[name_m]Hi[/name_m] all, we’re really stuck! We both want a family name and our top contenders seem to be [name_m]Cullen[/name_m] (maiden name) and [name_u]Alden[/name_u] (grandfather and brother’s name). I’m not sure I can get over the twilight connotation with [name_m]Cullen[/name_m], and our last name has “LL” in the middle, so I’m concerned about our options clashing with our last name. What do you all think?
I love the meaning of [name_u]Alden[/name_u]. I also love the idea of using your maiden name as a first. my only association for [name_m]Cullen[/name_m] is twilight, but at least if anyone asks you if you got it from that you have a great answer. Since both are family names, I would focus on flow and personal preference as far as speaking the name, nicknames if any, etc. is your last name 2 syllables or more? If more, the ll’s could be ok, but if only 2 it might sound too repetitive…
[name_m]Cullen[/name_m]! If anyone mentions Twilight, you’ll have a good response. 
I personally prefer [name_m]Cullen[/name_m], but you can’t go wrong with either. I think the meaning trumps the twilight association (and let’s be honest, Twilight has pretty much died out by now)
I love both but I think I prefer [name_m]Cullen[/name_m].
[name_m]Cullen[/name_m] is such a handsome name. I agree that since it has personal meaning, it will be easy to brush off any Twilight associations. I doubt your son or any children he will grow up with will be familiar with Twilight anyways. [name_u]Alden[/name_u] is a fine name too, but [name_m]Cullen[/name_m] is dashing.
[name_u]Alden[/name_u] for sure. [name_m]Cullen[/name_m] sounds like colon which just turns me away from it. Also the twilight thing…
[name_m]Cullen[/name_m] could, quite easily, be mispronounced as colon.
My favourite name is definitely [name_u]Alden[/name_u]. I’ve never been a fan of [name_m]Cullen[/name_m]…have no idea why. [name_m]Just[/name_m] don’t really like it for some reason.
I love [name_u]Alden[/name_u]! I haven’t seen that before, but I’m definitely adding it to my list - it’s beautiful I’m not such a fan of [name_m]Cullen[/name_m], though.