[name_m]Hi[/name_m] there.
Here is my favorite to least favorite rankings & thoughts-
Boys-
Edgar-I know it’s not technically in your top five, but it’s my favorite! It’s so lovable & warm but masculine & smart too. I don’t like [name_m]Edmund[/name_m] as much for some reason, because it feels a little stuffy.
[name_m]Thomas[/name_m] nn Tommy/Tom-I quite like [name_m]Thomas[/name_m]. It’s a handsome solid classic that feels strong but kind. I’m not that into the nns for some reason. I like the nns [name_m]Tuck[/name_m] & [name_m]Tucker[/name_m] though, which barely make sense but are fun.
[name_m]Christopher[/name_m] nn Chris/Kit/Topher-I love [name_u]Kit[/name_u]. It’s really fun & sleek but a little quirky. [name_m]Christopher[/name_m] is a good strong solid name like [name_m]Thomas[/name_m]. [name_u]Chris[/name_u] feels a bit dated though & [name_m]Topher[/name_m] isn’t nearly as attractive as [name_u]Kit[/name_u] in my opinion.
[name_m]Matthias[/name_m] nn Mattie-I really want to like [name_m]Matthias[/name_m], but I’m never sure if I’m saying it right. I prefer [name_m]Mateo[/name_m]. Either way, it’s a cool name. Kind of exotic but feels strong & friendly. I think that [name_u]Mattie[/name_u] is cute, but w/my accent it always comes out as [name_f]Maddie[/name_f].
[name_m]Franklin[/name_m] nn Frankie-It’s not a name that I personally love, but I think that it’s interesting, old fashioned & complicated.
[name_u]Jasper[/name_u] nn Jazz/Jaspie/Perry-I really like [name_m]Caspar[/name_m] & I like [name_u]James[/name_u] nn Jass. But for some reason [name_u]Jasper[/name_u] just reminds me of the word jester & feels goofy. I’m in the minority. Most people seem to love this one.
Girls-
[name_f]Penelope[/name_f] nn [name_u]Pen[/name_u] or Nelli-I almost put [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] as my favorite, but I love love Nelli(e) so much that this made it to the top. [name_f]Penelope[/name_f] is girly but not frilly & fun & spunky & sort of old fashioned (in a good way!). And [name_f]Nelli[/name_f] is just the sweetest. I don’t like [name_u]Pen[/name_u] as much for a girl, but I like [name_u]Penny[/name_u]. Also, the nn [name_f]Polly[/name_f] is fun.
[name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] nn Eliza-Elizabeth is a beautiful smart sweet classic. And [name_f]Eliza[/name_f] is a cute spunky vintage nn. I like a lot of [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] nns! [name_f]Elsie[/name_f], [name_f]Ellie[/name_f], [name_f]Bette[/name_f], [name_f]Bess[/name_f] & [name_f]Tess[/name_f] are some other favorites.
[name_u]Eden[/name_u] nn [name_f]Edie[/name_f] or Dee-Not sure why I don’t like [name_f]Edie[/name_f]. I know an [name_f]Edie[/name_f] who’s just Edie; not [name_u]Eden[/name_u] or [name_f]Edith[/name_f]. She’s not a bad person, but it’s just a strong association, so this is my issue! Anyway, [name_u]Eden[/name_u] is beautiful. I love the peaceful vibe, but it also feels so kind & smart.
[name_f]Matilda[/name_f] nn [name_f]Tilly[/name_f] or Tilda-Matilda isn’t my favorite, but I kind of like it. It’s an interesting name. It just feels a bit heavy to me for some reason. And I’m picky & prefer the nn [name_f]Millie[/name_f] to [name_f]Tilly[/name_f].
Heidi-Never been a fan of this one. I just don’t think it has a very pleasant sound, & also just reminds me of a mean girl for some reason. [name_m]Even[/name_m] though I don’t think I’ve ever met one!
[name_f]Hope[/name_f] this helps. 