The struggle is REAL! Need opinions!

Boy Names
1

It’s official, we’re having a boy! But that means I’m totally lost as to what to name him. Of course I had 3 (or more) solid girls names picked out but we are completely stumped on the boys side. I don’t even know what my style is! I feel like I’ve been through literally every name imaginable and nothing seems right. So I wanted to put some of my thoughts down and get some feedback and help from you lovely berries.
We have a daughter already who’s name is [name_m]Emrys[/name_m] [name_f]Zoe[/name_f]. Because her name is so unique where we live I’m torn about how unique my boys name should be too. Does that even matter?
Anyway, here’s a list of some names we’re tossing around, and I would love to hear what you guys think and if you have a favorite or any suggestions. Or one that you absolutely hate and think it would be a tragedy naming a human that, I want to know that too.
Last name is Ru$$o.

[name_u]TATUM[/name_u]- my top name at the moment. I like it, DH isn’t convinced. He says it doesn’t sound like a real name.

[name_m]JASPER[/name_m]- DH’s top pick, has been for a while. I’m just not sure. Feels a little too common for me. And no good nn.

[name_m]CALLOWAY[/name_m]/[name_m]CALLAHAN[/name_m]- DH thinks they’re “too much”. I really like the nn [name_u]Cal[/name_u].

[name_u]ASA[/name_u]- We both really like this, but think it sounds funny with our last name.

ASAPH- does this sound better with last name? I like it but prefer pronunciation A-seph, which I know isn’t technically correct. But I don’t know if I like it when said correctly.

[name_m]THATCHER[/name_m]- I like a lot. DH says it reminds him of the movie A Knights Tale. I don’t see why that’s bad, we love that movie. And sister says it sounds too similar to her ex’s name.

[name_u]EMMETT[/name_u]- I’m worried about it being too matchy with sisters name.

[name_m]NAHUM[/name_m]- we both like, I’m just not sure.

[name_m]QUINTEN[/name_m]/[name_u]QUINCY[/name_u]- I like nn [name_u]Quinn[/name_u]. I don’t like that I never know how to spell [name_m]Quinten[/name_m] and that it gets the first N cut off and it sounds like a quitin’. [name_u]Quincy[/name_u] I prefer with the harder Z sound but feel everyone probably says it with a softer C sound. Not sure if both these anmes are a little too preppy for us.

[name_u]FINN[/name_u]- I really like but was worried it was becoming too trendy and then [name_f]Star[/name_f] Wars had to go and use it and really confirm my concerns.

[name_m]PHINEAS[/name_m]- nice way to get to [name_u]Finn[/name_u] nn but it might be a little too stuffy/nerdy?

[name_u]ARDEN[/name_u]- we like, not crazy about it.

[name_m]FORRESTER[/name_m]- not sure if this sounds like I’m trying too hard. DH thinks of the car.

[name_m]WALDEN[/name_m]- kinda like but hate nn [name_u]Wally[/name_u].

[name_u]SAWYER[/name_u]- Dh thinks it’s silly that his name is [name_m]Tom[/name_m] and his son would be [name_u]Sawyer[/name_u]. I think it’s kind of cute. Not sure if it’s too trendy.

SHILOH- I really love this name and thought of using it for a girl. I know it’s technically for both genders but is used way more for girls. So is it too girly for a boy?

ABRAM- DH really likes. I feel it’s a little too heavy maybe.

Other names I’m thinking of but haven’t discussed with DH yet:
[name_m]Benno[/name_m] (maybe [name_m]Benicio[/name_m])
[name_m]Thayer[/name_m]
[name_m]Latham[/name_m]
[name_u]Barrett[/name_u]
[name_m]Severin[/name_m]
[name_u]Sabin[/name_u]

Most of the names in my signature have been ruled out by DH, but if you think one is great and I should try to convince him otherwise, please let me know :slight_smile:
Sorry this post was so long! Thank you thank you thank you in advance for responding!

2

This probably won’t be much help but when I saw your daughters name the first name to come to mind was [name_u]Rhys[/name_u]. That may not be close to your style at all but I had to suggest it!

