Replacement name for Benjamin

[pansy]

My husband and I are expecting our first child in December (won't know the gender until late July/early August). We've been going over our top combos, trying to narrow things down. One name we have on our list is Oliver Benjamin, which I love, expect for one little problem. I have a relative named Benjamin who I'm not close enough with to name my child after but am close enough with that I see him once or twice a year. The more I think about it, the weirder I think I'd feel about using Benjamin as a middle name (which sucks, because I really love the name). Thus, I need a replacement middle name to go with Oliver. I'm looking for something that has the same feel as Benjamin and flows well with Oliver. Any and all suggestions would be very welcome.

TIA,
Pansy

[vivtaliesin]

Oliver Bennett
Oliver Barrett
Oliver Barron
Oliver Sebastian
Oliver Nathaniel
Oliver Brady
Oliver Grayson
Oliver Bellamy
Oliver Beau
Oliver Barnaby
Oliver Gideon
Oliver Tobias
Oliver Nicholas
Oliver Scott
Oliver Douglas
Oliver Harrison

bolded are favorites!

xo Viv

[conniet]

I like Oliver Brady as well. (or Grayson.....my son's name is Gray).

However....I don't see the problem using Benjamin!! Use it!! I always say that all previous associations with names will disappear once you have your baby and he/she will simply become that name (regardless if it's a distant relative or a pet, etc.). Everyone's having a fit that I'm naming my son Kane (because the whole Cain and Able thing) but it's stupid because it's not like he's destined to kill his brother now just because of his name. So, if your relative asks, just say I love the name...great minds think alike....yada yada.

Good luck.

[ashthedreamer]

I love Oliver! Oliver Benjamin would have been handsome. What about Oliver Samuel? I think it sounds good and has similar style to Oliver Benjamin. Other ideas:

Oliver Christian
Oliver Patrick
Oliver Isaac
Oliver Noah
Oliver Barnaby
Oliver Felix
Oliver Jonah/Jonas
Oliver Zachary

Good luck!

[alzora]

Oliver Solomon
Oliver Samuel
Oliver Adrian

[everwaiteing]

Oliver Frederick
Oliver James
Oliver David
Oliver Landon

[kyemsma]

Oliver Bennett
Oliver Henry
Oliver Samuel
Oliver Thomas

[thisisliz]

I think you should stick with Oliver Benjamin. I thought you were going to say you have my same problem; you love the name but it was an ex boyfriend's and your husband isn't having it

But instead, you're lucky! I assume that this child will be called Oliver, so Benjamin will hardly ever even be a factor in introductions, except maybe a baby announcement. Even then, I doubt anyone will think a thing of it... even the other Benjamin in your family. Benjamin is quite common in itself, so you shouldn't have to apologize for or feel weird for using it.

[pansy]

Thank you everyone for all the replies! So far my favorites are Oliver Nicholas, Oliver Samuel and Oliver Bennett.

[titch]

I would use Oliver Benedict, I think it's perfect.