Thoughts on my husband’s picks?

Boy Names
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Apologies for the spam :sweat_smile:

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I posted a few days ago with a massive list of boys names that were all over the board. [name_f]My[/name_f] husband and I had a chance to reconvene and go over them and I was SHOCKED by what he chose as his top picks.

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Nobel and [name_m]Francis[/name_m] tied as his first choices.

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[name_m]Francis[/name_m] I suggested COUNTLESS times when we were naming our second and he always said it sounded like a girl name. But now he loves it, apparently. Nobel I figured he would say was a word not a name, especially because I’ve tried to sell him on [name_m]Arbor[/name_m] or [name_m]Valor[/name_m] and he vetoes those immediately. I like [name_m]Francis[/name_m] a lot, and I like the idea of Nobel. Not sure if I like it in practice, though?

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[name_m]Clifford[/name_m] was his next choice, which I have also suggested in the past and it was always met with “big red dog!”. I really love [name_m]Clifford[/name_m] but do worry about how it would be received due to the big red dog association. Not a massive fan of [name_m]Clifton[/name_m] as an alternative.

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[name_m]Glenn[/name_m] was next on his list. This is one that has been really growing on me on paper but another I’m [name_f][/name_f] not sure how I feel about in real life? I think maybe [name_m]Glen[/name_m] [name_m]Powell[/name_m] makes it feel more wearable maybe?

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He threw [name_m]Wilbur[/name_m] on his list next, I might have been holding him hostage until he did. That was purely to humor me. :zany_face:

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Then he said possibly [name_m]Gene[/name_m] at the bottom. Which, I have Jeanine/Jean as a middle for a lot of my girl combos. I haven’t decided if I love or hate [name_m]Gene[/name_m] as a first for a boy.

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Anyway, I was fully shocked by all of his choices so thought I would throw them into a condensed list here for any feedback. [name_f]Do[/name_f] you think any or wearable for a boy in 2025/2026? Any strong thoughts or impressions from any? Any we should absolutely 100% veto for forever?

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Thank you and I will try to refrain for spamming the forums… for a minute. :sweat_smile:

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Of these, I honestly think Nobel (Noble?) is the most wearable now. The others come across pretty dated, especially [name_m]Francis[/name_m]. I think the most wearable one would be [name_m]Glenn[/name_m] followed by [name_m]Clifford[/name_m].

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[name_m]Francis[/name_m] is my favourite out of these; the others aren’t really my cup of tea, sorry!

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Okay… but I actually love [name_m]Wilbur[/name_m]. [name_m]Gene[/name_m] & [name_m]Glenn[/name_m] have a sweet/simple/grounded feel that I like as well.

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You and I have a similar taste in names so I like almost all of these and think of all of them as useable. I don’t think ‘dated’ or unpopular makes a name unusable personally.

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The only one I’d hesitate with is Nobel. It makes me think of the Nobel Prize – I’d wonder if there was story related to it. I’m not sure if [name_m]Noble[/name_m] would be the more familiar spelling – I think you’d get both spellings regardless. I think [name_m]Noel[/name_m] or [name_m]Abel[/name_m] would be great alternatives.

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I love [name_m]Francis[/name_m] for you, followed by [name_m]Gene[/name_m] (which is also a top name for me), and then [name_m]Glenn[/name_m]. I wouldn’t do [name_m]Clifford[/name_m] with your youngest son’s name unless you had quite a large family. Too many similar sounds. I’d put Nobel last since it stands out bot in terms of style and popularity.

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Out of all of these I liked [name_m]Gene[/name_m] the most.

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I think all of your names are perfectly wearable for a boy in 2025/2026, but i also love names with a bit of a 1920s/1930s vibe

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[name_m]Clifford[/name_m] is actually my number one boys name at the moment so i’m biased on that one (family name and planning to use [name_m]Kit[/name_m] as a nickname)

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I also love [name_m]Francis[/name_m] and [name_m]Wilbur[/name_m], they feel like they’re on trend while still being established names. For both of those I would say [name_m]Francis[/name_m] [name_f][/name_f]- the Pope just died so not sure if that would effect your choice on if people would think you were naming your child after him. [name_m]Wilbur[/name_m] is the pig in Charlotte’s [name_m]Web[/name_m], which to me would be the same as [name_m]Clifford[/name_m] in terms of association for popular kids books

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[name_m]Gene[/name_m] and [name_m]Glenn[/name_m] aren’t my favorites, i think because I knew a [name_m]Glenn[/name_m] my age who i wasn’t overly fond of. If you don’t love [name_m]Gene[/name_m] as a full first name you could always use it as a nickname for [name_m]Eugene[/name_m] (but not sure how keen on nicknames you are or if [name_m]Eugene[/name_m] is toooo nerdy/stuffy)

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I just thought I’d add [name_m]Heathcliff[/name_m], [name_m]Griffith[/name_m] or [name_m]Griffin[/name_m] as alternatives to [name_m]Clifford[/name_m].

