[name_m]Alistair[/name_m], as many of you would already know, is one of my favourite boy names. Some combos I have for him include [name_m]Alistair[/name_m] [name_u]Kit[/name_u], [name_m]Alistair[/name_m] [name_u]James[/name_u] and [name_m]Alistair[/name_m] [name_u]Saturn[/name_u]. I love them, and I love Alistair; but I don’t love that I have no personal meaning with it. All my names do, but seemingly, the two names that I am more likely to name my child don’t. I was contemplating if I should leave the idea of [name_m]Alistair[/name_m] and move on to another name or still have it as my top name.
This is where [name_m]Edwin[/name_m] comes in. A fairly recent addition to my list, but [name_m]Edwin[/name_m] has taken over my lists. The nicknames that could come out of him are endless. [name_m]Ed[/name_m], [name_u]Eddie[/name_u], [name_m]Ted[/name_m], [name_u]Teddy[/name_u] and [name_u]Win[/name_u] are endearing. There are hardly any boy names that captivate my eye such as this, and I suppose that may be a hint. [name_m]Edwin[/name_m] is also meaningful to me, in a secretive way. [name_m]Buzz[/name_m] Aldrin’s birth name was [name_m]Edwin[/name_m], and the man after whom the [name_m]Hubble[/name_m] telescope was named was also called [name_m]Edwin[/name_m]! I haven’t been able to find something that honours my love for the MCU, so [name_m]Edwin[/name_m] also being the name of the Starks’ butler sorta helps (JARVIS was named after him). He also finds mention in [name_u]Charles[/name_u] Dickens’ final (and unfinished novel), The [name_f]Mystery[/name_f] of [name_m]Edwin[/name_m] Drood.
He goes well along with my classic names, such as [name_f]Rose[/name_f], [name_f]Sylvia[/name_f], [name_u]Arthur[/name_u] or [name_m]Hugo[/name_m]. But I also have names like [name_f]Athena[/name_f] and [name_m]Arcturus[/name_m], which I don’t think will go as brilliantly. I have no plans to replace [name_f]Athena[/name_f] at the moment so their compatibility is something I will have to consider. I might be able to use [name_m]Arcturus[/name_m] as a middle. Other middle names for [name_m]Edwin[/name_m] I have are [name_m]Apollo[/name_m] and [name_u]Jasper[/name_u].
That was a long bit to read! Anyways, my question to you was whether I should let [name_m]Edwin[/name_m] take the top spot and replace [name_m]Alistair[/name_m]? I really need advice for that.
Thank you! 
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Both of these are wonderful names and I guess it comes down to this:
- [name_f]Do[/name_f] you genuinely love [name_m]Edwin[/name_m] enough to let [name_m]Alistair[/name_m] go from the top spot?
- Is having a personal connection/association with a name more important than just loving it?
The personal connection to [name_m]Edwin[/name_m] is sweet and interesting and it does sound like you have a real love and fondness for it. It’s also a great name - versatile and snappy, familiar but not so used as [name_u]Edward[/name_u] nor so heavy as [name_m]Edmond[/name_m]. While I do think [name_f]Athena[/name_f] and [name_m]Edwin[/name_m] or [name_m]Arcturus[/name_m] and [name_m]Edwin[/name_m] might feel a bit mismatched/unexpected, nn [name_u]Win[/name_u] and [name_f]Athena[/name_f] or [name_u]Teddy[/name_u] and [name_f]Thea[/name_f] and [name_u]Win[/name_u] and [name_m]Arcturus[/name_m], [name_u]Ari[/name_u] and [name_u]Win[/name_u] or [name_u]Artie[/name_u] and [name_m]Ted[/name_m] would mesh 
Is there a part of me that prefers [name_m]Alistair[/name_m]? Yes. [name_f]Do[/name_f] I think [name_m]Edwin[/name_m] is a wonderful choice? Also yes.
Not sure if that helps at all as it all comes to no conclusion, but I hope it can do a little be of good 
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I too struggle with the idea that some of my favourite names are really meaningful whilst others are just names that I love without any particular personal connection. I try to get around that by creating meaningful combos, or researching the name deeply to find a connection, but sometimes you just have to forgive yourself and allow yourself to love something just because.
Onto the names! I have to say I am biased towards [name_m]Alistair[/name_m], as I have [name_m]Alasdair[/name_m] on my own list, I do think it’s a great name. [name_u]Strong[/name_u] and handsome, without any overly harsh sounds. Then you have [name_m]Edwin[/name_m], which is fun and bouncy with nicknames and namesakes galore. I can see why you’re stuck!
R.e. compatibility with [name_f]Athena[/name_f], I actually think both could work well, [name_m]Alistair[/name_m] has the A beginning and the same lilting sounds, whilst [name_m]Edwin[/name_m] shares a sort of magical quality with [name_f]Athena[/name_f]. Whilst we’re on the topic of sibsets, I think [name_m]Edwin[/name_m] & [name_m]Alistair[/name_m] would be perfect brothers! Oh dear, I’m not really helping am I?
Could they share the top spot for a time, whilst you decide? Maybe have [name_m]Edwin[/name_m] as your top name just for today and see how it feels. You can always swap back tomorrow! Ultimately the decision has to come from you, as much as an objective “this is the best name” might be helpful, it’s just not true. Both are great. It seems like you need to unpack what is most important to you, cohesion with the rest of your names & some meaningful connections, or a name that just speaks to you. 
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I prefer [name_m]Edwin[/name_m] to [name_m]Alistair[/name_m], personally. I find it very charming and underrated.
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