Thoughts on Finley and Reid!

Boy Names
1

Hi everyone,

I’ve been loving the name Finley for a while now, and it’s been my #1 boy name. I love the nickname Finn and can totally picture it on a kid, but I’m just a little unsure if I can see it on an adult as easily. I’m sure I’ll get over that in time, though. What do you think? Does Finley age well?

On the other hand, I’ve recently started loving Reid, especially with the “ei” spelling rather than “ee.” But I’m a bit hung up on the fact that Reid and Read sound exactly the same. It feels a little odd to think about saying something like, “Reid, can you read this?” and I’m worried it could lead to teasing - especially if my child is really good at or struggles with reading. (Though I know kids will find ways to tease regardless!) Do you think I’m overthinking it, or is it something I should consider more seriously?

Another concern is that most of the names I like have a nickname option, but Reid doesn’t really lend itself to that, and I wouldn’t want him to feel left out compared to potential siblings. Also, while the red hair meaning of Reid is cute (since I have red hair myself), I don’t think whether or not my child has red hair would impact my decision to call him that or not.

I’m also open to other suggestions! Here are some other boy names I like: Levi, Harvey, Reuben, Rowan, Archer, Malakai

Also, just to note, my top girl name is Elara.

Thanks so much in advance for your help and feedback!

2

On [name_m]Finley[/name_m]: I know several adult Finns who wear the name well and never seemed to have any issue with it! Never met a [name_m]Finley[/name_m] of any age, but with it being so on-trend, by the time a baby [name_m]Finley[/name_m] becomes an adult it will be a very normal, standard name for an adult man to have.

[name_f][/name_f]

On [name_m]Reid[/name_m]: I’ve never made the connection to the word “read”! It does make me think of “rid”, as in “to get rid of someone/something” but I really don’t think it’s a big deal or that he would get teased for either the read or the rid connection. It’s not an especially funny or embarrassing association :woman_shrugging:[name_f][/name_f] Your example of [name_m]Reid[/name_m] getting teased for being above/below average at reading is unlikely, in my opinion, but even if it did happen, is it that bad? I doubt that some joke that someone would only ever make around the age when kids are learning to read at school, so 4-6, would ruin his name for his entire life.

[name_f][/name_f]

Names with similar vibes: [name_m]Rhys[/name_m], [name_m]Maxwell[/name_m], [name_m]Jude[/name_m], [name_m]Asher[/name_m], [name_m]Duncan[/name_m], [name_m]Emerson[/name_m], [name_m]Callum[/name_m], [name_m]Milo[/name_m], [name_m]Percy[/name_m], [name_m]Felix[/name_m], [name_m]Tristan[/name_m], [name_m]Wesley[/name_m], [name_m]Cooper[/name_m], [name_m]Remy[/name_m], [name_m]Jacoby[/name_m], [name_m]Rafferty[/name_m], [name_m]Blaise[/name_m], [name_m]Asa[/name_m], [name_m]Edison[/name_m], [name_m]Leon[/name_m], [name_m]Fintan[/name_m], [name_m]Jem[/name_m], [name_m]Callahan[/name_m], [name_m]Preston[/name_m], [name_m]Orion[/name_m], [name_m]Quentin[/name_m], [name_f][/name_f] [name_f][/name_f] [name_m]Shepherd[/name_m], [name_m]Harrison[/name_m], [name_m]Holden[/name_m]

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[name_m]Finley[/name_m] gives me little boy energy, but there’s plenty of names which have the nickname Finn; [name_m]Finneas[/name_m], [name_m]Finnegan[/name_m], [name_m]Finbar[/name_m], [name_m]Finnian[/name_m], [name_m]Finnick[/name_m], [name_m]Fintan[/name_m], [name_m]Griffin[/name_m].

[name_f][/name_f]

[name_m]Reid[/name_m] is a great name, definitely growing in popularity. Alternative could be [name_m]Rhys[/name_m] “Rees”, others wiith the same vibe; [name_m]Wyatt[/name_m], [name_m]Grant[/name_m], [name_m]Rhett[/name_m], [name_m]Seth[/name_m], [name_m]Jacob[/name_m], [name_m]Logan[/name_m] or [name_m]Caleb[/name_m].