Of your list I like [name_m]Thatcher[/name_m] and [name_u]Sawyer[/name_u] with your daughters name :slight_smile:

3

The struggle is indeed real!
It is definitely harder to name a boy.

Of your list, I like [name_m]Jasper[/name_m], [name_u]Asa[/name_u] and [name_u]Quincy[/name_u] best, though I think [name_u]Quinn[/name_u] on its own is pretty great.
I agree that [name_u]Emmett[/name_u] is too close to your daughters name- but have you considered [name_u]Everett[/name_u]? (nn [name_m]Rhett[/name_m] is awesome, btw :slight_smile:
Your mention of [name_u]Sabin[/name_u] is really interesting though! I like it!

Best of luck!

4

[name_u]Tatum[/name_u] - I really like this one. Especially for a boy.

[name_m]Jasper[/name_m] - I really like this one as well. [name_u]Jay[/name_u], [name_u]Jace[/name_u], [name_u]Jazz[/name_u], or [name_m]Jack[/name_m] might work as nicknames?

[name_m]Calloway[/name_m]/[name_m]Callahan[/name_m] - I don’t think [name_m]Callahan[/name_m] is quite for me. [name_m]Calloway[/name_m] has a bouncy, lyrical quality, and I sort of like it, but I can see why your husband thinks it’s too much. What about [name_u]Calder[/name_u] or [name_m]Calum[/name_m] / [name_m]Callum[/name_m] to get to [name_u]Cal[/name_u]?

[name_u]Asa[/name_u] - I like [name_u]Asa[/name_u] a lot, but I agree that I don’t like it with your surname.

Asaph - I love this one, but I’m a little concerned, because I say it A-seph as well, and I think I’m not quite sure what the “correct” way would even be honestly. I really like the name Asaph, though.

[name_m]Thatcher[/name_m] - I think I like this one least.

[name_u]Emmett[/name_u] - I love [name_u]Emmett[/name_u], but I wouldn’t use it with your daughter’s name. [name_m]Way[/name_m] too matchy.

[name_m]Nahum[/name_m] - I have never seen this name before, and I’m not quite sure what I think of it. I definitely don’t hate it.

[name_m]Quinten[/name_m]/[name_u]Quincy[/name_u] - I don’t think either of these names are for me.

[name_u]Finn[/name_u] - I like this, but I wouldn’t use it, because I think it’s more trendy and popular than I would be comfortable with.

[name_m]Phineas[/name_m] - I like this a lot. I don’t think it’s nerdy or stuffy.

[name_u]Arden[/name_u] - From your description, it sounds like this isn’t the name for you.

[name_m]Forrester[/name_m] - I don’t hate this. I think I’d like [name_m]Forrest[/name_m] or [name_m]Forest[/name_m] better.

[name_m]Walden[/name_m] - Not really a fan of this.

[name_u]Sawyer[/name_u] - Too popular for me. What about [name_m]Sayer[/name_m]?

[name_u]Shiloh[/name_u] - I really, really like this on a boy. I can’t say if it would be too “girly”, because that sort of stuff doesn’t bother me. You’re the only one you can really decide what you can or can’t live with.

[name_m]Abram[/name_m] - I’m not sure if you like [name_m]Bram[/name_m], but I love this as a way to get to [name_m]Bram[/name_m] as a nickname.

Other names I’m thinking of but haven’t discussed with DH yet:
[name_m]Benno[/name_m] (maybe [name_m]Benicio[/name_m]) - I really, really like [name_m]Benno[/name_m]. I’m not really a fan of [name_m]Benicio[/name_m].
[name_m]Thayer[/name_m] - I’m sort of lukewarm on this. I like it a little.
[name_m]Latham[/name_m] - My reaction to this one is pretty much the same as my reaction to [name_m]Nahum[/name_m] - it’s completely unfamiliar to me and I don’t quite know what I think, but I don’t dislike it.
[name_u]Barrett[/name_u] - It’s okay. I don’t hate or love it.
[name_m]Severin[/name_m] - I like this.
[name_u]Sabin[/name_u] - I like this.
[name_m]Bogart[/name_m] - I really don’t like this. It immediately makes me think of bogarting a cigarette or a joint, and I’ve never really been a smoker.

