jet[/name_u]”
[name_u]Roscoe[/name_u] “[name_m]Ross[/name_m]”
[name_m]Patrick[/name_m] “[name_u]Paddy[/name_u]”, “Patch”
[name_m]Vincent[/name_m], [name_m]Irving[/name_m] “[name_u]Vinny[/name_u]”
[name_m]Isaac[/name_m] “[name_m]Ike[/name_m]”
[name_m]Elwood[/name_m], [name_m]Woodrow[/name_m] “[name_m]Woody[/name_m]”
[name_m]Raymond[/name_m], [name_m]Rainier[/name_m] “[name_u]Ray[/name_u]”

10

I think you should choose [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] because it is the name you both love. [name_m]Even[/name_m] if the [name_m]Tom[/name_m] and [name_u]Jerry[/name_u] association is brought up, smile and move on, as it may lean toward humorous but in no way is it a terrible association. I met two sisters named [name_f]May[/name_f] and [name_u]June[/name_u] and at the time I was intrigued but not in a bad way.

11

I think if you and your husband don’t mind the very occasional teasing/jokes from other adults - far more likely than from your kids’ friends unless they hear it from adults - then [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] is OK! I’d personally not be able to but that’s because I watched it growing up.

I really like [name_m]Xavier[/name_m] as a first and I think it’s a good blend of both your tastes, though it’s quite different to [name_u]Jerry[/name_u]. Maybe [name_m]Charles[/name_m] and you could use [name_u]Arlo[/name_u] or [name_m]Archie[/name_m] as a nickname.

I like the suggestion of [name_m]Hal[/name_m] for [name_m]Henry[/name_m], [name_u]Roscoe[/name_u] or [name_m]Conrad[/name_m] and I wonder if [name_m]Oscar[/name_m], [name_m]Xander[/name_m], [name_m]Felix[/name_m], [name_m]Albert[/name_m] or [name_m]Walter[/name_m] would work?

12

You could use it, as long as you don’t get bored of people mentioning it!

A name that sprang to mind that you and husband both might like would be [name_m]Benedict[/name_m], as it seems kindve regal yet modern that your husband likes but also traditional for you and has nicknames [name_m]Ben[/name_m] / [name_m]Benny[/name_m] / [name_m]Ned[/name_m]

X

13

I am going to agree with everyone else. I think you’re over thinking this (hey we all do because we want that perfect). If you use [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] people will make comments- but you know that going into it. If it’s going to bother you, pick something else. If it doesn’t bother you, use it.

[name_m]Henry[/name_m]/[name_m]Hank[/name_m]… I think this is also great option. I also love [name_m]Hal[/name_m]. [name_m]Hank[/name_m] would put [name_m]Frank[/name_m] put of the running me, but not using it gambling that your husband may like [name_m]Frank[/name_m] later is a huge gamble. It does happen from time to time, but not usually. As much as I like [name_m]Hal[/name_m] I would probably go with [name_m]Henry[/name_m] “[name_m]Hank[/name_m]” [name_u]Francis[/name_u] because you both get a first name you like with the preferred nn, and you still get to honor grandpa [name_u]Francis[/name_u].

14

I agree with previous posters. I do think it’s an association people will make from time to time and you’ll probably get some comments but I don’t think it’s a bad association more just slightly amusing might make people smile kinda thing. And if someone introduced me to their children ‘[name_u]Jerry[/name_u] & [name_m]Tommy[/name_m]’ I don’t think [name_m]Tom[/name_m] & [name_u]Jerry[/name_u] would immediately spring to mind (vs. introducing them as [name_m]Tom[/name_m] & [name_u]Jerry[/name_u]…)

15

You’re raising a lot of very good points associated with your concerns.
It actually took me a minute to get the T0m & [name_u]Jerry[/name_u] thing…
[name_m]Thomas[/name_m] [name_m]Tom[/name_m] is great
[name_u]Francis[/name_u] [name_u]Frankie[/name_u] is great
[name_m]Henry[/name_m] [name_m]Hank[/name_m] is great too
I get what you’re saying it’s [name_m]Frank[/name_m] or [name_m]Hank[/name_m] and the interest in separating T0m & [name_u]Jerry[/name_u] seems reasonable
Personally I would also point out [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] & [name_u]Francis[/name_u] are both similar two syllable names ending in s… So maybe just one of them… So choosing between [name_m]Henry[/name_m] [name_u]Francis[/name_u] and [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] … I would go with either [name_m]Henry[/name_m] & [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] or [name_u]Francis[/name_u] & [name_m]Russel[/name_m] for example … Assuming you have 2 more… From a favourites perspective I like [name_u]Francis[/name_u] also.
[name_m]Xavier[/name_m] is a good compromise for middles as you dislike your husband’s other names… Based on your post I too would pick [name_u]Francis[/name_u] [name_m]Xavier[/name_m]… But if he hates [name_u]Francis[/name_u] and and likes [name_m]Henry[/name_m] … You could use [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] for another one down the line … I’m coming to the same conclusions as you did…
Can you compromise and have a [name_m]Hank[/name_m] instead of [name_m]Frank[/name_m]… [name_m]Will[/name_m] you feel unhappy or is it close enough that it will soon grow on you and you’ll find the -ank works as a namesake for frank?
In my own personal experience I know names my husband has suggested that I once thought weren’t right for us ended up making it to the top of the list because they did grow on me and for various reasons.
[name_m]Henry[/name_m] [name_m]Xavier[/name_m] is interesting because [name_m]Henry[/name_m] means ruler of the estate & [name_m]Xavier[/name_m] means new house (also means bright) which I think is a nice meaning together… [name_u]Francis[/name_u] means Frenchman or free man which I like [name_u]Free[/name_u] & [name_u]Bright[/name_u] is nice too. The names do feel very different from that perspective… I think I would say [name_m]Henry[/name_m] X ’ [name_m]Hank[/name_m]’ to make everyone happy and then [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] for a third back up boys name. I like to always have 2 chosen for each gender initially because that’s basically what you could need… BUT all that said I could suggest some alternative? maybe ? But it seems like you do have things you really like you just need to really think it over.

16

I’ve been through this with my husband as well since we both love [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] and [name_m]Jeremiah[/name_m]. I think it’s a somewhat silly pairing, but he loves the [name_m]Tom[/name_m] & [name_u]Jerry[/name_u] reference. I do think since it’s backwards for you it’s a little less obvious especially if you call him [name_m]Tommy[/name_m]. There’s no guarantee they’ll want to be called [name_m]Tom[/name_m] and [name_u]Jerry[/name_u] when they’re older and [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] & [name_m]Gerald[/name_m] sound perfectly handsome together. In your case I’d say go for it!

17

I agree with pp that [name_u]Jerry[/name_u] and [name_m]Tommy[/name_m] is a very different thing than children named [name_m]Tom[/name_m] and [name_u]Jerry[/name_u]. Birth order and nickname matter here.

If you decide against [name_m]Tommy[/name_m], I’d go with [name_m]Hank[/name_m].Your husband will likely not change his mind about [name_u]Frankie[/name_u], and [name_m]Hank[/name_m] is a great name.

18

Wow your husband’s names are very out there haha

I would also say that my taste in boy names is quite old0man inspired so maybe you would like some names in my signature :slight_smile:

Honestly, It took me a second to understand the connection but maybe that’s because I’m young? As in its not a popular cartoon anymore. So as time goes on less people will think of it and make that connection.

I would go with [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] :slight_smile:

Goodluck with [name_u]Francis[/name_u] though! I love [name_u]Frankie[/name_u]!