We’re at 37.5 weeks and still having the worst time finalizing a middle name. We (especially hubs) are pretty set on [name_u]Everett[/name_u] as a first name. (We both adore it, my only hangup is that it’s getting pretty popular, but there’s nothing that comes even close to being another option we like as much. There are two nickname options that we love: both “[name_u]Ever[/name_u]” and “Rett”)
But for a MN? This feels impossible! I previously posted asking for opinions on using two MN’s because we loved the combined meaning and couldn’t decide between them anyway… but I think we’re going to go with just one.
So here are the narrowed-down contenders:
[name_u]Everett[/name_u] [name_m]Milo[/name_m] (love it, but the origin of [name_m]Milo[/name_m] is uncertain. Sources say “merciful/peaceful” or “soldier”… love the first, dislike the 2nd)
[name_u]Everett[/name_u] [name_m]Axel[/name_m] (love the sound of it, and the meaning of [name_m]Axel[/name_m] is “God is gracious” which we like, but the initials spell EAR and we’re not sure if we want to do that or not.)
[name_u]Everett[/name_u] [name_m]Gilbert[/name_m] (doesn’t flow as well when you say it out loud, maybe clunky because of the two “t” endings, but I [name_u]LOVE[/name_u] the name [name_m]Gilbert[/name_m], and wanted it for a first name but hubby is set on [name_u]Everett[/name_u]. Lived in [name_m]PEI[/name_m] as a child, am redheaded, and [name_f]Anne[/name_f] of [name_u]Green[/name_u] Gables has a very special place in my heart. Our last name rhymes with “Peachy”)
For me, [name_m]Gilbert[/name_m] is much more meaningful than the other two, but hubby prefers one of the other two (he’s leaning toward [name_m]Milo[/name_m] to avoid the EAR initials.)
I love both [name_u]Everett[/name_u] [name_m]Milo[/name_m] and [name_u]Everett[/name_u] [name_m]Gilbert[/name_m]. [name_m]Milo[/name_m] flows much better, but I prefer [name_m]Gilbert[/name_m].I might save [name_m]Gilbert[/name_m] for a future son.
I think you should just go for [name_u]Everett[/name_u] [name_m]Gilbert[/name_m]. No it doesn’t have a perfect flow, but meaningfulness comes far above flow in my opinion. And it sounds like thats the one you love. If you can get you SO on board far enough, I think thats the one.
One thing that I think help with the flow is the 3-2 syllable count. If both names were the same length it wouldn’t sound as good as it good. I think it sound fine!
I agree that it sounds like [name_m]Gilbert[/name_m] is the one you really love, so if you can get your SO to feel the same you should go with that. The flow isn’t perfect but it’s not bad, especially with your surname, and in his day to day life the flow of his first and middle name isn’t going to matter that much. Having said that, either of your other choices would also be lovely, and I don’t think you need to worry too much about the initials EAR. The only time I see initials spelling a word as a real problem is if it is something negative/offensive.
According to my cousin Milo (but he’s a historian and not a linguist… So Idk ;)) Milo derives from Milu which means gracious. But miles = soldier, and miles has been commonly associated with Milo…
It also means apple in the Italian dialect of my grandmother, which is from the rural parts around Napoli / mostly Napoletano. (To me personally this meaning is obviously the most important one.)
Anyhow. Yes, I myself would prioritize meaning over flow (as long as the flow wasn’t absolutely awful). Everett Gilbert sounds nice enough… And Gilbert is a great name. If you can get your husband to agree you should go with that (imo).
[name_u]Everett[/name_u] [name_m]Milo[/name_m] flows best, but with [name_m]Gilbert[/name_m] having such a special meaning to you, I suggest you go with that. I think that [name_u]Everett[/name_u] [name_m]Gilbert[/name_m] doesn’t flow badly. [name_m]How[/name_m] about [name_u]Everett[/name_u] [name_m]Milo[/name_m] [name_m]Gilbert[/name_m].
[name_u]Everett[/name_u] is a good solid name and my first thought for you was that both of you may like [name_u]Everett[/name_u] [name_m]Gable[/name_m]. I wouldn’t be concerned with EAR as initials as they aren’t offensive and therefore a non-issue [name_f]IMO[/name_f].
Our daughter ended up with initials EAT. The only person to mention it was the 70 year old crazy aunt, and a pediatrician partner in our doctor’s group, who is pretty much known for making stupid jokes/comments anyway. I suspect other may have observed it, but they didn’t mention it. Occasionally, I have thought of putting her initials on things but immediately nix the idea and go with first-middle. It’s not a big deal; we liked the full name enough to go with it anyway.
My advice would be to think about which name – if you [name_m]DON[/name_m]'T use it – you’ll feel like it “got away” on you. If there’s one that you’ll just be sad that it “got away,” then I’d put in a strong argument for that one.
[name_m]Milo[/name_m] or [name_m]Gilbert[/name_m]. If you can get your husband on board with [name_m]Gilbert[/name_m], great. If not go with [name_m]Milo[/name_m], which you both love. I would avoid EAR.
My sister named her dog [name_m]Gilbert[/name_m]! She loves it for the same reasons as you.
To me, [name_u]Everett[/name_u] [name_m]Milo[/name_m] flows the best!
Whether flow or meaningfulness is your priority, is really up to you. I try to do both together - I really don’t like clunky names, so I am probably more likely to go with a name that’s slightly less meaningful if it makes the whole name sound better.