The final 2! Please help me decide Boy #2, ASAP

Boy Names
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Our rainbow baby is on its way!

I wish I could make this more succinct but there’s a lot that needs to be mentioned, I hope you’ll bear with me, it’s super important to me to get this right.

Officially expecting after the loss of my son [name_m]Jack[/name_m] last year. [name_m]Jack[/name_m] is the ultimate name for me to which no boys name will ever equal. So it’s really hard to find a name that compares. None really do for me. It’s extremely important for me that I have a name locked in before finiding out the sex of this baby, in about 6 weeks, but i just want it locked in now. I will be announcing the name with the pregnancy and gender at the same time.(I sat on the name [name_m]Jack[/name_m] for 15 years waiting so in comparison I need to pick it ASAP so I can really feel like it’s his.

*(I include my late son’s name along with my other children in things like cards and such, he will always be included, and we always talk about him, he’s never left out. I have 2 girls but their names are a different style and don’t need to fit with the boys names, so I’m not including them in consideration, but [name_m]Jack[/name_m] and this baby’s name will always be next to each other eventhough I will not be able to call one of them by name in life.)

[name_f]My[/name_f] tast in boys names is very specific:
-1 syllable is a must
-.I like strong sounding, masculine names
-.It must look good visually with last name (Mc one syllable)

What would be a good fit BASED ON MY PRO AND CON LIST for each?
Max or Graham

[name_u]Max[/name_u] ([name_u]Max[/name_u] Mc-------)
Pro:
1.Alliteration with last name, I love alliteration, looks visually pleasing with last name
2. Has a similar sound with Jacks name, which is comforting and fits well
3. Has straightforward spelling
4. Is more international (my girls names work more internationally)
5. I’m kinda leaning more toward

[name_u]Con[/name_u]:

  1. I had to warm up to this name,because my husband really likes it, but he said he likes the longer [name_u]Max[/name_u] versions, which I am strongly against, only [name_u]Max[/name_u] in its short form will I consider.
  2. The x ending is not intuitive to my taste, it sounds a bit harsh than the -ck in Jacks ending, and [name_u]Mack[/name_u] won’t work with last name. Im just not 100% liking the x sound or look. But no other spelling will work.

[name_m]Graham[/name_m] ([name_m]Graham[/name_m] Mc------)
Pro:
1.Has special meaning for husband and I
2.Looks good with last name visually, and fits with it from a cultural origin.
3. Is a little less “in your face” sounding than [name_u]Max[/name_u]
4. Husband is possibly leaning more toward

[name_u]Con[/name_u]:
1: the extra silent letters in the middle bug me, I like efficient straight forward, short spelling, and it doesn’t look succinct. (But we don’t like [name_m]Gram[/name_m] spelling)
2. Doesn’t seem to match as well to [name_m]Jack[/name_m] as [name_u]Max[/name_u] does

If you’ve made it this far, thank you so much, I’d be grateful for input :blue_heart:

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First of all I’m sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine. I love [name_m]Jack[/name_m] and empathize with you. And congratulations on another baby boy!

I like both [name_u]Max[/name_u] and [name_m]Graham[/name_m]. Both handsome, masculine, short but memorable.

I’m curious what the middle name will be as that may be a deciding factor!

I think [name_u]Max[/name_u] can stand alone these days without a longer version and I do think its lovely.

However I think I slightly prefer [name_m]Graham[/name_m]. Its just slightly more handsome to me. Maybe because I have known pets named [name_u]Max[/name_u] or maybe I agree about [name_u]Max[/name_u] having a “louder” sound. [name_m]Graham[/name_m] is soft and versatile. Although [name_u]Max[/name_u] is versatile too. But I guess I like the sound of [name_m]Graham[/name_m] better. I prefer the [name_m]Graham[/name_m] spelling also. I see what you mean about the silent letters but since the alternative is [name_m]Gram[/name_m], and that doesn’t feel right, I would accept [name_m]Graham[/name_m]. [name_m]Gram[/name_m] weirdly reminds me of a nickname to a grandparent whereas [name_m]Graham[/name_m] doesn’t.

