LOVE [name_m]Octavian[/name_m]. He won’t be little forever I’m sure he’ll grow into the name if it feels heavy at first. [name_m]Octavius[/name_m] is on my own list, big fan of the “heavy” names myself :)) Congratulations by the way
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The more I’m reading it here, [name_m]Octavian[/name_m] really doesn’t sound burdensome. His peers and their friends will grow to it like second nature, and it won’t feel overly heavy because that’s what they’ll just all be used to. Once he gets older, if he wants to shorten it himself he will, and you won’t be able to stop that should it happen. For now, insist that everyone call him the full thing, and it will stick just fine.
The more I’m rolling the name around my mouth, I’m realizing that the first syllable almost gets lost, and it has more of a 3 syllable feel.
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Thank you beautiful Berries 
Your responses have lightened & brightened my day 
I am getting tired of referring to him as ‘the baby’ and my daughter keeps asking me every single morning if he has a name. Each time she poses this question, it’s always followed by a heavy sigh of disappointment. [name_f]My[/name_f] gosh, I feel like I’m tormenting these poor kids!
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[name_m]Octavian[/name_m] is so handsome! I think it’s perfectly usable. There are very few names that are genuinely not usable for some reason or other. [name_m]Just[/name_m] because it’s different or uncommon, doesn’t make it a bad choice. If you love it, do it!
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It’ll definitely unlock something extra for you, your kids and the baby once people can start using his name, another layer of cooing and doting, directly related etc. 
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[name_m]Just[/name_m] wanted to offer my 2 cents’ worth…
Having read over the post, comments, & replies, I can’t help feeling like you’re just not quite comfortable with [name_m]Octavian[/name_m]. [name_m]Even[/name_m] though it’s an impressive name, I can see why you’re hesitant, as it’s definitely a bit more of a statement name than [name_m]Edmund[/name_m] & [name_m]Ambrose[/name_m].
I’m thinking this might simply be due to the number of syllables (two for the other names, vs. four for Octavian), so my personal suggestion would be to go with a shorter version. Both [name_m]Otto[/name_m] & [name_m]Tavian[/name_m] are really beautiful standalone names, with the same feel, and they go really well with the others. [name_m]Edmund[/name_m], [name_m]Ambrose[/name_m], & [name_m]Otto[/name_m] sound wonderful together, and it would remove the worry of [name_m]Octavian[/name_m] being a bit “much”, as you had mentioned being concerned about.
I’d also put in a vote for your earlier idea of [name_m]Pascal[/name_m]. I don’t think it sounds too [name_f]French[/name_f] at all, and it’s familiar to most people. [name_m]Edmund[/name_m], [name_m]Ambrose[/name_m], & [name_m]Pascal[/name_m] make a gorgeous and symmetrical trio, as they all sound gentle, elegant, & literary!
Anyway, I truly hope this is helpful feedback!! I hesitated to comment, as it seems most people are in favour of just going ahead with [name_m]Octavian[/name_m] - and if you do decide to choose that one, I’m very certain it will work out great too!
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@flamingo Yes! I hear what you mean about the 1st syllable being more subtle than the following three. That’s a really good point. It’s more the ‘Tavian’ rather than the ‘Oc’ that’s heard. Thank you for pointing this out! 
@Northern1 I appreciate all comments no matter what the viewpoint may be, so thank you for taking the time to share yours
I think the reason for my hesitation to use this name lies more within the name’s obscurity. I keep worrying that it’s barely used because of it being unsuitable/unaccepted in this day and age. Perhaps it’s just a little too [name_m]Roman[/name_m] Ages?? Although, a friend of mine has a nephew named [name_m]Marcellus[/name_m]. If [name_m]Marcellus[/name_m] can work then why shouldn’t [name_m]Octavian[/name_m]?
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@EloiseT [quote=“EloiseT, post:25, topic:466339”]
It’ll definitely unlock something extra for you, your kids and the baby once people can start using his name, another layer of cooing and doting, directly related etc.
[/quote]
Such a beautiful thought 
Thank you! x
@_thelittlefairywren Thank you for reminding me of this:
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@rosajune Thank you 
Yes, [name_m]Octavian[/name_m] definitely feels like the standout name in comparison to the others we’ve considered. Its association to the number 8 is also very special for me
I really need to keep coming back to this whenever the doubts start to set in!
