My husband and I are newly TTC, and I would like some help with our boys’ list. We’ve narrowed it down to 5 (miracle!) but are currently stuck. I like some more than others, but my husband seems to like them all equally…so no help there!
What I’d like to know is…what do you picture when you hear each of these names? What impressions do they give to you? Are there any that you [name_u]Love[/name_u]? Like? Dislike? …Hate?
I like the list. If anything I like [name_m]Arthur[/name_m] and [name_m]Desmond[/name_m] the least. For [name_m]Arthur[/name_m] I don’t like the nickname [name_m]Art[/name_m] and it seems most Arthurs end up with that nickname. The standout for me is [name_m]Frederick[/name_m]. It doesn’t get a lot of use, at least in my area, so it feels fresh, but familiar too. Also [name_u]Freddy[/name_u] or [name_u]Freddie[/name_u] for a baby is delicious. Good luck!
ETA they are all really solid, good boy names. Perhaps giving off a formal vibe, but there are fun nickname options for all.
[name_m]Arthur[/name_m] - I really like [name_m]Arthur[/name_m] and nickname [name_m]Artie[/name_m]. It seems like a very versatile name that doesn’t bring to mind one certain personality type. Could be a rock star, a scientist, or an athlete.
[name_m]Calvin[/name_m] - [name_u]LOVE[/name_u] [name_m]Calvin[/name_m]. It would be near the top of my list, but it sounds a little sing-songy with my last name. It makes me think of [name_m]Calvin[/name_m] from [name_m]Calvin[/name_m] & [name_m]Hobbes[/name_m]-- a precocious kid, somewhat of a trouble-maker, but with a good heart.
[name_m]Desmond[/name_m] - my least favorite. For some reason, it seems very “soap opera” to me. [name_m]Dez[/name_m] might be a cute nickname, though.
[name_m]Edwin[/name_m]- It’s OK. Not really my style. I’d prefer [name_m]Edward[/name_m], though I know it’s very popular, or [name_m]Edmund[/name_m].
[name_m]Frederick[/name_m] - I like [name_m]Frederick[/name_m]/[name_u]Freddie[/name_u], though I’m not crazy about [name_m]Fred[/name_m]. It doesn’t bring to mind any particular image.
You have a great list! I love [name_m]Arthur[/name_m] (could use nn [name_m]Bear[/name_m] in relation to the meaning), [name_m]Calvin[/name_m] & [name_m]Frederick[/name_m]. All three names are cute on a child but work great for a grown man. I like [name_m]Edwin[/name_m] but prefer the other [name_m]Ed[/name_m]- names, I dislike [name_m]Desmond[/name_m].
[name_m]Arthur[/name_m]- not my taste
[name_m]Frederick[/name_m]- not my taste
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[name_m]Edwin[/name_m]- my favorite of the [name_m]Ed[/name_m] boys names, not a favorite name in general, but handsome.
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[name_m]Desmond[/name_m] & [name_m]Calvin[/name_m]- really like both of these
I know that [name_m]Desmond[/name_m] isn’t much of a NB favourite, and honestly, I don’t know why I like it! I just do. I think it’s really handsome, though I can understand what one poster meant by “soap-opera” ish. I can see that.
And, I know that generally, [name_m]Edward[/name_m] and [name_m]Edmund[/name_m] get more love on NB than [name_m]Edwin[/name_m]. I just love that spunky -win ending! I have real trouble deciding between [name_m]Frederick[/name_m] and [name_m]Edwin[/name_m]…because obviously I could never use both if I were to have two sons!
[name_m]Arthur[/name_m] I go back and forth on. I love the meaning, and the history, but I cannot stand [name_m]Art[/name_m]/[name_m]Artie[/name_m].
I think [name_m]Desmond[/name_m] is definitely usable, although I’m the one who thought it sounded soap-opera-y. If you really like it, go for it! You always have [name_m]Desmond[/name_m] Tutu as a great namesake
I like that you have a very distinctive style and I think all of the names you have listed have a similar esthetic. Here is your list in my order of like the most to like the least but it is really based on my personally preferences (none of the names in [name_f]IMO[/name_f] are silly or insubstantial):
[name_m]Edwin[/name_m] - Strong sounding, more unique than [name_m]Edward[/name_m] but with a similar feel. I really like [name_m]Edwin[/name_m] but prefer [name_m]Edmund[/name_m].