Graham is different than [name_m]Jack[/name_m]. [name_u]Max[/name_u] is probably more similar. However [name_m]Graham[/name_m] and [name_m]Jack[/name_m] feel more like brother names for me. Hopefully that makes sense!
But either way you can’t go wrong. Both are beautiful choices!

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Congratulations on your newest arrival!

So… I read your pro and con list for each several times and it stumped me. I feel you really can’t go wrong by either way…

My pick would be [name_m]Graham[/name_m].

I remember Jacks middle being [name_u]Sawyer[/name_u]. [name_u]Sawyer[/name_u] means woodcutter and [name_m]Graham[/name_m] means gravelly homestead. So for what it’s worth in regards to meaning I like the visual connection of the two names

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Thank you for the great feedback Rachelhaydenberk!
The middle names would be
[name_u]Max[/name_u] [name_m]Graham[/name_m]
[name_m]Graham[/name_m] [name_m]Alexander[/name_m]

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Thank you [name_u]Alix[/name_u] for reading and the time you took considering! Yes, Jacks middle name is [name_u]Sawyer[/name_u], wow, amazing memory!
Yes, it is stumping, isn’t it, I feel like both are great.

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I would go with [name_u]Max[/name_u], because [name_m]Graham[/name_m] to me is really “[name_u]Gray[/name_u]-um” and while I’ve occasionally heard it pronounced like [name_m]Gram[/name_m], it isn’t intuitive to me and doesn’t truly feel like a one syllable.

Max feels like a better fit for what you want.

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Thank you brittanyanitarose! [name_m]Can[/name_m] I ask what region you’re from? I know [name_m]Graham[/name_m] is more often pronounced in 2 syllables in the UK, so just wondering the regional differences in its pronunciation, if it’s a thing. In the US I haven’t paid a lot of attention but it seems like the 1 syllable pronunciation is more dominant.

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I’m in the US, in the PNW, and occasionally may have been an understatement. I’d say people I’ve met named [name_m]Graham[/name_m] who are closer to my age have said it like [name_m]Gram[/name_m], but little boys I’ve met in the 6 and younger range have largely been [name_u]Gray[/name_u]-um. I think at least where I live it’s beginning to trend towards a more traditional Scottish pronunciation. This may not be a reflection of the area you live in though. Also I really like both of your options in general and don’t really think you can go wrong, [name_u]Max[/name_u] just feels more truly single syllable to me. That and I like that [name_m]Graham[/name_m] would be the middle if you go with [name_u]Max[/name_u] and any situation where both frontrunner names get to be used feels like a winner in my book!

Randomly a possible alternative to [name_u]Max[/name_u] just came to mind, thinking about how you aren’t sure you love the x ending. What do you thinks of [name_m]Mads[/name_m]?

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Thank you brittanyanitarose, I’ve lived in the PNW and definitely noticed some pronunciation differences there than from my region.
Hearing others thought processes and reasoning helps a lot, I truly appreciate it!
I’ve never heard of the name [name_m]Mads[/name_m] before, I predict my husband will turn it down. Thanks for the suggestion!

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I’m so sorry for your loss :broken_heart:

My preference is for [name_u]Max[/name_u]. Firstly, I much prefer it to [name_m]Graham[/name_m], which to me feels a bit dated (although I think [name_m]Graham[/name_m] is perceived quite differently in the US to how it is here in Australia). But apart from that, it complements [name_m]Jack[/name_m] much more so in style and I also love the alliteration of [name_u]Max[/name_u] Mc-.

