Personally I prefer [name_m]Theodore[/name_m] but I think [name_u]Owen[/name_u] sounds like the right choice for you. One of those rare, timeless “what you see is what you get” names.
So my personal favourite is [name_m]Theodore[/name_m]
However as you get anxiety over [name_m]Theodore[/name_m] I think [name_u]Owen[/name_u] is the right option for you. [name_u]Owen[/name_u] is gorgeous.
I have no experiences with longer names with nicknames? What are others experiences? [name_f]Do[/name_f] they age ok? [name_u]Will[/name_u] he get asked a lot what he wants to be called? I love how beautiful [name_m]Theodore[/name_m] is but feels like his name will be other versions of that actually
We already have an [name_u]Evan[/name_u] and are truly torn with loving [name_u]Owen[/name_u] but is too close but there is a large age gap so they won’t constantly be on top of each other. He will be closer to his sister [name_f]Daphne[/name_f] B€€. So part of me thinks [name_u]Teddy[/name_u] [name_u]Bear[/name_u] with her name is a cute combo.
So I have experience with names that are longer with a range of nicknames my own name is [name_f]Victoria[/name_f]!
Personally I find the nicknames are fine and just suit you as an individual with whatever stage you are in life. I think as parents we over think nicknames normally you just introduce yourself and people will use the name you introduce yourself as. For example if your son went by [name_m]Theodore[/name_m] most the time people will know and accept your son as [name_m]Theodore[/name_m]. But if your son went as [name_u]Teddy[/name_u] he’ll be known as [name_u]Teddy[/name_u]. You introduce yourself and that’s that.
I feel his name would be whatever he wants it to be. I know plenty of people with names that get shortened to nicknames. But… also know plenty of people that if you shorten their name will correct you and say, I prefer to be called…” (insert names like [name_f]Samantha[/name_f], [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f], [name_u]Kimberly[/name_u], [name_u]Curtis[/name_u], [name_u]William[/name_u], [name_m]Andrew[/name_m], etc). I actually grew up with a nickname but with each passing year it get harder because my name and variations of it were so common that having a nickname became impossible and by default I have to go by my first name as is to not get confused with being other people.
I see these names as very different styles so if you have other kids or want to, that might be one to consider?
Owen to me gives solid man, quiet, reliable and rugged Welsh name.
Theodore is more international and - to me, a more debonair/posh/poncy/frilly name (but this meaning will vary depending on where you are). I know about six Theodores ages under six, while I only know a couple of Owens all in their 30-40s now.
I would think about what vibes each gives you and wha for her kids’ names you like.
I personally love Ted/Teddy but not Theo so I would call my son Edward (or possibly Edmund) if I wanted to use Ted/Teddy or I might just use Ted.
Edit: think just saw you have an Evan and Daphne - I would probably use Theodore or just Ted in that case. But I agree that Owen is not too close to Evan so if heart leaning that way, use it!
[name_u]Evan[/name_u] and [name_u]Owen[/name_u] are a bit rhymy so too close for me. I love [name_m]Theodore[/name_m] and if you choose the nickname others will follow your lead.
My experience/two cents: We used Aleksander for our youngest son and people immediately started calling him Alex pretty adamantly. So we switched to using his second name, Blaise. I think if I had pushed for another nickname for Aleksander it could have stuck, but there wasn’t one I truly loved. It caused me A LOT of anxiety/stress/regret (though I still love his name!), so I know the feeling.
On the other hand, for most names, people seem to have moved into an era of using names in full with no problem. There just seem to be a few names, like Alexander, that do still get nicknames quickly. Our other son, Nikolai, is always just Nikolai (except at home sometimes ). People don’t even ask if he’s Nick or Nicky, nor do they shorten it on their own accord like they did with Aleksander.
I think Theodore would easily fall into the using the full name camp, especially if that’s what you call him.
Good luck! Both names are great choices that will wear so well and I’m sure you’ll love either name
Thank you this was very helpful. Like you’re saying the ways his name can be Changed give me hesitation. However we would start with nickname [name_u]Teddy[/name_u] so I would think that or [name_m]Theodore[/name_m] would be used. But then i don’t know how that evolves as he gets older. The flexibility of the name is new to me and [name_u]Owen[/name_u] feels safer but I like the beautiful feel of [name_m]Theodore[/name_m] and [name_u]Teddy[/name_u] and think am leaning that way.