Need Your Input!

We're well on our way to meeting our firstborn babe, and finally my husband is starting to become interested in 'name talk'. Victory!

We've decided that we really prefer the English classics; one that's familiar but not too common. The former favourite, Henry (I love, husband not fond of 'Hank' nickname) has been nixed. We moved onto Thomas and mulled over that one for a couple of weeks, but had to give it up as we like the name, but it doesn't seem like it's the right one for our child. Now, we're thinking Simon. We are liking this one quite a bit! It has the familiar factor, has a breezy nickname, Si (husband is NOT crazy about it, but I think it's great) and has a bit of flair.

I'm appealing to you, nameberry gurus to either reassure us on our current choice or set us on the right path with some fabulous new ideas.

To add some context to your suggestions, we are thinking of using James, Daniel, or possibly even Alexander as middle names. Also, if we do end up having a beautiful little girl, we are going to name her either Charlotte Elizabeth or Claire Elizabeth.

Thanks in advance! Looking forward to reading your suggestions.

erikam wrote:We're well on our way to meeting our firstborn babe, and finally my husband is starting to become interested in 'name talk'. Victory!

We've decided that we really prefer the English classics; one that's familiar but not too common. The former favourite, Henry (I love, husband not fond of 'Hank' nickname) has been nixed. We moved onto Thomas and mulled over that one for a couple of weeks, but had to give it up as we like the name, but it doesn't seem like it's the right one for our child. Now, we're thinking Simon. We are liking this one quite a bit! It has the familiar factor, has a breezy nickname, Si (husband is NOT crazy about it, but I think it's great) and has a bit of flair.

I'm appealing to you, nameberry gurus to either reassure us on our current choice or set us on the right path with some fabulous new ideas.

To add some context to your suggestions, we are thinking of using James, Daniel, or possibly even Alexander as middle names. Also, if we do end up having a beautiful little girl and we are going to name her either Charlotte Elizabeth or Claire Elizabeth.

Thanks in advance! Looking forward to reading your suggestions.

I hate to do this, but I much prefer Henry and Thomas to Simon. I don't care for the nickname Si - I think it ruins a perfectly good classic name - but for some reason Simon seems to be a bit of a nerdy name. Don't ask my why I feel this way! I just love Henry, and I'm sad to see that you've given it up. But, alas, let me suggest a few more English classics for your perusal.

Alastair - This one might be a bit TOO uncommon for you.
Alfred - Alfie is a cute nickname, no?
Anders/Anderson - Andy is always a nice, classic choice.
Archer - What about Archie as a nickname?
Benjamin - A classic choice, through and through.
Cedric - Again, a bit on the unique side...
Charlton - Nickname Charlie without using Charles.
Elias - Eli is a very popular nickname for boys nowadays!
Fitzwilliam - Who doesn't want Mr. Darcy for a son?
Harrison - A twist on the classic Harry.
Leopold - Leo, anyone?
Matthew - It's been popular for boys for years now...
Oliver - A very British choice, and Ollie could be cute!
Patrick - A handsome, classic name.
Russell - Again, quite British, and Russ or Russy are cute!
Tobin - Not quite a classic, but Toby is always adorable.
William - A name suitable for a dashing prince.

So, now for more of my feedback. I like all of your middle name ideas, especially James. That being said, my own brother is Benjamin Alexander. My favorite choices out of my suggestions are Anderson, Archer, Benjamin (or Bennett - for a modern twist), Elias, Oliver, Patrick, Russell, and William. Many of those I would name my own son, but my first boy will definitely be Henry! James sounds outstanding with many of these names, but be wary of accidentally naming your son after an actual person (think Henry James and William James). If you like some of these and need help putting together first and middle combinations, let me know!

Also, your choices for a girl are delightful. I plan to name a future girl Charlotte Eliza - I have always loved Charlotte and Eliza seems like a fresh spin on a beautiful classic to me. Claire, too, is beautiful and simply elegant. Good luck!

Thanks for your suggestions! You wouldn't believe the torture I've been through with my husband. I actually love Thomas Henry (still love, sadly). My husband was on board until a couple of days ago, now it's back to the drawing board.