5

My suggestion for you: [name_m]Ramsey[/name_m]. It’s not in the top 1000 in the US, but it’s recognizable.

6

What about [name_u]Tate[/name_u]? I honestly think [name_u]Tate[/name_u] [name_m]Jasper[/name_m] is a nice combination!

7

Faxyn or Faxxyn, Onnyx, Othniel, [name_u]Urban[/name_u] or Urbyn, [name_m]Isom[/name_m],Utecus(you-te-cuss),Lalen(lay-len)

8

You have so many great names on your list!

[name_u]Love[/name_u] [name_u]Tatum[/name_u]. nn [name_u]Tate[/name_u]?

[name_u]Asa[/name_u]: I agree, not with your ln. What do you think of [name_u]Alva[/name_u]?

Asaph: never heard, first thoughts was ASAP+h. [name_m]How[/name_m] about [name_m]Aleph[/name_m]?

[name_m]Thatcher[/name_m]: makes me think of [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] [name_m]Thatcher[/name_m]… So not my fav.

[name_m]Nahum[/name_m]: [name_u]Love[/name_u]!

[name_u]Quinn[/name_u] names: how about [name_m]Quinlan[/name_m] or [name_m]Quimby[/name_m]? nn [name_u]Quin[/name_u] or Quim.

[name_u]Finn[/name_u] & [name_u]Sawyer[/name_u]: yes, trendy.

[name_m]Phineas[/name_m]: [name_u]Love[/name_u]!

[name_u]Shiloh[/name_u]: yes, girly. [name_u]Shiloh[/name_u] [name_f]Jolie[/name_f]-[name_m]Pitt[/name_m].

[name_m]Severin[/name_m]: [name_u]Love[/name_u]!

9

Haha I must be the only one that really likes [name_m]Thatcher[/name_m]. So cool.

I like [name_m]Jasper[/name_m] too. Or what about [name_f]Jade[/name_f]?

10

I don’t think [name_u]Asa[/name_u] sounds bad with your surname at all - my own first name and surname combined are even S heavier than [name_m]Emrys[/name_m] Ru$$o or [name_u]Asa[/name_u] Ru$$o, but as long as it doesn’t sound rhymey or cartoony with the surname (which [name_u]Asa[/name_u] doesn’t), I think it works. As it seems to be a top name for you and your husband, AND sounds good with your daughter’s name, it seems a pity to let [name_u]Asa[/name_u] go just for that reason.

11

I like [name_m]Jasper[/name_m], [name_u]Emmett[/name_u] and [name_m]Thatcher[/name_m] the most. I think [name_m]Thatcher[/name_m] is handsome and distinctive. I have a friend named [name_m]Thatcher[/name_m] and it fits him very well. I think it works on a child as well as an adult and is classy and unique. [name_m]Abram[/name_m], [name_m]Walden[/name_m] and [name_m]Phineas[/name_m] are also very nice choices and I don’t think [name_m]Walden[/name_m] would be shortened to [name_u]Wally[/name_u].

12

[name_u]TATUM[/name_u]: not a fan of this. It is more of a surname than a name if you ask me. I’ll grant you it works well with [name_m]Emrys[/name_m] and your last name, though.

[name_m]JASPER[/name_m]: I like it, but if you like really unusual names then it’s probably not for you. [name_m]How[/name_m] about soundalike [name_m]Jesper[/name_m] ([name_u]JESS[/name_u]-per or YESS-per)?

[name_m]CALLOWAY[/name_m]/[name_m]CALLAHAN[/name_m]: [name_u]Cal[/name_u] is a lovely nn and I like both of these. [name_m]Calloway[/name_m] feels more whimsical and [name_m]Callahan[/name_m] more rugged. I think [name_m]Calloway[/name_m] is a better fit with [name_m]Emrys[/name_m].

[name_u]ASA[/name_u]: love it, but agree about the surname.

ASAPH: it’s OK, but I still think not great with your surname. [name_m]How[/name_m] about [name_m]Aleph[/name_m]?

[name_m]THATCHER[/name_m]: I don’t like surname names as a rule, and this just makes me think of [name_f]Margaret[/name_f].