I’m not sure if you’ve considered any of these but some others you may like are:

Rex
[name_u]Claude[/name_u]
[name_u]Kit[/name_u]
[name_u]Dane[/name_u]
[name_u]Gus[/name_u]
[name_u]Ray[/name_u]
[name_u]Jude[/name_u]
[name_u]Kai[/name_u]
[name_u]Miles[/name_u]
[name_u]Fox[/name_u]
[name_u]Gray[/name_u]
[name_u]Jem[/name_u]
[name_u]Rafe[/name_u]
[name_u]Finn[/name_u]
[name_u]Quinn[/name_u]
[name_m]Ted[/name_m]
[name_u]Van[/name_u]
[name_u]Ash[/name_u]

I hope you’re able to find the right name!

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I look forward to a future announcement!

I did just want to make you aware I noticed that NB considers [name_u]Max[/name_u] to be unisex. I noticed that the name was green not blue and clicked on the name description and it does list some female [name_u]Max[/name_u]’s mostly shortened nn but I did see an actual character [name_u]Max[/name_u] played by [name_f]Jessica[/name_f] [name_f]Alba[/name_f] I guess.

I know the spelling of [name_m]Graham[/name_m] throws you off a bit and it also dawned on me that maybe [name_m]Grant[/name_m] might be something to consider? But that being said…

I do really like both your possible combos you have! Good luck on this naming journey :green_heart:

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Through my snooping in past posts I have noticed people from Austrlia and the UK have a different perception of the name [name_m]Graham[/name_m], as it must have been used a lot in the older generation. In the US from my experience, few older than mid-30s have the name.
Yes, I like how [name_u]Max[/name_u] sounds with the last name and pairs with [name_m]Jack[/name_m] as well.
Thank you for all the great suggestions, I’ll have my husband look at them.
[name_u]Van[/name_u] reminds me of [name_u]Vaughn[/name_u], a strong favorite of mine, but again the spelling isn’t short or straightforward, and I couldn’t get hubs on board.

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I really like [name_u]Max[/name_u] for you. Straight foward, cheerful and to the point like [name_m]Jack[/name_m]

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I prefer [name_m]Graham[/name_m] personally. Either will be good.

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Of your two- I like [name_m]Graham[/name_m].

I really like [name_u]Max[/name_u] and I usually love alliteration but [name_u]Max[/name_u] Mc—- seem a little too close- could be heard as mac mac?

The extra letters in [name_m]Graham[/name_m] also bug me as well… I much prefer [name_m]Grant[/name_m] but appreciate it has significance to you and [name_m]Graham[/name_m] has a great sound.

Good luck and my heart goes out to you over your loss of [name_m]Jack[/name_m] :broken_heart:

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I love both names - but like others have said, I would pronounce [name_m]Graham[/name_m] with two syllables. Of course I would change that immediately once corrected, but I think you might have to deal with that at first quite often. So therefore my vote goes to [name_u]Max[/name_u]!

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My vote goes to [name_u]Max[/name_u]!

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From your two choices I prefer [name_m]Graham[/name_m].

Other suggestions that I think go well with [name_m]Jack[/name_m]:

Luke
[name_u]Jude[/name_u]
[name_u]Blake[/name_u]
[name_m]Grant[/name_m]
[name_u]Lee[/name_u]
[name_m]Wells[/name_m]
[name_m]Cole[/name_m]
[name_m]Wes[/name_m]

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I’m so sorry for your loss. Congratulations on your little rainbow baby. I think both [name_u]Max[/name_u] and [name_m]Graham[/name_m] are super cute! [name_u]Max[/name_u] seems to fit your purpose a little better and I think it is such a sweet name. Have you considered [name_m]Grant[/name_m] as an alternative to [name_m]Graham[/name_m]? Is has a similar sound but doesn’t have the extra letters and is more straight forward. I wish you so much luck for the future and in picking a name you love :heart:

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Thank you [name_u]Alix[/name_u]!
I had pitched [name_m]Grant[/name_m] as an option to hubby but he said it’s a name of one of his cousins and he wasn’t into it. I do like [name_m]Grant[/name_m].