[name_m]Arthur[/name_m] - I used to dislike this name because of someone I went to grade school with, but I’ve really warmed up to it lately. I think [name_f]Selma[/name_f] [name_u]Blair[/name_u] started the trend towards this name.
[name_m]Frederick[/name_m] - [name_m]Will[/name_m] get the nn [name_m]Fred[/name_m] so as long as you don’t dislike that nn I’d say go for it! I put it third because I prefer shorter names on guys and generally am not drawn to 3+ syllable male names.
[name_m]Calvin[/name_m] - I don’t personally like this name as it sounds ‘nerdy’ to me.
[name_m]Desmond[/name_m] - I don’t like the nn [name_u]Desi[/name_u] and for some reason I can’t put my finger on just don’t like the way it sounds.
I love [name_m]Arthur[/name_m] (although the nn [name_m]Art[/name_m]/[name_m]Artie[/name_m] is a pro for the name to me, so maybe I’m coming at it differently).
[name_m]Frederick[/name_m] is simply awesome. [name_u]Freddie[/name_u] is adorable, and I actually think [name_m]Fred[/name_m] is extremely strong and handsome.
[name_m]Calvin[/name_m] and the nn [name_u]Cal[/name_u] are both great! The only drawback I might see is its similarity to [name_f]Claire[/name_f]. On the other hand, that might be kind of a cool similarity to have between mother and son.
[name_m]Desmond[/name_m] and [name_m]Edwin[/name_m] are both fine names, but a little bit fussy for my taste. However, that’s just a subjective not-my-style opinion.
@ ccomp12 - you definitely hit the nail on the head with “soap-opera-y”. I’ve been thinking about that all afternoon! I love [name_m]Desmond[/name_m], but out of the five names on our list, it isn’t my #1. [name_m]Desmond[/name_m] Tutu does make a good namesake though Thanks again for your reply.
@ toronto87 - I’m definitely going for the opposite of silly and insubstantial…and I’m glad you think the names I’ve listed are all similar stylistically. I don’t mind [name_m]Fred[/name_m], but prefer [name_u]Freddie[/name_u] or the full [name_m]Frederick[/name_m].
I see what you mean about [name_m]Calvin[/name_m] sounding “nerdy”, but I love it nonetheless. Especially nn [name_u]Cal[/name_u]. If [name_m]Edwin[/name_m] wasn’t on my list, then [name_m]Edmund[/name_m] would be, it’s my second favourite [name_m]Ed[/name_m]- (I might have a thing with [name_m]Ed[/name_m]- names…my cat is [name_m]Edgar[/name_m]! ) And I agree, “[name_u]Desi[/name_u]” is absolutely repulsive. I like just [name_m]Desmond[/name_m], or [name_m]Des[/name_m]/[name_m]Dez[/name_m].
@ katiespills - I hadn’t really considered [name_m]Calvin[/name_m]/[name_u]Cal[/name_u] being similar to my own name. Btw, your children have lovely names.
my favorites are
[name_m]Arthur[/name_m]
[name_m]Calvin[/name_m]
[name_m]Desmond[/name_m]
[name_m]Calvin[/name_m] and [name_m]Desmond[/name_m] have excellent nicknames built into them, so they definitely have an edge over [name_m]Arthur[/name_m].
I like [name_m]Edwin[/name_m], but recently I’ve met several middle aged men with this name which changed my perception of the name from geek-chic to drab. I’m sure on a baby it would feel fresh though. [name_m]Ned[/name_m] would be cute.
[name_m]Frederick[/name_m] has never been a favorite of mine. [name_u]Freddie[/name_u] is cute, but I don’t much care for [name_m]Fred[/name_m] or [name_m]Rick[/name_m], which is practically the entire name. I’d prefer something a bit edgier, like Emeric or [name_m]Franklin[/name_m].
