How I Named My Baby: Magnus Gabriel Nicholas

How long did it take you to decide on a name?
AGES. Magnus was about a week old when we made the call. Gabriel was added in last second before he was registered as it made Magnus sit better with his other name, Nicholas. It’s a family tradition for sons to take the dad’s first name as a middle. So we ended up with Magnus Gabriel Nicholas.
What strategies did you use to narrow down your name choices?
Oscar was removed because it was a repeat of our daughter Ottilie’s initial. Our (very naughty) dog is called Eddie so that knocked Edward out of the running. I couldn’t persuade Nick on Rufus or Rupert (I still love Rupert, maybe I need a new pet so that I can use the name!). Gregory and William just didn’t really ‘go’ with Ottilie and Theodora.
Did you ask anyone for advice about baby names?
Yes, with all three babies, and always regretted it. Best to keep quiet I think but I’ve agonised over it with each baby so it’s so hard not to ask for opinions!
What name did you hate to let go of?
Rupert! It’s gorgeous. Soft but traditional.
What would your younger self have liked to name the baby?
I’d have preferred something plainer, maybe William.
How do you feel about your own name and how did that influence your choice?
I like it. My full name is Imogen Allison Tallulah so it’s quite a full-on name. I like having an unusual name now but in school, I dreamt of being called Sophie. I wanted my children’s names to be unusual but not made up and I wanted them to have great nicknames.
Was it important to choose a name that ‘matched’ your baby’s older siblings’ — or future siblings’ — names?
Really important!
We have…
Ottilie Annabel
Theodora Florence
Magnus Gabriel Nicholas
I love that they go together so well. They are all about the same level of unusual. Plus, I also love that they can all have a few different nicknames, so they can pick what they like. At the moment they tend to go by Ottie, Teddy, and Gus.
What would your baby be named if it was the opposite gender?
Clover! I think it’s an absolutely dreamy girls’ name.
What was your biggest fear related to baby names?
Naming the baby and then the name becoming super popular. Like calling your baby Elsa and then Frozen being released a month later.
Did your baby’s older siblings have opinions or suggestions for names?
They are only 2 and 4. We asked but suggestions were limited to their friends’ names and ‘baby Jesus.’
Did you experience ‘name regret’ at any point?
I wouldn’t call it regret but I definitely doubted myself when we got the odd bad reaction in the early days. Pregnancy hormones and iffy reactions to the name you chose are not a lovely cocktail. That said, I couldn’t be happier with their names now.
For the chance to participate in How I Named My Baby, please email sophie@nameberry.com