[name_f][/name_f]

With a red-head meaning; [name_m]Flynn[/name_m], [name_m]Rowan[/name_m], [name_m]Rory[/name_m], [name_m]Keegan[/name_m], [name_m]Rooney[/name_m]

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I think [name_m]Finley[/name_m] ages fine – worst case, the child could always go by [name_m]Finley[/name_m] in his youth and then change to just [name_m]Finn[/name_m] in adulthood, which I can easily picture. [name_m]Reid[/name_m] is very handsome, and I don’t mind the “read” situation.
[name_f][/name_f]Both names go so well with [name_f]Elara[/name_f] too!

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5

On [name_m]Finley[/name_m]: I would have no concerns about [name_m]Finley[/name_m] aging well! I suppose the -lee ending is generally associated with diminutives (Charlie, [name_m]Billy[/name_m], [name_m]Ollie[/name_m], etc.), but [name_m]Finley[/name_m] is a full name in its own right.

[name_f][/name_f]

On [name_m]Reid[/name_m]: I can see your concerns, but I think it’s a non-issue. As far as teasing, it’s a possibility, but nothing that should last beyond childhood years. I don’t think it’s enough of a problem to rule it out if you love it. As far as nicknames, I find they often develop one way or another regardless of the person’s name. And I doubt many people would know the meaning of [name_m]Reid[/name_m] off the top of their head. From what I understand, it also refers to a ruddy complexion as well as red hair anyway.

[name_f][/name_f]

A few other suggestions: [name_m]Dexter[/name_m], [name_m]Winston[/name_m], [name_m]Lewis[/name_m], [name_m]Abel[/name_m], [name_m]Clark[/name_m], [name_m]Percy[/name_m], [name_m]Sawyer[/name_m], [name_m]Everett[/name_m], [name_m]Beckett[/name_m], [name_m]Dean[/name_m], [name_m]Lincoln[/name_m], [name_m]Bennett[/name_m], [name_m]Xavier[/name_m], [name_m]Cyrus[/name_m], [name_m]Tobias[/name_m]

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I’ve known two adult Finleys (well, one is Finlay)! One would be in his late 20s now, the other is a teacher where I work :grin:[name_f][/name_f] [name_f][/name_f] They both wore it well!

[name_f][/name_f]

If you were to have a [name_m]Finley[/name_m] in the (near) future, it would grow with him, especially with it being a familiar name among kids at the moment.

[name_f][/name_f]

[name_m]Reid[/name_m] is nice [name_f][/name_f]- charming, handsome, and solid.

[name_f][/name_f]

I think the Reid/Read thing might occasionally get brought up as a sort of playful joke? But not something people would go on about. It’s not a super popular name but it’s not unheard of, so it can be separated from the word, if that makes sense?

[name_f][/name_f]

While [name_m]Reid[/name_m] might not have an obvious nickname, he might develop one separate from his name [name_f][/name_f]- or sort of adjacent to his name? Like RJ, [name_m]Ari[/name_m], [name_m]Sonny[/name_m], [name_m]Red[/name_m], [name_m]Rex[/name_m], Reedy, [name_f]Ree[/name_f], Rio…

[name_f][/name_f]

A few ideas based on [name_m]Finley[/name_m] and [name_m]Reid[/name_m]:

[name_f][/name_f]

[name_m]Julian[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Cedric[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Cormac[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Conrad[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Tobias[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Franklin[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Rafferty[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Brody[/name_m]

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7

I like [name_m]Finley[/name_m]! I think it would age fine because the name really suits the person, and I’ve met adults with younger sounding names and never questioned it.

[name_f][/name_f]

[name_m]Reid[/name_m] is such a lovely name [name_f][/name_f]- recently added it to my own list. If you’re a musician perhaps the connection to reeds for instruments could be an enjoyable connection. I’ve also known a guy named [name_m]Reid[/name_m] and nobody has EVER questioned his name or made remarks about it!

[name_f][/name_f]

[name_f]My[/name_f] favorite between the two is definitely [name_m]Reid[/name_m]. Plus, a lot of times you’ll end up with a nickname for your child anyway [name_f][/name_f]- my name is not nicknameable but I have so many pet names that my family call me. Additionally, my sister has a “name” nickname and I don’t, but I’ve never ever felt left out because of it!