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This might be a [name_m]Brit[/name_m] perspective, but [name_m]Francis[/name_m] feels 100% wearable. I love the sound of [name_m]Noble[/name_m] but the literal meaning puts me off a little. Again, maybe a [name_m]Brit[/name_m] thing because it reminds me of the nobility (rank, entitlement), eclipsing the positive meaning of courage, generosity. I love [name_m]Nolan[/name_m] as an alternative sound-alike. I’m all for ‘bel’ in a masc name but you might get the PN in Nobel Prize with that spelling.

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[name_m]Glenn[/name_m] has lovely nature associations, these could outweigh the datedness if I knew it on a little one.

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[name_f]My[/name_f] Grandma’s name was [name_f]Jean[/name_f] and she meant so much to me, so I’m all for [name_m]Gene[/name_m] on a boy. It sounds retro, warm and bright to me.

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I think [name_m]Clifford[/name_m] has enough associations beyond the big red dog that it’s usable. Many people you introduced a baby [name_m]Clifford[/name_m] to would have a family member with that name a generation or two back.

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Yay your husband brought names to the table that’s great from my experience it’s just veto, veto, veto with no ideas themselves! I think this is a great step in the right direction :light_blue_heart:

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[name_m]Noble[/name_m] feels distinctive, bold, cool and has this fun imagery surrounding bravery, loyalty and courageous knights [name_f][/name_f] in shining armour. I think this spelling is the best as [name_m]Noble[/name_m] is the most intuitive and the correct spelling for the word. This is my favourite from the list. Another name that has the [name_m]Noble[/name_m] vibe could be [name_m]Prosper[/name_m] or alternatively [name_m]Abel[/name_m] for a similar sound.

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[name_m]Francis[/name_m] is handsome timeless classic definitely works for a 2025/2026 baby and I think the nickname [name_m]Frankie[/name_m] provides a modern touch. I have a friend who has a son with this name known exclusively as [name_m]Frankie[/name_m] it definitely works. Her other son is Regin@ld he goes by Reggi3 and I think that name is also your vibe so putting it forward as an idea. Also [name_m]Franklin[/name_m] may appeal.

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[name_m]Clifford[/name_m] doesn’t appeal to me I do think of the big red dog and find the name to clunky. However wanted to put forward [name_m]Ford[/name_m] as a cowboy modern choice that could appeal.

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[name_m]Glenn[/name_m] doesn’t appeal to me either I find the name a bit dated and stodgy also I have a personal negative association with the name. Still I think [name_m]Glenn[/name_m] has a midcentury madmen flair which could appeal you may also like [name_m]Leonard[/name_m] nickname [name_m]Len[/name_m]. I think [name_m]Leonard[/name_m] is just sweeter.

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[name_m]Wilbur[/name_m] is a fun retro choice that feels clunky cool and I love that you have the easy to wear nickname [name_m]Will[/name_m]. I think [name_m]Wilfred[/name_m] appeals to me more as I prefer the overall sound.

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[name_m]Gene[/name_m] has this retro clunky madmen vibe he’s very Shoreditch hipster feel and I do see the appeal of [name_m]Gene[/name_m]. I also really like the meaning ‘noble’ I think this is a lovely meaning.

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[name_f]My[/name_f] favourites are [name_m]Noble[/name_m], [name_m]Francis[/name_m] & [name_m]Gene[/name_m].

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This is such a great list, it’s lovely that you & your husband are able to compromise!!

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Nobel[name_f][/name_f] – this an awesome choice, though I do prefer the [name_m]Noble[/name_m] spelling. I love the virtue behind the name, and just how strong & prince-like it feels, with a bit of a vintage twist as well!

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[name_m]Francis[/name_m][name_f][/name_f] – for me, at least, I think [name_m]Francis[/name_m] is completely wearable with all the vintage names coming back in style. There’s always the friendly nickname [name_m]Frankie[/name_m] to fall back on as well!

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[name_m]Clifford[/name_m][name_f][/name_f] – this was on my list for a while! I always loved [name_m]Clifford[/name_m] with the nickname [name_m]Kit[/name_m], which I felt dissociated the name from the “big red dog” a little bit. However, I will say that the show isn’t nearly as popular today as it used to be, so from other children at least the association shouldn’t be a problem. For alternatives, I’ll suggest [name_m]Griffin[/name_m], [name_m]Willard[/name_m], [name_m]Jefferson[/name_m], [name_m]Griffith[/name_m], or maybe [name_m]Kristoff[/name_m].

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[name_m]Glenn[/name_m][name_f][/name_f] – despite the lack of nickname options, I do love the vintage cowboy feel of this name! I think [name_m]Glen[/name_m] [name_m]Powell[/name_m] has definitely made the name feel a little more modern & wearable.

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[name_m]Wilbur[/name_m][name_f][/name_f] – I’ve always loved [name_m]Wilbur[/name_m]! He’s gentle, literary, & has so many amazing nickname options.

