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Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

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Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Baby names

James (Jimmy) or Patrick (Paddy)

68 replies

iffyshortlist · 27/09/2013 08:31

We're struggling with names and have been for the past 8 months! James and Patrick (but Patrick would definitely be shortened to Paddy) are our current favourites. We're not overly bothered about popularity but do want a name that will suit all stages of life. Any thoughts...?

OP posts:

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MrsLovebucket · 27/09/2013 08:36

Of those two I prefer James. It's a lovely name.

MartinPlattRGN · 27/09/2013 08:40

Both lovely and were on our shortlist. I would go with Patrick as you don't meet as many, and save Jimmy in case you have another DS. They are both names that suit from babe to maiden to crone imo!

James is mega popular but it's evergreen and if he's going to be known as Jimmy that will help with knowing him apart from other Jameses.

I love Jimmy but don't know any under 60 :) all the Jameses I know are just James, with one Jim and one Jamie.

We liked Eddie (Edward) and Alexander (Alex) as well if you are open to more suggestions!

lovetoski · 27/09/2013 08:41

I have a James obviously love it. It's popular but in his whole school year
He is the only James out of 130 children.

iffyshortlist · 27/09/2013 10:05

We clearly have the same taste in names Martinp as Eddie and Alex were also on the shortlist but had to go due to family/ surname issues!

OP posts:

LoreleisSecret · 27/09/2013 10:20

Patrick but do not shorten it!
It's a lovely name as it stands!

UriGeller · 27/09/2013 10:23

Neither, sorry. But I love Eddie (or Ted) and Alexander.

BunnyLebowski · 27/09/2013 10:26

Absolutely bloody love both.

I'm Irish and to me they're just proper solid unpretentious boy's names. Great for both childhood and adulthood.

I might prefer Patrick by a hair as that was my granda's name

James and Patrick are much nicer than Edward and Alexander. Too posh.

maillotjaune · 27/09/2013 10:27

I love them both, and like any of the nicknames so i'd say they're perfect for all stages of life. Shorter versions can be used / dropped in different situations. Slight preference for Paddy as I wanted a Patrick but DH didn't!

lilstar · 27/09/2013 10:37

Deffo Patrick in my opinion...easy winner.

bebopanddoowop · 27/09/2013 10:38

I love both! If you're not Irish I wouldn't go with Paddy though.

tywysogesgymraeg · 27/09/2013 10:42

Not Paddy unless your Irish.
I love James/Jim/Jimmy.

I don't think you can decree what a DCs nn will be though. You can't control what people call your kids outside of the house and family. Be prepared for Pat and Jaimie.

gininteacupsandleavesonthelawn · 27/09/2013 10:47

I love James and Patrick, hate Jimmy as a nn though Jamie is much nicer.

squoosh · 27/09/2013 10:57

Definitely Patrick/Paddy for me. Nothing wrong with James but it's a bit pedestrian.

Jimmy is a far better shortening of James than Jamie though. I hate Jamie.

I think in this instance if the child is going to be called Paddy/Jimmy from the get go you can be pretty certain that that's what the world at large will call them, it's unlikely that someone would call a Paddy Pat or likewise call a Jimmy Jamie.

iffyshortlist · 27/09/2013 21:18

Thanks for thoughts, still no.closer to making a choice though! Im not Irish, hadn't cconsidered that would be an issue for Patrick?

OP posts:

squoosh · 27/09/2013 21:20

I don't think you need to be Irish to call your child Patrick! It's associated with Ireland but it isn't an Irish name.

Zoe6789 · 27/09/2013 21:22

Patrick.

Zoe6789 · 27/09/2013 21:24

By the way, there are georges, andrews and davids in ireland. Their parenrs would laugh if u said "are you English/scottish/welsh"?

squoosh · 27/09/2013 21:25

True, though to be honest I've never met an Irish George.

Minty82 · 27/09/2013 21:26

Love both - I know many more little Jameses than Patricks so would probably have a slightly more enthusiastic reaction to news of a little Patrick as it's that bit less used (in England). But both great names. Sorry, totally unhelpful!

I think the comment on needing to be Irish referred to Paddy as a nickname rather than Patrick itself - but I have two or three adult English friends who've always been known as Paddy; don't see it as an issue at all.

LoopThePoop · 27/09/2013 21:28

Pádraig would be an Irish name.
Paddy/Patrick is lovely OP, not overly irish at all IMO.

I know loads of Irish Georges'

Zoe6789 · 27/09/2013 21:29

I know a few under six.

YouHaveAGoodPoint · 27/09/2013 21:30

I love James and Patrick but am not keen on jimmy and Paddy.
I love Pat as a NN though

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squoosh · 27/09/2013 21:32

Do you? I'm struggling to remember ever meeting an Irish George.

squoosh · 27/09/2013 21:33

Oh! I've just thought of George Lee and George Hook.

BunnyLebowski · 27/09/2013 21:33

Pádraig is one of the ugliest sounding names I can think of. In this instance I much prefer the anglicised version.

In my very large circle of Irish family, friends and acquaintances I have never heard of a baby George, Andrew or David.

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