What do you think of Mercer as a brother for Tobin?

[LJBB1]

And if you don't like it, alternatives?

[AugustaGloop]

I do not know any Mercers but do know some girls called Mercy, and do wonder if people will "mishear" as Mercy (but maybe Mercy is not a common enough name for that)

Orson?

[FluffyMcnuffy]

Sounds a bit like murder

[UnrelatedToElephants]

Reminds me of mercenary - it does sound a bit harsh and viscous sounding. Tobin however is adorable.

[squoosh]

Wasn't a mercer a textiles merchant? I just don't think it has a very nice sound, murder and mercenary spring to mind here too.

Other 'occupation' surnames I can think of are

Fletcher
Cooper
Carter
Smith
Archer
Sawyer
Faulkner
Slater

[LordJabuJabu]

Mercer Frey (game character), not a fan but can't offer any alternatives!

[Dumbledoresgirl]

It makes me think of merchants/traders, so a bit dull and ordinary.

At best, as I have connections with City of London livery companies, it makes me think of the Worshipful Company of Mercers, but that, in itself, is also rather dull and boring (for me).

I would give you full marks though for originality. And if it happens to be your maiden name, I would say go for it as I love the tradition of giving 2nd born sons the mother's maiden name (I did something similar for my 2nd born son). I like Tobin too.

Alternatives? I've no idea. Of Squoosh's list, Fletcher is cool.

[BananaToast]

I thought mercenary straight away.

[HearMyRoar]

I would be quite impressed if you named your son Mercer, but I am a bit geeky and would assume your were into SF with a particular fondness for Philip K Dick :o

www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-mercerism-300531

[QuietTinselTardis]

I know someone with the surname mercer so on that basis no. Don't like sorry.

[CruCru]

It's the name of my old company. Mercer employ about 30,000 people worldwide.

[Bowlersarm]

Oh don't like it, pleading for mercy, not good connotation.

I offer:

Hunter
Archer

[Greencurtain]

It's a surname, a company and a place in America. It isn't a baby name IMO.

[Wotsitsareafterme]

Reminded me of johhny mercer the songwriter. I quite like it but it's surely a surname but then so is Tobin in my experience.

[LJBB1]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. You know when you're pondering a name, and lose all perspective? Think that's what's happened here. Strike Mercer from the list and thank you for the suggestions.