P.S. I know a baby [name_m]Desmond[/name_m] with a one syllable P middle name, so it sounds great to me.
[name_m]Arthur[/name_m] - I picture an awkward creepy guy from high school, sorry. I’m stuck on that impression of social awkwardness.
[name_m]Calvin[/name_m] - I love this name. I picture a smart kid with a circle of good friends, boys and girls. Active, curious, funny, sensible, a bit mischievous. The only thing that holds me back is that the meaning of calvin is bald, hairless.
[name_m]Desmond[/name_m] - I really like the nn [name_m]Dez[/name_m], & I may like it more than [name_m]Desmond[/name_m]. There’s a wonderful old school ska singer, [name_m]Desmond[/name_m] Dekker, and maybe for that reason I associate [name_m]Desmond[/name_m] with jazz, blues, rhythm, music. I picture this on a boy who can be quite naughty at times.
[name_m]Edwin[/name_m] - polite, good student, boy scout type. Liked by everyone.
[name_m]Frederick[/name_m] - basketball, guy friends, hijinks, prefers to be active rather than study, just a real guy’s guy.
I love your list! [name_m]Calvin[/name_m] is one of my favorites. I also love [name_m]Arthur[/name_m] but like everyone pints out nn [name_m]Art[/name_m] is significantly less desirable.
When I was considering [name_m]Edmund[/name_m] as a name from my LO, everyone in the real world and other baby name websites consistently mentioned liking either [name_m]Desmond[/name_m] or [name_m]Edwin[/name_m] better!!! I like [name_m]Desmond[/name_m] but I work with one who goes by des. I don’t get the soap [name_f]Opera[/name_f] vibe from it at all. I get it way more with [name_m]Edmund[/name_m] (all my children?! You’re all prolly too young lol)
[name_u]Freddie[/name_u] is adorable. And a hot guy named [name_m]Fred[/name_m] sounds good to me too. I am actively trying to like [name_m]Frederick[/name_m]. I find it harsh though. But I like the idea of it.
All of the names give me an academic feel. None of them are hypermasculine or guys guy feel to me.
[name_m]Calvin[/name_m] is the definite winner here for me. It’s smart but spunky and a bit off beat but you can take him seriously. Runner up [name_m]Calvin[/name_m].
[name_m]Calvin[/name_m] and [name_m]Desmond[/name_m] are my favorites from your list. I have a [name_m]Calvin[/name_m] in my class right now and every time I call on him to answer a question it makes me smile. I also like [name_m]Arthur[/name_m] but not as much as the other two.
I’m not a fan of [name_m]Ed[/name_m] names but I do adore [name_m]Ned[/name_m] as a nn.
Well let’s see [name_f]Claire[/name_f] & [name_u]Michael[/name_u] & [name_u]Baby[/name_u]…
[name_m]Arthur[/name_m]- I know an [name_m]Arthur[/name_m] she’s a good man, has a grown family, I see it on a man of any age, good name, [name_m]Art[/name_m] or [name_m]Arty[/name_m] are ok, not my favorite but probably mostly avoidable…
[name_m]Calvin[/name_m] - I know a [name_m]Calvin[/name_m] , he’s a but troubled but his family is good people, its not an overwhelming association, [name_m]Calvin[/name_m] and [name_m]Hobbs[/name_m] I think is bigger for me and I love them. cal is nice.
[name_m]Desmond[/name_m]- I don’t personally know anyone with this name. A few famous people and it has a certain flair to it that isn’t really my style . Dessy isnt really my fav but its bit horrid.
[name_m]Edwin[/name_m]- I know an [name_m]Edwin[/name_m] and its a great name, he is splendid , eddy or win work as nns but its solid on its own
[name_m]Frederick[/name_m]- little [name_u]Freddy[/name_u], its a classic, I know a girl who’s got this last name, she’s great, all positive associations. I think its charming like [name_m]William[/name_m], a boy could carry this very well.
I’m sure on a baby it would feel fresh though. [name_m]Ned[/name_m] would be cute.