We are expecting boy #2 in the Fall and can’t decide on names. I’d love some feedback or suggestions of other name options. Thanks!
We like names not in the top 100, unique but not strange (although I guess strange is in the eye of the beholder). Here are the choices and concerns with choices so far…
[name_u]Elias[/name_u]: I love the full name, and [name_m]Eli[/name_m] is a name from my distant family tree. Although I like [name_m]Eli[/name_m], it is so common. Also I can’t even decide if I would prefer to say it “ee-LYE-us, eh-LYE-us, or EH-lee-us” so I worry everyone else would be unsure as well. This is the name I keep leaning towards but I seem to have the most concerns about.
[name_m]Bodhi[/name_m]: has the most meaning for us, we’ve both found meditation so beneficial, I think the nickname [name_u]Bo[/name_u] is cute, but the name sounds a little boring until you see the spelling and know the meaning.
[name_u]Ellis[/name_u]: a good compromise on the pronunciation issues with [name_u]Elias[/name_u], but in my opinion not as interesting a name as [name_u]Elias[/name_u] and nick name [name_f]El[/name_f] is meh, again [name_m]Eli[/name_m] is ok but common
[name_u]Elliot[/name_u]: clearly not unique but cute, I may be being swayed by an adorable picture of a baby I saw named [name_u]Elliot[/name_u].
[name_u]Luca[/name_u]: I just like it, I don’t think my husband will ever really be on board with it partially because of too many [name_m]Lukes[/name_m] and [name_m]Lucas[/name_m]'s
[name_u]Elias[/name_u] - I know an [name_u]Elias[/name_u] who is “eh-LYE-us” so that is my instinct here. I think it is a great name and doubly wonderful for you with the family connection. The pronunciation isn’t so complicated that I would let it hold you back. I would choose whichever you prefer. For most of life we introduce ourselves speaking, not writing so most people will go with what you say. Teachers, interviewers, bosses etc (who are first introduced to your son on paper) can easily be corrected upon meeting in person. Each pronunciation is familiar enough that I bet most people would only need to be corrected once. If this is the name you really love I would go for it!
[name_m]Bodhi[/name_m] - I do not think this name is boring at all ,even without seeing the spelling or getting the back story. I love [name_u]Bo[/name_u] as a nickname and I love the personal meaning this name has for you.
[name_u]Ellis[/name_u] and [name_u]Elliot[/name_u] seem to be mostly there to replace [name_u]Elias[/name_u] so I am not convinced they are truly a great fit for your family.
I think [name_u]Luca[/name_u] is a very cute name too! But if your husband isn’t on board and you have other options it probably isn’t the right name either.
I really think [name_u]Elias[/name_u] and [name_m]Bodhi[/name_m] are both great options for you with meaning. You could even pair them together if the middle name isn’t reserved for something else. I love [name_m]Bodhi[/name_m] [name_u]Elias[/name_u] OR [name_u]Elias[/name_u] [name_m]Bodhi[/name_m].
I agree with @katymwolff that [name_u]Ellis[/name_u] and [name_u]Elliot[/name_u] seem like “simpler” replacements for your favourite [name_u]Elias[/name_u], and I think it would be a bit of a shame to compromise like that. I think you should either go with [name_u]Elias[/name_u] or use a different name entirely.
FWIW I love [name_u]Elias[/name_u] (I pronounce it “eh-LYE-us”, which is my favourite pronunciation), and I don’t think the pronunciation will be too big a deal as long as you pick one and stick to it. [name_m]Bodhi[/name_m] is my other favourite for you as it’s quirky, meaningful and has a nickname you like. It sounds like you’re both “meh” about [name_u]Luca[/name_u] so I think that one’s out too.
[name_u]Love[/name_u] the suggestion of [name_m]Bodhi[/name_m] [name_u]Elias[/name_u] for you, if you don’t have a middle already lined up!
[name_u]Elliot[/name_u] and [name_u]Luca[/name_u] are my favourites from your list. But I do like [name_m]Bodhi[/name_m] now that you’ve suggested [name_u]Bo[/name_u] as a nickname (perhaps because I’m only slightly obsessed with [name_u]Bo[/name_u] Burnham haha).
My favorites are [name_u]Elias[/name_u] and [name_u]Ellis[/name_u], and I love the meaning/vibe of [name_m]Bodhi[/name_m] too. [name_u]Elliot[/name_u] is handsome as well. All depends on brother name and surname.
Most ppl I know of say eh-LYE-us… In the states anyway, non-Latino.