[name_u]EMMETT[/name_u]: too matchy. [name_u]Everett[/name_u]? [name_u]Everest[/name_u]?

[name_m]NAHUM[/name_m]: never heard of this, and I’m not a huge fan tbh. [name_m]How[/name_m] about [name_m]Noam[/name_m] or [name_m]Naim[/name_m]?

[name_m]QUINTEN[/name_m]/[name_u]QUINCY[/name_u]: really strongly dislike both of these. I find Q names just sound squelchy and gross… sorry.

[name_u]FINN[/name_u]: [name_u]Finn[/name_u] is lovely but crazy popular here in the UK with all the Finleys/Finlays running around. I think [name_f]Star[/name_f] Wars will see it climbing in the US too.

[name_m]PHINEAS[/name_m]: it is lovely but I have the same worry about it seeming a bit overblown. [name_m]Fintan[/name_m], [name_m]Finbar[/name_m], [name_m]Finlo[/name_m], [name_m]Finnian[/name_m] and [name_m]Griffin[/name_m] are other ways to get to [name_u]Finn[/name_u].

[name_u]ARDEN[/name_u]: it’s OK, maybe leans a bit feminine now though? It sounds nice with [name_m]Emrys[/name_m] and Russo.

[name_m]FORRESTER[/name_m]: it’s OK but I don’t think it works too well with your surname.

[name_m]WALDEN[/name_m]: feels a bit old and dorky. [name_m]How[/name_m] about [name_m]Walt[/name_m]? I feel like that is more vintage-cool than [name_m]Walden[/name_m].

[name_u]SAWYER[/name_u]: I think the [name_m]Tom[/name_m] [name_u]Sawyer[/name_u] thing is a bit much. It’s not my favourite.

[name_u]SHILOH[/name_u]: not too girly, I think it’s lovely and has just the same feel as [name_m]Emrys[/name_m].

[name_m]ABRAM[/name_m]: I really like it. It’s no heavier than [name_u]Tatum[/name_u] and I love nn [name_m]Bram[/name_m].

[name_m]Benno[/name_m] (maybe [name_m]Benicio[/name_m]): prefer [name_m]Benno[/name_m]. Too much “o” though with your surname.

[name_m]Thayer[/name_m]: not my style. [name_m]How[/name_m] about [name_u]Thames[/name_u]?

[name_m]Latham[/name_m], [name_u]Barrett[/name_u], [name_m]Severin[/name_m], [name_u]Sabin[/name_u], [name_m]Bogart[/name_m]: all nms.

13

The only one I really liked by looking at everything, daughter’s name, last name and all the rest is - [name_m]Phineas[/name_m].

I think it works best all around.

14

On no… I just wrote this big long thing for you and it deleted! AHHH

Ok, I’m just going to do my top 6: [name_m]Jasper[/name_m], [name_m]Callahan[/name_m] ([name_u]Cal[/name_u]), [name_u]Quincy[/name_u], [name_u]Sawyer[/name_u], [name_m]Abram[/name_m] & [name_m]Bennett[/name_m] nn [name_m]Benno[/name_m].

Consider [name_m]Bennett[/name_m] - similar to [name_u]Emmett[/name_u] & [name_u]Barrett[/name_u], but unique. And gives you the wonderful nn [name_m]Benno[/name_m].

[name_f]Edit[/name_f]: [name_m]How[/name_m] about [name_u]Tate[/name_u] instead of [name_u]Tatum[/name_u]??? I really much prefer [name_u]Tate[/name_u], parcially because of [name_u]Channing[/name_u] [name_u]Tatum[/name_u].

15

[name_m]Ramsey[/name_m] Ru$$o :slight_smile:

16

@trippindippy I do like the name [name_u]Rhys[/name_u], however i feel it might be a little too matchy with his sister and our surname.