[name_f][/name_f]

TLDR; I think [name_m]Reid[/name_m] is the loveliest choice and you can rest easy!! It’s just my opinion, but I’m hardcore crushing on it right now too haha.

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8

I feel like I also have a difficult time picture [name_m]Finn[/name_m] or [name_m]Finley[/name_m] on an adult. But I think that’s because all of the Finn/Finley that I know are kids! I don’t any adults with that name yet. Since it’s more recently become a trendy name I think we’ll be able to picture it as an “adult name” once those kids reach becoming an adult. So I do think it will age just fine!

[name_f][/name_f]

I understand what you’re saying about the Reid/Read thing! There’s also [name_m]Reed[/name_m] which is used for mouth pieces for some instruments. But I feel like there’s many names that fall into this category too! Names like [name_m]River[/name_m], [name_f]Sage[/name_f], [name_f]Paige[/name_f], [name_f]Willow[/name_f], etc all are also words or objects besides just names. They’re still perfectly usable names! Like you said, kids will tease other kids about pretty much anything, so I don’t think using the name [name_m]Reid[/name_m] will necessarily be a thing kids tease him about. However, it seems like you have a lot of potential concerns about using the name [name_m]Reid[/name_m]. It is a great name, but if you’re worried about teasing or the meaning or nickname options, then it might not be the right name for you which is okay!

[name_f][/name_f]

Some other suggestions…
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Clayton[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Onyx[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Warren[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Hendrix[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Casey[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Gideon[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Colter[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Harvey[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Cruz[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Dakota[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Collin[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Briggs[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Jared[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Colson[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Banks[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Bowen[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Daxton[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Sullivan[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Odin[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Spencer[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Killian[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Atticus[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Marcus[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Maxwell[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Roman[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Liam[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Regan[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Hugo[/name_m]

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I love [name_m]Finley[/name_m]! [name_f][/name_f] He’s on my own list too. [name_f][/name_f] I read a novel a few years ago with a [name_m]Finley[/name_m] in it… that helps I think, but I definitely see [name_m]Finley[/name_m] aging well! [name_f][/name_f] Feels somewhat similar to [name_m]Bradley[/name_m] or [name_m]Bailey[/name_m] to me… ends in -ley but a name that transitions well!

[name_f][/name_f]

I’ve known a couple Reid’s and none of them have had an issue with it from what I know? [name_f][/name_f] [name_m]Reid[/name_m] is a familiar and timeless name; it might get comparisons to “read” but I wouldn’t let that be a dealbreaker for me.

[name_f][/name_f]

While most of your favorites could have a nn, I don’t think any of them particularly NEED one, so I wouldn’t be too concerned about that either. [name_f][/name_f] I am the only one of my siblings (there are 4 of us) that does not have a nn, and while I’ve been a little bummed about it in adulthood, I didn’t even notice it until I was probably in college, and my brother doesn’t go by his nn to new acquaintances anymore and I am the only one that uses my sister’s nickname. [name_f][/name_f] You never know what’ll happen, and I think [name_m]Finley[/name_m] and [name_m]Reid[/name_m] make a great sibset!

[name_f][/name_f]

Here’s a few other ideas if you want them, though:

[name_f][/name_f]

[name_m]Julian[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Bennett[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Oslo[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Pax[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Ronan[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Mordecai[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Conan[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Lorcan[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Lennox[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Desmond[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Sumner[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Seamus[/name_m]

[name_f][/name_f]

Good luck!

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Oh my gosh [name_m]Finley[/name_m] and [name_m]Reid[/name_m] sound like perfect brothers [name_f][/name_f].
[name_f][/name_f]I know plenty of adult Fin’s and I think it ages perfectly.

[name_f][/name_f]

[name_m]Reid[/name_m] is one of those names I love [name_f][/name_f]- but would hesitate to use because I would worry about spelling [name_f][/name_f]. I adore it as a name but I do feel like that’s my biggest hand up. I don’t think there is much teasing potential [name_f][/name_f]. I also know adult Reid’s so I think it ages well too. The [name_m]Reid[/name_m] I knows gets called Reider as a nickname

[name_f][/name_f]

I like a lot of your other boy name crushes too. I will add [name_f][/name_f]:
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Graham[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Elliott[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Sawyer[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Jude[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Declan[/name_m]