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Baby names

Harrison or Charlie?

45 replies

LemonShizzleCake · 21/07/2016 13:59

Expecting our first baby in November, found out recently it's a boy so that's helpfully narrowed down the name search.

DH and I both like Harrison and Charlie, and are yet to find any other names we both agree on. Our thoughts on each:

Harrison

  • bit unusual without being "out there"
  • could shorten to Harry if we/he wanted
  • potentially a bit posh...? Maybe my imagination.


Charlie
  • is it a bit overused? Does it matter if there end up being 3 Charlies in his class at school?
  • would be Charles on birth certificate. We'd use Charlie most of the time, but we'd/he'd have the option of a more "serious" name when needed.


We think both names go well with the middle name we've chosen (Arthur) and sound "right" with our surname. Neither of them spell anything weird/rude as initials! Also they are both (hopefully) easy/obvious spellings - I have spent my life with an awkwardly spelled first name, so don't want to inflict that on my child if I can avoid it.

Would be great to get opinions on both please! Smile
OP posts:
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RiverTam · 21/07/2016 14:01

Harrison.

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NickNacks · 21/07/2016 14:02

Harrison

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Dontlikejam · 21/07/2016 14:04

Harrison is a massively popular name round these parts- might not matter to you but its on a par with Charlie in terms of frequency.

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SteviebunsBottrittrundle · 21/07/2016 14:04

Charlie

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SpeakNoWords · 21/07/2016 14:05

I was a teacher up until fairly recently. Harrison was a fairly frequent name in the area where i taught, I wouldn't have classed it as unusual tbh. It definitely wasn't a posh name. When you include all the Harrys as well, you might have several in a class

Charlie again fairly frequently used, I came across quite a few. I think it's sensible to use Charles on the birth certificate as it does give flexibility when the child is older. I think I prefer Charlie over Harrison overall.

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Dontlikejam · 21/07/2016 14:05

Also, just thought: Charles Arthur is Prince Charles name - people might think you're big fans!

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LemonShizzleCake · 21/07/2016 14:06

Ooh thanks Dontlike - is there a way of searching for popular names by area, or do I just need to collect anecdotal evidence? I'm in SE London if that makes a difference.

OP posts:
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Luckystar1 · 21/07/2016 14:08

Charlie. I am really not a fan of Harrison (sorry!) and I would consider it to be the opposite of posh (sorry again!)

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ifcatscouldtalk · 21/07/2016 14:09

I love the name harrison. Hmm but then i know a charlie who really suits being a charlie. I'm no help! Maybe decide once his born. He may stand out as one or the other. Gd luck.

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SpeakNoWords · 21/07/2016 14:09
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Porcupinetree · 21/07/2016 14:31

Harrison.

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cosmicglittergirl · 21/07/2016 14:36

Charles

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UntilTheCowsComeHome · 21/07/2016 14:38

Harrison.

I don't like Charles or Charlie.

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Tiggeryoubastard · 21/07/2016 14:38

Harrison 'posh'? It's the complete opposite. I'm stunned anyone could think it. Charles MN Charlie is fine.

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Tubbyinthehottub · 21/07/2016 14:39

Harrison is not posh Confused

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TinySalmon · 21/07/2016 14:44

Harrison isn't posh but I prefer it to Charlie as a name.

Like PP suggested maybe wait till he is born and see which name he suits better :)

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SteviebunsBottrittrundle · 21/07/2016 14:46

I would also put Charles on the BC btw. Just so he has the option to use Charlie or Charles if he prefers.

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hilbil21 · 21/07/2016 14:48

I've got a Charlie - I also like Harrison. I think it depends what sounds best with surname to be honest

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KoalaDownUnder · 21/07/2016 14:54

Charles nn Charlie. Love.

To my mind, Charlie and Harrison are completely different kinds of names. And no, Harrison is not posh at all - more in the Jackson/Dylan/Tyler kind of camp, I would have thought.

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ChunkyMonkey4321 · 21/07/2016 14:56

Harrison's a great name for reasons you've mentioned 😉

Bit sad people think it's a bit chavvy but then names get popular and are used be all sorts of people

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marblestatue · 21/07/2016 14:58

Charles, nn Charlie.

Harry is a nice nickname for Henry, but Harrison is part of the trend for surnames as first names, which I'm not keen on.

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Sophronia · 21/07/2016 15:13

Charles nn Charlie

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Coconutty · 21/07/2016 15:14

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

skatesection · 21/07/2016 15:15

Harrison is a character in a cartoon I like
nedroid.com/2009/08/harrisons-boring-life/

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UntilTheCowsComeHome · 21/07/2016 15:34

It's really funny how different names are seen differently depending on area of the country.

Harrison around here is a very 'normal' name. Not chavvy at all, perhaps veering towards middle class if anything.

Charlie however is quite 'common' for want of a better word.

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