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[name_m]Octavian[/name_m] is a charming, strong, majestic name. Its meaning is special to you, which makes it even more valuable. [name_m]Octavian[/name_m] is indeed an unexpected choice. However, it’s traditional, elegant and handsome. I’m not aware of any negative associations that could make the name unpleasant to use, and I appreciate that it has multiple nicknames available to suit different tastes.
All names have their strengths and flaws, but there’s always a side that stands out more to each of us. Perhaps you could make a list of pros and cons? How many positive and negative aspects do you associate with this name?
[name_m]Atticus[/name_m] is a great name, but I’d avoid other names starting with A unless it’s an unrivaled name that you adore deeply. From older posts, I also love [name_m]Rupert[/name_m]. But, I’m not sure if you’re still considering new options or older favorites.
What’s your current list? Have you tried calling your baby [name_m]Octavian[/name_m] for two or three days? How did you feel doing so? What are your partner’s and older children’s favorite names? Is there a particular meaning or characteristic you really want in a name?
Choosing a name isn’t an easy task, but you’ll undoubtedly settle on the perfect choice for you. Whether it’s [name_m]Octavian[/name_m] or another option, follow your heart and instincts. Choose the name you love most, the one that makes you happy and proud, even if it’s not the initial choice or the favorite of close friends and family. The most important thing is that you adore your choice so much that one day, you can explain to your child the reasons and inspirations behind your decision with joy and serenity.
Good luck!
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Yes, I see what you mean… I myself do think of the [name_m]Roman[/name_m] emperor when I hear the name, although it’s not as strong an association as the “eighth” meaning, which I think will probably be the case for most people.
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@Northern1 Thats great to hear, because my main reason for wanting to use this name is its association to the number 8
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@Estrela Thank you
Unfortunately, my husband strongly dislikes [name_m]Rupert[/name_m], so it’s no longer in contention.
I’ve tried calling this sweet little boy [name_m]Octavian[/name_m] to see how it feels and truthfully, it just feels strange. I’m not sure if this is because of the length, or if it’s because it’s just not meant to be his name 
When I call him [name_m]Atticus[/name_m] it seems more natural, but this may be because we were considering [name_m]Atticus[/name_m] for our other two sons and I’m just more ‘used’ to the way the name sounds in my mouth.
This is so hard and I’m sure it’s not supposed to be this difficult! He looks like he could pass as an [name_m]Octavian[/name_m] with his dark hair (for some reason I imagine an [name_m]Octavian[/name_m] to have darker features), but it’s something about the sound and feeling of the name when I try calling him this that doesn’t quite feel right. I think I need to see a naming therapist! Haha
I think it’s important to listen to your intuitive response, and hopefully not put pressure on yourself in either direction. If it doesn’t feel right, as you mentioned, then it’s okay to make a different choice. Ideally, it would probably be good to take a bit of time away from the decision, although I completely understand why you would prefer to get it figured out on the sooner side. Maybe take a day or two, & try not to focus on the names issue? Then perhaps this particular name will either fall naturally into place, or slip to one side, if/when something else comes to mind that feels more comfortable.
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Don’t force it. If it doesn’t feel right- move on. You seem very hesitant towards [name_m]Octavian[/name_m] despite all the support for it which feels like it’s not the right fit. I don’t think [name_m]Atticus[/name_m] is too close to [name_m]Ambrose[/name_m]. Good luck!
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Thanks @CurlyC
[name_f]Do[/name_f] you think [name_m]Atticus[/name_m] is too close though to big sister, [name_f]Adelaide[/name_f]? x
[name_m]Hi[/name_m] again lovely Berries,
I have another question for you - do you think [name_m]Atticus[/name_m] is just a little too close to the beginning sound of [name_f]Adelaide[/name_f]?
Thank you as always for your honesty and advice. Are naming therapists a real thing? Because I really think I’m at the point now where I need to see one 
xx
Hi there! I’ve been following this post without replying because I didn’t think I had anything useful to say, but just want to tell you that I too named my son a uncommon and kind of “strange” name, I was so in love with the name but once my kid was born it felt weird to say it out loud and I spent weeks calling him baby, monkey and things like this, also it felt weird hearing other people calling him by his name. The problem was mainly that it is an honor name and at first it felt like I was calling him by someone else’s name, but after some time I came to love it to bits and now I’m so proud of the name I chose and I love telling it to people and see their reactions, and overall just couldn’t be happier with my choice!
As for Octavian I don’t think it’s a problematic name, I find it cool and with a classy vibe, and if it feels weird to say it maybe you can just call him by a nickname. Personally though I prefer the variant Octavio and I ADORE Pascal, but I really like Octavian as well.
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