Who'd have thought choosing a name was so tricky?

[littlemd]

My husband and I are finding boys names tricky. We love Noah but how popular is it where you live? We are in the
North west. Having grown up in a class of 30 where 5 people shared my name I'd like to avoid that if possible.

Our others on the shortlist are:
Ben
Rory
Isaac

Interested to know your thoughts
Thanks in advance x

[elizarose]

Check the stats and don't give him one of the top ten names. I loved Noah as well but it was awful with out last name. Call out the name, Noah with your own last name. Also I like Daniel, Dan is really sweet too, check what the name can be shortened too.

[CharlieBoo]

Mmm, Noah is not so high on the top 100 as say Jack, Thomas etc, but I do know loads....but my ds goes to catholic school so maybe thats why. We're in Bucks by the way.

[SolarPanel]

My favourite from your options is Isaac, then Rory.

Noah is OK but may be a bit of a "now" name compared to the others.

[diddl]

I love Rory best from your list tbh.

It´s a name I would have used, but doesn´t go with surname

[cookingbaby2]

I really like Isaac from your list. It's fairly unusual but not unheard of/weird and means something lovely like 'laughing'. Next fave is Rory. I do like Noah but feel it's getting popular where we are (east midlands). Hth. Agree with trickiness of finding a baby name!

[MelinaM]

Rory is my favourite

[starystar]

Unfortunately we know a lot of baby Isaacs so stayed clear of that name though it is lovely... but so are a lot of other names :)

[BikeRunSki]

Official Baby Name Stats

If you look at this link it gives you the most recent annual break downs on baby name usage. Within each annual page, there is a breakdown by region too.

I know 2 or 3 toddlers with each of the names you have suggested. Rural West Yorkshire.

[littlemd]

Arghh I'm so muddled just can't decide which we like best. My husband is championing Rory as it's a little more unusual than Ben etc. Thanks fir all your help and for that link x

[pilates]

Another one for Rory.

[Prinpo]

I love Rory. Second favourite is Isaac, simply because it's more popular. Ben is least favourite, for same reason.

I like Noah but, for me, it's one of those 'try too hard' kind of names.

[ColonelBrandonsBiggestGroupie]

I like Noah, ben and Isaac - don't like Rory.

[LifeOfKate]

I have a Noah and he is the only one I've ever met. I live in the North-ish east.

The thing with popularity is that just because a name is fairly high up the list, doesn't mean there are hundreds around. For instance, in England in 2009, there were 2141 Noahs born. The latest statistics suggest there are 16,971 primary schools in England. This means statistically that there will only be about 1 Noah per 8 or 9 schools. I know it's not as simple as that due to regional variations, with pockets of Noahs about the country, but I think that's just a risk you run as you never know how many are going to be registered in your area in the same school year as your DC. Or whether you might move to the other end of the country in 10 years time to somewhere where a name is a lot more popular.

Go with the name you really like, regardless of popularity :) I like all the names on your list, FWIW :o I did suggest Isaac to DH when pregnant with Noah, but it was rejected on the basis of being 'too religious'

[Whatevs]

I really like Rory, Ben and Isaac (love Ben, actually).

Noah is awful. Over used and just not very nice, imo.

[Mrsmackie]

I have an Isaac ( 4 months) and I am in the North West. I know of two others (one 7 year old and one 10 month old) so although I think it is not an uncommon name, there don't seem to be lots around. I get lots of compliments on his name and we love it. Also Like Ben (good, classic,timeless name) and Rory is lovely too.

[Plonkerr]

I'm not keen on Noah at all.
I'm in the NW and don't know many so I wouldn't say it was particularly popular if that helps.

I know a fair few Isaac's. Lovely name.

My fav on your list is Rory. I only know one (adult), fab name!

Ben is gorgeous too, but very very popular. More so for older children, I think. I know lots around the ages of 9 - 12yo