I'll run some of your ideas by him and see if we can come up with something just right. -E

I wanted to add a word;

So glad you like our girls' names as much as we do. That one was quite easy to agree upon, funnily enough.

I've mentioned many, if not all of your boys' names listed, lemon, and have heard more opposition than interest. Benjamin, unfortunately, is the name of Julian's (my husband) first cousin, so that's out. He's not a fan of Oliver (thinks that all boys named Ollie are far too cool for their own good), Alistair was a quick and decisive 'no', as was Matthew (too safe), Charles (too musty), Patrick (too saintly)...you get the drift.

Can you sense my agony? Anyway, as for Simon. I completely respect your views, but I know the most delightfully non-nerdy 11-year-old boy with that name who is perfectly comfortable in his own skin. I still think the name works!

I like Simon (not really a fan of Si though.) It isn't as masculine/strong of a name as Henry or Thomas to me. Here are a few other thoughts for you (sorry if they have been posted.)

Alden
Allen
Arthur (I love Artie, I don't know why)
Bolton
Gilbert
Silas
Winthrop

I still like Simon, but I thought I would add to your thought process.

Yes, I sense your agony, erikam! I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help, but if you love Simon, then go for it. I guess my views are better stated like the poster before me - Simon just doesn't seem as masculine, strong, and handsome as Henry or Thomas.

Names from my personal list that you might like:

Nathaniel - Nate, Nathan, heck, even Niel might work!
Theodore - Theo is cute! Ted and Teddy are viable options, too.
James - An old classic that is fresh when not shortened to Jim. Jamie is a cute nickname, but James is great alone!
Bennett - An alternative to Benjamin if a relative has that name.

(Two names at the top of my list are Henry Theodore and Nathaniel James.)

Other names that might work:

Adam - A classic Biblical name with a modern feel.
Anthony - Have your very own tiger with a little Tony!
David
George
Jack (Jackson?)
Jacob - A consistently popular choice, and Jake is really cute!
Jude - Matches excellently with Julian.
Michael
Nicholas - Not as saintly as Patrick, but same feel...
Peter - Pete is too cute!
Samuel

Check with hubby and see!

I LOVE the name Simon, and from your list, I really love the combination of Simon Alexander. I think it's very handsome! :-) (I love Henry, too.) :-)

From your girls' list, I really love Charlotte Elizabeth.

If you're not set on Simon, you may also like (and my apologies for repeats):

Charles
Calvin
Edward
George
Leo
Milo
Miles
Oliver
Peter
Theodore

Good luck! :-)

I love the name Simon but not the nn Si. I think it's important to choose a name that both you and your husband love though. Thomas and Henry are great names, too. Too bad your dh doesn't like them.
I also love your choices for your daughter's name if your baby is a girl.

Sometimes dads just don't like any names. Then the mom has to just choose something. But there is time for your dh to consider names.

Names that are classic and handsome like Henry, Thomas, and Simon:

Anders
Andrew
Archer nn Archie - the Archie nn helps this name to sound classic.
Benjamin nn Ben
Charles nn Charlie
Declan - this is a saint's name.
Edward nn Ted or Ward
Frank
George
Harvey
Isaac
James
Julian nn Jules
Leonardo, Lionel, Leopold nn Leo - Leo sounds kind of classic, but the three other names sound vintage.
Miles
Nathaniel - I think this is one of your mn choices. Love it!
Nicholas nn Nick, Cole, Colin
Oliver
Paul
Peter
Philip
Theodore nn Ted, Teddy, Theo
Victor
William nn Will, Liam

Let us know if you get interested in other name styles.

Love Simon, one of the best!

I love Simon, and know a very cute one - one of my Henry's friends (age 4). Also, Simon is not as popular as Henry in the U.S. (We have been bombarded with Henry's the past few years where I live). I also like Simon Alexander a lot. Good luck -- my husband vetoed a ton of names I liked too, including Thomas and Patrick!

I love Simon! I would say Simon Alexander is my fave choice. Simon is a handsome name that's not overdone or stuffy and I don't think it's nerdy at all, somewhat dashing actually. It's simple but not dull, active and thoughtful. Good luck finding the perfect name!