@jfa Naming a boy is so much harder than I thought it was going to be! We have discussed [name_u]Everett[/name_u] because I love it, and I love [name_m]Rhett[/name_m]. But sadly DH for some reason vetoed it :frowning:

@nono thank you! this was very helpful! Asaph technically rhymes with staff, so the second “A” sound is as in apple. I really like the suggestion of [name_m]Sayer[/name_m]. Idk why I didn’t have that on mylist since I have [name_m]Thayer[/name_m] and [name_u]Sawyer[/name_u]. Definitely adding it. I’m glad someone else like [name_u]Shiloh[/name_u] on a boy. It’s such a great name! I like [name_m]Bram[/name_m] better than [name_m]Abe[/name_m], so I’m gonna mull on that one. And I’m not a smoker neither is anyone in my family so I’ve never heard of the term [name_m]Bogart[/name_m] related to cigarettes. So thank you for pointing that out!

@felicitysmoak thank you for your suggestion. [name_m]Ramsey[/name_m] is a cool name. It’s not really my style though.

@geminirising [name_u]Tate[/name_u] [name_m]Jasper[/name_m] sounds really nice! Thank you

@elva I really like [name_u]Onyx[/name_u] and [name_u]Urban[/name_u]. But Dh def doesn’t. They’re more like GP for me :slight_smile:

@vc2013 Thank you for your feedback! I really do like [name_m]Aleph[/name_m] and it sounds better with our LN. [name_m]Quinlan[/name_m] is nice. I was thinking maybe even Quinnan?

@truenature I love [name_m]Thatcher[/name_m] too! I was surprised by all the hate. LOL! [name_f]Jade[/name_f] is really nice, but some of our friends just named their baby girl this :frowning: I really admire your unique naming style so it’s nice to know you like [name_m]Jasper[/name_m]. I guess I’m just worried it’s too “mainstream”. Idk- hormones! lol

@ciottolo I’m so glad you like [name_u]Asa[/name_u]. We have our concerns but we do love it, that’s why it’s still on our list. It would be such a pity to let it go! We definitely will be considering it again!

@nomen I’m glad to get some more love for [name_m]Thatcher[/name_m]! And know that it works well on a grown man. Sometimes we forget our little baby boys are going to be big adults someday and their names have to grow with them.

@ew314 I like [name_m]Jesper[/name_m] a lot! I’m a little concerned it will always be confused though for [name_m]Jasper[/name_m]. Maybe still worth it though :slight_smile: And I really like [name_m]Aleph[/name_m], it’s going on the list! [name_m]Noam[/name_m] is nice but we have a little [name_u]Noah[/name_u] in our friends circle, it might be a little too close. I like [name_m]Fintan[/name_m]! I’m going to keep that one. I’m so happy to hear you like [name_u]Shiloh[/name_u]! I love it too and think it sounds great with [name_m]Emrys[/name_m]. [name_u]Thames[/name_u] is very cool I’m def going to add that one too.

17

[name_u]LOVE[/name_u] (*top 3):
*[name_m]Jasper[/name_m]
*[name_u]Tatum[/name_u]
[name_m]Callahan[/name_m]
[name_u]Shiloh[/name_u]
[name_u]Arden[/name_u]
*[name_u]River[/name_u]

Like:
[name_u]Emmett[/name_u]
[name_u]Quincy[/name_u]
[name_m]Phineas[/name_m]
[name_m]Forrester[/name_m]
[name_u]Sawyer[/name_u]
[name_m]Benicio[/name_m]
[name_m]Ansel[/name_m]
[name_m]Beckett[/name_m]

Not a fan:
[name_m]Abram[/name_m]
[name_m]Walden[/name_m]
[name_u]Finn[/name_u]
[name_m]Nahum[/name_m]
[name_m]Thatcher[/name_m]
Asaph
[name_u]Asa[/name_u]
[name_m]Thayer[/name_m]
[name_m]Latham[/name_m]
[name_u]Barrett[/name_u]
[name_m]Severin[/name_m]
[name_u]Sabin[/name_u]
[name_m]Bogart[/name_m]

18

[name_u]TATUM[/name_u]–I’m with your DH on this one. It sounds more like a member of a boy band than anything, to me.

[name_m]JASPER[/name_m]- I really like it, and I don’t think it’s too common. It may feel common on NB, but probably not on the playground, unless you happen to know of other little Jaspers in your area.

