What is everyone’s honest opinion about [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m] as a first name?
Is it too imposing (as Nameberry states) for a boy to carry?
[name_f]Do[/name_f] you consider it to be too pretentious sounding?
[name_f]Do[/name_f] you think it qualifies as having all the qualities I’m looking for in a name; rich history, vintage, distinguished, air of ‘nobility’ & grandeur and not used too often?
I read the comments section for [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m] on NB and was surprised at the harshness of the comments, to be honest, so I’m after some fresh opinions, please ”
P.S. The potential nickname [name_m]Ham[/name_m] doesn’t put me off at all, by the way!
I adore [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m], it’s a family name of ours and I’ve had it on our list for all three of our boys but my hubs doesn’t like the longer names.
[name_m]Hampton[/name_m] is another family name of ours I adore that feels a lot like [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m] to me but gets the [name_m]Hamp[/name_m] nickname instead of [name_m]Ham[/name_m].
My vote is yes for [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m]! I think it’s adorable on little boys and great on grown adults too!
Thank you @lcmommy for your positive and very lovely comments. It’s SO refreshing to hear something nice said about [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m]! As I said, the comments section on NB wasn’t very encouraging, to say the least.
I wish I could say that my back story for liking [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m] was as meaningful as yours, but honestly, it’s just that I plain like the name. Lol
I do understand your husband’s preference for shorter names, especially for boys. Our middle boy is E D M U N D, which hasn’t been shortened just yet (which I prefer) but I do think this will definitely change once he is older. And although I’m not really a fan of nicknames, I do feel that [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m] will be shortened inevitably. At least your husband’s preference for shorter names can help to avoid an unwanted nickname!
[name_m]Hampton[/name_m] is terrific! Really distinctive and sounds fresh and classy all at once.
I noticed in your signature that you’re expecting a beautiful little boy. Congratulations!! I love the name [name_m]Wells[/name_m] as well as the longer form, [name_m]Wellington[/name_m]
Personally, [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m] doesn’t appeal to me. I generally don’t like names with that vibe - it’s definitely noble and strong, but it’s just a little too strong for me. However, if I met a little boy called [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m] I wouldn’t expect him/his parents to be pretentious! I just wouldn’t personally go for it.
However, I think [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m] is wearable, definitely! I can totally picture a little [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m], as well as an adult [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m]. I think it’s a name that is fairly versatile for the work force. I also think it has the qualities you’re looking for - rich history, vintage with a noble feel. I’d say it’s pretty unusual. I think it’s a fantastic choice for you!
I think with more people picking bolder last names, such as [name_u]Remington[/name_u], [name_m]Montgomery[/name_m], etc, [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m] fits in. I like it and its definitely usable.
I do think about [name_m]Alexander[/name_m] [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m] and the musical [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m] immediately though. Not a bad thing, but there are associations. However so many presidents/political figures last names are common first names now, [name_u]Kennedy[/name_u], [name_u]Reagan[/name_u], [name_m]Hayes[/name_m], etc, it fits in, but still feels fresh and different.
Sorry, but I think it would be a mistake. The problem lies in the inevitable “[name_m]Ham[/name_m].” You would essentially be naming your child [name_m]Ham[/name_m]. While it may not bother you, I don’t think there are many boys and men out there that would like the name [name_m]Ham[/name_m].
It’s possible my perspective is off on that. But I picture it fitting for an overweight person, and maybe this is shown that I’m alone with the Sandlot movie where there was an overweight kid with the nickname [name_m]Ham[/name_m]. Or maybe the movie is making me biased against [name_m]Ham[/name_m], which is possible.
Another aspect would be how women will see the name [name_m]Ham[/name_m]. I’d imagine most would not find it sexy and could be a turn off, which would be doing your son a disservice.
I knew someone with the name and it “worked.” He had a one syllable surname beginning with an H and the alliteration was appealing. That being said, I don’t think I would use it, especially if it weren’t a family name.
Here are some other surnames that have more appealing nicknames…
[name_m]Hamilton[/name_m] is an old family name for me, so my perspective is “tainted” by that. I think it’s dashing but can see why some people would find it pretentious. In my family it’s shortened to [name_m]Hamil[/name_m].
I’m so pleased to read that fellow name lovers associate [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m] with the qualities I’ve been looking for!
Here in Australia, [name_m]Hamish[/name_m] is in the top 100 at the moment so I think this is why the potential nickname, [name_m]Ham[/name_m] doesn’t bother me. I’m sure there would be lots of other little boys of his generation going by ‘[name_m]Ham[/name_m]’.
Please keep your thoughts coming. I think I need a little bit more encouragement! I’m not sure I’m at the point of feeling brave enough to use [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m] … ??
I love the name [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m] and it definitely meets what you’re looking for. The only thing I didn’t like about it was the nickname [name_m]Ham[/name_m], but you said you are fine with that. I think most people today would associate the name with American history and the musical. Like I said, I love it and I don’t find it pretentious at all. Very cute.
Hamilton, to me, is either the musical or [name_m]Lewis[/name_m] [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m] and I can’t shake either association. That said, I think it’s usable - it follows the surnames as first names trend and sounds a bit upper class but I wouldn’t say it was too imposing at all.
I don’t think it’s very usable right now. Since the musical [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m] is such a big deal at the moment, people would assume you named him after that. It does sound a bit pretentious as do most surnames as first names, but to me [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m] is just a little more than usual just because of the historical connection. To me it’d be like naming your kid [name_m]Washington[/name_m]. It might be better suited as a middle name. However, I always say, if you like the name, then use it. No one should stop you. Especially if it fits all of your criteria. And [name_m]Ham[/name_m] is such an adorable nickname!
Hamilton is a family surname and I think it’s a really cool choice. The nn Hammy or [name_m]Ham[/name_m] gives it a real cheeky chappy feel. I’m sure this name will suit a boy from childhood through to adulthood.
I love [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m] for a boy, in my family it was actually my g grandmothers middle name and her mother’s maiden name. I think it sounds distinguished without being imposing. I’m from Australia and know 2 [name_m]Hamilton[/name_m]’s, (both in their teens and both still go by their full name).