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[name_m]Gene[/name_m][name_f][/name_f] – this is the only name that really doesn’t appeal to me at all. I like [name_m]Eugene[/name_m] a lot more, he just has a little more substance & makes me think less about jeans than [name_m]Gene[/name_m] for me.

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Overall, I’d say these are all fantastic choices! [name_f]My[/name_f] personal favorites are definitely [name_m]Glenn[/name_m], [name_m]Clifford[/name_m], & [name_m]Wilbur[/name_m][name_f][/name_f], with [name_m]Noble[/name_m][name_f][/name_f] as a close runner up!

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[name_m]Francis[/name_m] is solid and handsome but also unexpected with a hint of ‘clunky-grandpa’ style! [name_m]Frankie[/name_m] and [name_f]Francie[/name_f] are cool too!

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Nobel is intriguing and bold [name_f][/name_f]- do you say it as NO-bul or no-BELL? [name_f][/name_f] I’d probably use it as a middle, though I did know someone with the surname [name_m]Noble[/name_m] who was mostly called that.

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[name_m]Clifford[/name_m] is clunky and unexpected with retro charm, but yeah, the big red dog does lurk in my mind when I hear it. That said [name_f][/name_f]- is it a reference kids these days pick up on? I’m not in tune with what they’re watching/reading atm, so not sure if it could[name_f][/name_f] work among a younger age group?

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[name_m]Glenn[/name_m] [name_f][/name_f]- I like [name_m]Glenn[/name_m] [name_f][/name_f]- it feels friendly and outdoorsy

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[name_m]Wilbur[/name_m] is charming and clunky-cool! Maybe he will actually start liking it, now it’s on his list ;D

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[name_m]Gene[/name_m] [name_f][/name_f]- I think I prefer Jeane/Jeanine as a middle for a girl over [name_m]Gene[/name_m]. [name_m]Gene[/name_m] looks/feels a bit squishy in my brain and idk why.

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@cms1512[name_f][/name_f] @kachenka[name_f][/name_f] @EdgeOfTheMeadow[name_f][/name_f] @tori101[name_f][/name_f] @daisydarcy[name_f][/name_f] @Greyblue[name_f][/name_f] LOL, you guys are right- it should be [name_m]Noble[/name_m] not Nobel! That was my bad. :joy:[name_f][/name_f] But, yes, spelling aside it is still iffy on how wearable it would be on an actual person.

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@orangeblossom[name_f][/name_f] I’m having a hard time picturing them on a real child, too. [name_m]Wilbur[/name_m] I do shameless love, and [name_m]Clifford[/name_m] feels warm to me but very doggy. The rest I’m not sure I can picture hollering across a playground.

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@love.endures[name_f][/name_f] I won’t give up on [name_m]Wilbur[/name_m]. :joy:[name_f][/name_f] That one I feel like actually could be wearable.

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@mololy[name_f][/name_f] [name_f][/name_f] Hadn’t even thought of [name_m]Kit[/name_m] as a nickname for [name_m]Clifford[/name_m]! [name_m]Kit[/name_m] as a standalone is also on my long list. Coincidentally, [name_f]Fern[/name_f] is tied as our top contender for a girl. I guess we would have to choose to either use [name_m]Wilbur[/name_m] for a boy or [name_f]Fern[/name_f] for a girl, couldn’t use both if we had another son and a daughter in the future. :joy:

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@kachenka[name_f][/name_f] [name_f][/name_f] I dig [name_m]Griffith[/name_m] and [name_m]Griffin[/name_m]! I pitched than when we were naming our second and not sure why they didn’t make the cut, but I will add them back to our long list for boys.

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@EdgeOfTheMeadow[name_f][/name_f] [name_f][/name_f] [name_m]Glenn[/name_m] has the same name as [name_m]Dale[/name_m], which is my husband’s grandpa’s name so that nature element would be a bonus!

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@tori101[name_f][/name_f] [name_f][/name_f] ehh, he didn’t bring any to the table so much as I had him trapped and rattled off a list and these are the ones he approved. :joy:[name_f][/name_f] Funny you mentioned [name_m]Reginald[/name_m] [name_f][/name_f] nn [name_m]Reggie[/name_m] though because I remember that was the one and only boy name he suggested when we were first pregnant with our first son.

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@daisydarcy[name_f][/name_f] I do love [name_m]Griffin[/name_m] and [name_m]Griffith[/name_m], I will add those back to our long list.

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@Greyblue[name_f][/name_f] [name_f][/name_f] haha, [name_m]Wilbur[/name_m] is on his list because he tried to say “meh” to it and it old him, “No, no. We like Wilbur.” So he conceded. :joy:

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Nobel [name_f][/name_f]- and I agree the [name_m]Noble[/name_m] spelling is my fav

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Others are ok [name_f][/name_f]- but [name_m]Wilber[/name_m] or [name_m]Wilbur[/name_m] still reminds me of an old
[name_f][/name_f]Tv show [name_f][/name_f]- [name_f][/name_f] really old tv show …