Is this a nice name?

[DaenerysTargaryensDragonBaby]

Dalton

Thoughts please! DH and I are trying to decide on a boys name, finding it pretty hard..

If it isn't nice, suggestions are welcome

[FrumiousBandersnatch]

Very American as a first name; I've only ever encountered it as a surname in the uk. What do you like about it?

[DaenerysTargaryensDragonBaby]

Hmm. Probably is quite American, though this doesn't put me off.

I like that:
It has a strong sound
It has 2 syllables (surname is just one)
It is unusual, but not in a made up way
It sounds classy (to me, I am willing to be told otherwise!)

[Martorana]

No.

[pictish]

Erm...it sounds like a Mills & Boon character to me.

[poorincashrichinlove]

I like it. Unusual without being weird or made up

[Leeds2]

Would not be my choice. Although I used to like the high jumper Dalton Grant!

[pictish]

I don't think it's awful I might add. It's totally ok...but it just happens to conjure up an image of sappy novels full of 'cruel lips' and 'shuddering bosoms' to me.

[LifeIsBetterInFlipFlops]

No it isn't at all. Sorry.

[DaenerysTargaryensDragonBaby]

Thanks so far..

Does anyone have any further suggestions? Since Dalton isn't overly popular

[Artandco]

Dillon
Dexter
Fenton

[Onesleeptillwembley]

Great. As a surname. Awful as a given name.

[fideline]

Along the same lines?

Clinton
Jackson
Morton

Hmm bit marmite these american-style names, but those are the best i can think of

Except Bailey, the boy in To Kill a Mockingbird was called Bailey

[pictish]

He was called Jem.

[pictish]

I knew a Fenton years ago - nice lad...very handsome.

[FrumiousBandersnatch]

fideline there's no character in To Kill A Mockingbird called Bailey. Are you thinking of Jem? Boo Radley? Atticus?

The main character is Scout but she's a girl, nn for Jean-Louise...

[atthestrokeoftwelve]

It's Ok- Dalton was a famous English chemist who developed modern atomic theory in the 1800s.

[fideline]

Oh god have i finally cracked?!

What book am I thinking of then?

[fideline]

I meant scout's brother BTW, must have a synapse crossed....

[RiverTam]

mmm, I think it could grow on me. I think if there was a wee boy called this at DD's nursery I wouldn't think it was odd or horrible.

Dawlton or Daalton? I'm assuming the first but I'm a Londoner.

[DaenerysTargaryensDragonBaby]

I love Jackson but it's a bit.. common. Plus we hate Jack so wouldn't want to go for Jackson. Inevitably, it'll become Jack.

Morton makes me think of death
Clinton - clinton cards

[DaenerysTargaryensDragonBaby]

Doll-tun (but then I guess it depends on accent?)

[fideline]

You're both right - I've conflated two American classics, i think. Now I have brain itch to remember what, darnit.

I stand by the greatness of Bailey as a name though

[RiverTam]

no, Doll-tun is what I meant, don't know why I put Dawl!

Can't bear Jackson, Dalton is certainly better than that.

I always think Bailey is a girls' name, don't know why.

[poorincashrichinlove]

It's nice but not naice
Darwin?

[Showy]

Are there other names you like?

Do you particularly want an American surname type name? They are a bit marmite as name choices go. I don't like them but that's just personal preference. You probably wouldn't like the sort of names I like.

If you like it, use it. There is no answer to 'is this a nice name' because everybody has different opinions. For example, due to its popularity, I assume a lot of people think Jack is a nice name. You seem to despise it. It really is whether you like it or not. You'll never please everybody and you should please yourself.