Help naming our son

Boy Names
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edited for privacy

We would be so grateful for some help as we search for names for our fourth (and final) baby. We have a list of names one or both of us like, but nothing is feeling quite right for us.

We live in North America but are British, and tend to like traditional or classic names. We would love to find something that feels quintessentially English or is popular in England, but is much less so in North America. Ideally, we would like to avoid the US/ Canada top 50.

Our other children’s names all have a connection to our British Heritage (either personal or regional) and have avoided the top 100 (with the exception of our first-born son, whose name was an honour name).

Names we cannot use because of existing children in the family: Adam, William, Jack, Max, Jake, Hugh, George, Alexander,Luke, Anthony, and Eric.

Would love to hear your thoughts on any of the following names, or any additional names that we haven’t thought of adding, please!

Julian: we both really love the name Julian, even though we notice that it’s actually more popular in the US than in England right now! It still feels very quintessentially English to us. Are we wrong about that? Another possible issue: there is a little Julia in the extended family. We don’t live near each other and only see her once a year, but we are close. Is it too much?

Arthur: love that it’s relatively rare where we live, but very popular right now in UK. Just don’t love any of the nicknames, and not sure if that will feel uncomfortable with a real living child.

Francis/ Frankie: I like both the full and nickname, but we are not religious and the feedback we have had is that it may read that way or feel rather heavy.

Dominic: like Julian, this feels like such a handsome and underused name. It felt quite uncommon until recently when I noticed two baby Dominics on the name board at our local midwifery clinic! Really love the nickname Nic, but not very keen on Dom. Do you think Dom would be inevitable?

Freddie: I am very keen on Freddie (very popular in the Uk but not so much here). I think my partner would prefer a full name, but Frederick sounds like *too much name for us. Alfred could be an option? But not sure we love that.

Felix: My partner’s favourite, and it feels like a good match stylistically with our other children. But I’m concerned about rapidly rising popularity.

Hugo — stylistically feels like a wonderful match to our others, but it’s so close to Hugh. Too close?

Thank you!

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You have a nice list!! (and your kids have lovely names)

[name_u]Julian[/name_u] is very classic and handsome - I like it a lot - I’d also say it matches the ranking of [name_u]Charles[/name_u] so it doesn’t feel at odds. Since you only see [name_f]Julia[/name_f] once a year, I think it’s probably okay.

[name_u]Arthur[/name_u] is a charming name, solid and rugged. You’ve probably considered it, but would [name_u]Arlo[/name_u] work as a nickname?

Francis/Frankie doesn’t give me a particular religious vibe. I prefer [name_u]Frankie[/name_u] to [name_u]Francis[/name_u] but it works

[name_m]Dominic[/name_m] is pretty snappy and cool. I don’t think [name_m]Dom[/name_m] would be necessarily inevitable, but he might decide he likes it :person_shrugging:

[name_u]Freddie[/name_u] is cute, fun but solid too. [name_m]Wilfred[/name_m] could be another option - gaining popularity in the UK

[name_m]Felix[/name_m] is a favourite - cheerful and lovely, but it doesn’t sound you love it.

[name_m]Hugo[/name_m] is lovely, but if [name_m]Hugh[/name_m] is someone you see often, it is very close.

A few ideas:

[name_m]Oscar[/name_m]
Toby/Tobias
[name_m]Rupert[/name_m]
[name_u]Rory[/name_u]
Louie/Louis
[name_m]Reuben[/name_m]
[name_m]Ralph[/name_m]
[name_m]Patrick[/name_m]
[name_u]Robin[/name_u]

[name_u]Jasper[/name_u]
[name_m]Otis[/name_m]
[name_m]Zachary[/name_m]

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First of all, I just have to say [name_f]Flora[/name_f] [name_f]Annabel[/name_f] is so sweet!

I really like [name_u]Julian[/name_u] and [name_m]Alfred[/name_m] (Freddie) from your list! I don’t think [name_u]Julian[/name_u] and [name_f]Julia[/name_f] are too close for extended family that sees eachother once a year.

Some more ideas…

[name_u]Ellis[/name_u]
[name_m]Jenson[/name_m]
[name_u]Callum[/name_u]
[name_u]Jasper[/name_u]
[name_m]Oscar[/name_m]
[name_m]Rueben[/name_m]
[name_m]Rafferty[/name_m]
[name_m]Winston[/name_m]
[name_u]Stanley[/name_u]
[name_m]Albert[/name_m] / [name_u]Albie[/name_u]
[name_m]Philip[/name_m] (how cute is Pip?!)

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[name_u]Julian[/name_u]: It doesn’t feel especially [name_f]English[/name_f] to me, but I’m also American – probably not the best person to decide! A [name_f]Julia[/name_f] in the family might move it further down the list for me, but I don’t think you need to cross it off completely.