[name_m]CALLOWAY[/name_m]/[name_m]CALLAHAN[/name_m]- again, I’m with your DH

[name_u]ASA[/name_u]- [name_u]Love[/name_u] this name! I don’t think the sounds clash that badly with your last name, either. Kind of melodious in a good way, IMHO.

ASAPH- I like this, too, but I actually think it would clash more with your last name than [name_u]Asa[/name_u].

[name_m]THATCHER[/name_m]- A lot of potential here! Depending on how long and torrid a relationship your sister had with her ex, it might be awkward. On the other hand, if she has a long list of short lived relationships, you might not care as much?

[name_u]EMMETT[/name_u]- [name_m]Way[/name_m] too matchy with sister’s name.

[name_m]NAHUM[/name_m]- I would so love to see someone with an adventurous spirit resurrect this biblical prophet name!

[name_m]QUINTEN[/name_m]/[name_u]QUINCY[/name_u]- Meh, too Yuppy for my tastes.

[name_u]FINN[/name_u]- About to become uber-trendy, like [name_f]Isabella[/name_f] did a few years ago. [name_m]Even[/name_m] if it doesn’t in your neighborhood, people will probably ask him if he was named after the SW character.

[name_m]PHINEAS[/name_m]-doesn’t sound nerdy at all to my ears. The only [name_m]Phineas[/name_m] I know [name_m]IRL[/name_m] is an 8 year old with long hair and a skateboard. Maybe it’s just me, though.

[name_u]ARDEN[/name_u]- Does nothing for me.

[name_m]FORRESTER[/name_m]- I like it a lot. Watch “Finding [name_m]Forrester[/name_m]” together before deciding that it sounds too much like a car.

[name_m]WALDEN[/name_m]- No. [name_m]Just[/name_m] no.

[name_u]SAWYER[/name_u]- Pretty trendy, but not necessarily overused. You need to decide how cutsy you want to be. [name_m]Just[/name_m] remember, he’ll eventually be a teenager…

[name_u]SHILOH[/name_u]- This one is 100% in the girls’ camp, to my ears.

[name_m]ABRAM[/name_m]- [name_u]Love[/name_u], love, love! I’ve been campaigning for this one with my DH since baby #3, to no avail.

Other names I’m thinking of but haven’t discussed with DH yet:
[name_m]Benno[/name_m] (maybe [name_m]Benicio[/name_m])
[name_m]Thayer[/name_m]
[name_m]Latham[/name_m]
[name_u]Barrett[/name_u]
[name_m]Severin[/name_m]
[name_u]Sabin[/name_u]

None of these would overtake some of the great choices you’re considering above, IMHO.

HTH! Congratulations!

19

I like [name_m]Jasper[/name_m] and [name_m]Calloway[/name_m] best!

I also like the suggestion of [name_m]Callum[/name_m].

[name_m]How[/name_m] about [name_m]Quillan[/name_m] (nn [name_m]Quill[/name_m])? Or [name_m]Evander[/name_m] ([name_m]Anders[/name_m])? Or [name_m]Xavier[/name_m].

I think [name_m]Thatcher[/name_m] and [name_u]Sawyer[/name_u] are too trendy or cutesy with your beautiful name [name_m]Emrys[/name_m].

I don’t like [name_u]Tatum[/name_u] for a boy.

I think the [name_u]Emmett[/name_u], [name_u]Everett[/name_u], [name_m]Bennett[/name_m], [name_m]Beckett[/name_m] etc are too unspecial/trendy for [name_m]Emrys[/name_m].

I have always loved [name_m]Miles[/name_m] and like it with [name_m]Emrys[/name_m]. (From your signature). Solid, strong not too common name.

[name_m]Forrester[/name_m] makes me think of the car, but I like [name_m]Forrest[/name_m].

20

@tiffanylaina- thanks! [name_m]Jasper[/name_m] might be slightly too trendy for my taste but I love the sound of it and the imagery I get - rocks and lakes and mountains - so I think that makes up for it.
[name_m]Thatcher[/name_m] is cooler though :wink:
If you like my style i’ll link you to my list & you can see if anything jumps out at you. Interesting Finds - Boys | Nameberry