Hi everyone – first time posting here, so forgive me if these types of questions have been asked
Our son is due any day, and we’re down to a few final options. [name_m]Just[/name_m] wanted to get some quick takes on the names Theo (just [name_u]Theo[/name_u] – not short for anything) and Nolan.
How do they strike you? Does [name_u]Theo[/name_u] on its own, without a -dore or the like, feel incomplete or short? Are either too trendy, or you think will age poorly?
Thanks in advance for any replies – really appreciate any thoughts at all!!
I really like both [name_u]Theo[/name_u] and [name_u]Nolan[/name_u]!
Theo doesn’t feel too short on its own. Neither are too trendy, but [name_u]Theo[/name_u] feels trendier than [name_u]Nolan[/name_u], in my opinion. Both will age well, so I think it really comes down to which you like better.
Both are lovely names!
I think [name_u]Theo[/name_u] can stand on its own. People may sometimes assume he’s [name_m]Theodore[/name_m], but I don’t think that’s a big deal. [name_u]Nolan[/name_u] is also really nice!
I do think they’re both ‘‘trendy’’ names, since [name_m]Theodore[/name_m] nickname [name_u]Theo[/name_u] is a very hot, popular option at the moment, and [name_u]Nolan[/name_u] has a modern sound + has been popular for a while these past years. However, [name_u]Theo[/name_u] is the sort form of a traditional name so even if it might feel a bit 2010s/2020s in 20 years, I don’t think it will ever be dated. Same for [name_u]Nolan[/name_u], it’s certainly very modern but it’s been climbing up the rankings steadily for the last 40 years.
I think both age well.
One more question - does it rub anyone the wrong way that “[name_u]Theo[/name_u]” on its own means “God” in Greek? Seem a little pretentious to name a little kiddie “God?”
As part of “[name_m]Theodore[/name_m],” it’s “God-given”…but on its own, might it be a little too much?
I like both, don’t find either to be “too trendy” but give a slight edge to [name_u]Nolan[/name_u]. While [name_u]Theo[/name_u] definitely can and does stand on its own- [name_u]Nolan[/name_u] does seem a little less nicknamey.
I wouldn’t be concerned about [name_u]Theo[/name_u]’s meaning- it’s definitely mainstream enough that no one would think meaning is pretentious.
Both great choices! Good luck!
I don’t think so. It would be one thing if you were naming the kid [name_u]Messiah[/name_u] or [name_m]Lord[/name_m]. I think [name_u]Theo[/name_u] is a very nice name and can stand alone on its own just fine without having to be a short form of [name_m]Theodore[/name_m]. [name_u]Nolan[/name_u] is fine but to me it seems a little dated. Also not sure how you feel about having the word “no” right in the front of the name, especially when he’s a toddler and you’re trying to tell him no
Either way, you have great options. Best of luck on your journey!
Both are nice and have a sporty vibe. [name_u]Theo[/name_u] does sound like a nickname to me but I like it fine on it’s own. I think the O ending helps it to stand alone. Neither one is too trendy in my opinion. I really like both these names a lot but [name_u]Nolan[/name_u] is probably my favorite.
I like them both. I really really love [name_u]Nolan[/name_u] though. It’s strong & handsome & sporty & rugged but still sweet & kind & thoughtful. It’s simple & well known, but not too terribly popular. I hear [name_u]Theo[/name_u](dore) way more than [name_u]Nolan[/name_u]. [name_u]Theo[/name_u] is awfully cute & quirky & I don’t think it’s trendy. It’s a old fashioned name. It does seem a bit incomplete to me w/out the ‘dore’, but I don’t think it’s totally doable.
Maybe take both names to the birth, & he’ll come out w/a name tag. They both give a fairly different vibe to me, that hopefully he’ll look like one or the other.
Since I’m not personally a fan of nickname-names, my preference goes to [name_u]Nolan[/name_u]. I adore [name_m]Theodore[/name_m] nn [name_u]Theo[/name_u], though! I don’t find either trendy despite [name_m]Theodore[/name_m]’s growing popularity.
I think [name_u]Theo[/name_u] can hold its own. I like both names but [name_u]Theo[/name_u] gives me good, warm, cozy feelings while [name_u]Nolan[/name_u] gives me more cool, active, energetic vibes. So, I think it really comes down to which style you prefer.
I’m a big fan of [name_u]Theo[/name_u] (which is much more popular here than any longer form), it never sounded like a nickname to me (same as [name_u]Max[/name_u], for example).
I’m not a huge fan of [name_u]Nolan[/name_u], the sound just doesn’t appeal to me but I think either name will age well!