[name_u]Arthur[/name_u]: This does feel quintessentially [name_f]English[/name_f] to me and it a great fit with the siblings, but it doesn’t sound like you love it.

Francis/Frankie: I wouldn’t assume a [name_u]Francis[/name_u] came from a religious background, and I think [name_u]Frankie[/name_u] keeps it from feeling too heavy.

[name_m]Dominic[/name_m]: I don’t think [name_m]Dom[/name_m] is inevitable; [name_u]Nic[/name_u] seems just as plausible along with the full [name_m]Dominic[/name_m]. It does seem a bit of a different style than the others, but not overly so.

[name_u]Freddie[/name_u]: I quite like this as a nickname, but it doesn’t sound like you like any of the full names. I think the previous suggestion of [name_m]Wilfred[/name_m] is a great option for you! (though maybe not with [name_m]Edmund[/name_m] as a middle name?)

[name_m]Felix[/name_m]: I do think it will increase in popularity, but it’s a bit too ‘quirky’ to ever be mainstream. I don’t think it’s any more matchy with [name_f]Flora[/name_f] than Francis/Frankie or [name_u]Freddie[/name_u].

[name_m]Hugo[/name_m]: Great choice with other siblings! I suppose it depends on how close you are with [name_m]Hugh[/name_m]. I would apply what I said about [name_u]Julian[/name_u] here.

Overall, I think [name_u]Julian[/name_u] and [name_m]Hugo[/name_m] are my favorites here if you can overcome the similarity to other children in your life. [name_m]Felix[/name_m] is close behind, though I typically prefer to avoid repeat initials.

You’ve had a lot of great suggestions, but I’ll add [name_m]Rupert[/name_m], [name_m]Ernest[/name_m], [name_m]Rufus[/name_m], [name_u]Percy[/name_u], [name_u]Laurence[/name_u], [name_m]Archibald[/name_m], [name_m]Alistair[/name_m], [name_m]Benedict[/name_m], & [name_u]Roscoe[/name_u].

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[name_f]My[/name_f] favorite is [name_m]Dominic[/name_m], I really love the strength of this name. Nameberry says [name_m]Mario[/name_m] Lopez has a son named [name_m]Dominic[/name_m] and his nickname is [name_u]Nico[/name_u], so I would think [name_u]Nic[/name_u] would be just as easy a nickname as [name_m]Dom[/name_m]. [name_f]My[/name_f] second favorite is [name_m]Felix[/name_m], an awesome name all around and I don’t think it’s too matchy to [name_f]Flora[/name_f].

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I think [name_m]Hugo[/name_m], [name_m]Felix[/name_m] and [name_u]Francis[/name_u] are great names.

[name_m]Colin[/name_m]
[name_u]Declan[/name_u]
[name_m]Malcolm[/name_m]
[name_u]Riley[/name_u]
[name_m]Vincent[/name_m]
[name_m]Calvin[/name_m]
[name_u]Arlo[/name_u]
[name_u]Leon[/name_u]
[name_m]Duncan[/name_m]
[name_u]Walter[/name_u]
[name_u]Ellis[/name_u]
[name_u]Callan[/name_u]
[name_m]Winston[/name_m]
[name_u]Dean[/name_u]
[name_u]Jude[/name_u]
[name_u]Noel[/name_u]
[name_m]Oscar[/name_m]
[name_u]Shane[/name_u]
[name_u]Kieran[/name_u]
[name_m]Gideon[/name_m]
[name_u]Sonny[/name_u]
[name_u]Milo[/name_u]
[name_m]Victor[/name_m]
[name_m]Tobias[/name_m]
[name_u]Jasper[/name_u]
[name_m]Casper[/name_m]
[name_m]Caspian[/name_m]
[name_u]Owen[/name_u]
[name_u]Spencer[/name_u]
[name_u]Robin[/name_u]
[name_m]Ruben[/name_m]
[name_m]Alistair[/name_m]
[name_m]Conrad[/name_m]
[name_m]Otis[/name_m]
[name_m]Eugene[/name_m]
[name_u]Callum[/name_u]
[name_u]Rhys[/name_u]
[name_m]Lucian[/name_m]

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I imagine a lot of the little Julians in the US use the Spanish pronunciation, which is so distinct from the [name_f]English[/name_f], if that affects your decision. What about [name_m]Wilfred[/name_m] for [name_u]Freddie[/name_u]? [name_m]Wilfred[/name_m] [name_m]Edmund[/name_m] is very handsome.

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Congratulations :tada:

Looking at your list here are my thoughts

Julian ~ I really like Julian he feels fresh and fruity if that makes sense. I really like the nickname Jules. He works well with your other kiddos names however as a Brit living in Britain he doesn’t feel distinctively British. But maybe that’s because I haven’t come across many Julian’s. I don’t think having a Julia & Julian in the same family is that much of an issue so I wouldn’t worry. Another idea could be Jasper.

