I am at 32 weeks and still haven’t settled on a name for our little boy (our first). We are debating two names … [name_m]William[/name_m] (nn [name_m]Will[/name_m]), which I like because it is classic and was my grandfather’s middle name but I worry is too common, and [name_m]Nolan[/name_m], which I just like the sound of and also because it is Irish but am not completely sold on it. We also considered [name_u]Owen[/name_u] but ruled it out because we hear it so often. [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] is another family name but not sure I love it either. Which of our names do you like the best? Or do you have a suggestion for a great name we can use instead? Last name starts with M and ends in ie.
I have a [name_m]William[/name_m] nn [name_m]Will[/name_m] who is in elementary school, and while I adored the grandfathers he was named after and especially enjoyed telling the family member still living that he was getting a namesake, it still bothered me to use a name much more common than I wanted. Ultimately honoring family won out, and I reasoned having a name that meant “resolute protector” was fitting for one whom I hoped would be a biggest brother someday.
[name_f]Do[/name_f] you know that we almost never meet other [name_m]Will[/name_m]'s? In our pocket of the world nearly every [name_m]William[/name_m] goes by [name_m]Liam[/name_m]. And when there has been another child named [name_m]Will[/name_m], my shy guy appreciates having a name buddy.
I’ll let other name berries throw out suggestions for you because I know there are plenty that hit that sweet spot of classic yet not overused. [name_m]Just[/name_m] wanted to share my experience with a top 5 name the year my son was born and how relatively uncommon it still feels. Sometimes naming for family and meaning is worth it no matter what the rankings say 
From your list my favourite is [name_m]William[/name_m] as I love the [name_m]Will[/name_m] nickname. [name_u]Owen[/name_u] has been too popular for my taste but it is still a good name. Some suggestions for you…
[name_m]Lachlan[/name_m]/[name_m]Lochlan[/name_m]
[name_m]Reuben[/name_m]
[name_m]Gabriel[/name_m]
[name_m]Alistair[/name_m]
[name_m]Davis[/name_m] - feels more interesting than [name_m]David[/name_m]
I agree with the previous poster who said most [name_m]Williams[/name_m] in our children’s generation are going by [name_m]Liam[/name_m]. So I don’t think [name_m]Will[/name_m] will feel very common. And I think it’s definitely the most handsome of the nickname options. With it’s significance to your family I think it’s the best choice, but here’s some more ideas:
[name_m]Oscar[/name_m]
[name_m]Otto[/name_m]
[name_u]Tristan[/name_u]
[name_u]Carson[/name_u]
[name_m]Wilfred[/name_m]
[name_m]Wilson[/name_m]
Good luck.
I think [name_m]Nolan[/name_m] [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] is a cute first and middle name together!
I love [name_m]Nolan[/name_m]. [name_m]Nolan[/name_m] [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] is a great combo. I also like [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] [name_m]William[/name_m].
I love [name_m]Nolan[/name_m] [name_m]Theodore[/name_m]
I love [name_m]William[/name_m] and [name_m]Thomas[/name_m]. Sorry not a fan of [name_m]Nolan[/name_m] or [name_u]Owen[/name_u].
Have you considered [name_m]Willem[/name_m], as a slight (and much more unusual) twist on [name_m]William[/name_m]?
I think the honour aspect would still be there, you could still use the lovely nickname [name_m]Will[/name_m], and it feels a little bit cooler and fresher to me.
I adore [name_m]Nolan[/name_m]!
[name_m]Nolan[/name_m] is my favorite!
[name_m]William[/name_m] is a fine name, but common as you say. [name_m]Liam[/name_m] can be used, but it’s common too. I like [name_m]Will[/name_m] and [name_m]Wilkie[/name_m] best with it. [name_m]Nolan[/name_m] is OK, but also common. Maybe [name_m]Roland[/name_m]? What about [name_m]Tavish[/name_m] or [name_m]Thompson[/name_m] instead of plain [name_m]Thomas[/name_m]? I like [name_m]Charleston[/name_m] for [name_m]Charles[/name_m] and [name_u]Robin[/name_u] for [name_m]Robert[/name_m] too. And I love [name_m]Timothy[/name_m].
[name_m]Thomas[/name_m] is my favorite out of yours based on your apparent tastes. It is just as classic as [name_m]William[/name_m], but a bit less popular. Is not strictly Irish, but has strong Irish connections if you care to look into those, and is a family name. Not to mention I think its a great name!