Arthur ~ I love Arthur he does feel distinctively British very timeless and works wonderfully with your other kiddos names. With the nickname situation you could insist on just using Arthur a lot of people don’t shorten names you don’t necessarily have to shorten Arthur. However you can’t control nicknames so if you’re concerned maybe take of your shortlist. I like the idea of Bear as a nickname. Have you thought of Bear?

Francis ~ My friend has a son named Francis ‘Frankie’ she isn’t religious her other son is Reginald ‘Reggie’ (thought I’d mention it in case you love this one as your style is similar to hers) so I wouldn’t say Francis ‘Frankie’ is heavy. Personally he isn’t my favourite for boys. I do like Frances for girls though. You could also use Franklin ‘Frankie’ which is getting attention amongst us Brits.

Dominic ~ I can completely see the appeal in Dominic he’s classic, handsome and underused. However he isn’t my favourite. Have you thought of Donovan or Declan? They feel rather established in Britain.

Freddie ~ Super popular here! I personally love Frederick but I also think Wilfred can work and he’s becoming a favourite amongst us Brits.

Felix ~ such a lovely name feels very fashionable but I do feel the concerns regarding the names being too similar due to the repeated f & l sounds. Robin could be an idea. Has a similar feel to Felix feels distinctively British and works well in your sibling set.

Hugo ~ absolutely gorgeous! My favourite in your list really handsome, sweet, distinguished and bright. I love Hugo with your kiddos names! Regarding Hugh yes they are similar but I wouldn’t rule him out. You may also like Miles or Milo. Arlo is also an idea.

Some other ideas could be Rowan, Albert, Marlow, Henry, Samuel, Stanley, Callum, Lewis, Rhys, Lachlan & Theodore ‘Teddy’ (Teddy is incredibly popular)

Hope this helps

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I think [name_u]Julian[/name_u], [name_u]Francis[/name_u], and [name_m]Felix[/name_m] work best with your kids’ names!

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[name_u]Arthur[/name_u], [name_u]Francis[/name_u] or [name_m]Dominic[/name_m] all match very well, as would [name_m]Frederick[/name_m] and [name_m]Alfred[/name_m] (though latter doesn’t have the best flow with Edmund). I would go for the full name options rather than [name_u]Frankie[/name_u] or [name_u]Freddie[/name_u] since you used [name_u]Charles[/name_u] already and to give your child options. [name_m]Dominic[/name_m] has arguably similarly historically religious associations as [name_u]Francis[/name_u], but would be my pick from your list (very handsome), and I think you could successfully push an alternative nickname to [name_m]Dom[/name_m] such as Nic/o when the child is small. [name_m]Felix[/name_m] doesn’t seem to fit as well. [name_m]Hugo[/name_m] is a variant of [name_m]Hugh[/name_m] and I personally don’t really like [name_u]Julian[/name_u]. Suggestions: [name_u]Jude[/name_u], [name_m]Simon[/name_m], [name_m]Peter[/name_m] (Pete), [name_m]Paul[/name_m], [name_m]Vincent[/name_m] (Vince, Vinny), [name_m]Victor[/name_m] (Vic), [name_m]Patrick[/name_m], [name_u]Miles[/name_u].

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[name_f]My[/name_f] favourite is [name_u]Arthur[/name_u]. I think [name_u]Julian[/name_u] and [name_u]Francis[/name_u] could be nice nicknames for it, also [name_m]Hugo[/name_m] (but the last one feels too expected for me).

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[name_m]Hugo[/name_m] [name_m]Edmund[/name_m] sounds amazing! I’d definitely go with it. Yes it would be too close to [name_m]Hugh[/name_m] if they were siblings but if they’re just cousins or family friends then it’s definitely fine

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Congratulations!! What a lovely set of names your children have.

You have a great list! I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these! [name_f]My[/name_f] personal favorites for you and your sibling set are:

[name_u]Julian[/name_u]: love this name, and it sounds like you both do too! I wouldn’t let a [name_f]Julia[/name_f] in the extended family put you off using it. Since you don’t see each other often and they are still different names, it wouldn’t be a big deal.

[name_u]Arthur[/name_u]: very cozy name! Underused in the US, in my opinion!

[name_u]Francis[/name_u]: one of my fave boy names, and I’m not religious. [name_m]Even[/name_m] as a non-religious person, the association with [name_u]Saint[/name_u] [name_u]Francis[/name_u] is positive to me, since he’s the one who preached to the birds and valued nature and animals highly. But it’s not the only thing I think of with this name. Nickname [name_u]Frankie[/name_u] is very sweet too!

[name_m]Felix[/name_m] does seem to be rising sharply in popularity in the US, and the shared initial with [name_f]Flora[/name_f] might give me pause. And it doesn’t sound particularly [name_f]British[/name_f] to me, if that’s a priority.

I also like the suggestions of [name_u]Robin[/name_u], [name_m]Patrick[/name_m], and [name_m]Simon[/name_m]!

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