Frederick or Laurence? Help!

[Bue]

Due with first baby in 3 weeks and stuck on a boy's name.

For years my boy name has been Frederick. Was all set to use this, DH on board, but recently I'm having big reservations. Freddie, which I know he would inevitably be called, is so popular. I'm a midwife and we've had a few little Freddies recently - every time I hear it on the ward my heart sinks slightly. Also DH loves Fred and wants to use that as a nn, but I just can't imagine a child called Fred. However I know I can't insist on the kid being called Frederick. I mean I'm not Frasier Crane and it is rather formal for everyday use.

Recently DH suggested Laurence, nn Laurie. Although I'm fairly neutral on Laurence itself, I love Laurie, more so than Freddie. (And yes I know it's a French girls' name and many people prefer Lawrence.)

So what do we do? Stick with my long term favourite or abandon it in favour of an upstart name?

[NomiMalone]

Laurie is just great.

Freddies are ten a penny.

Go for Laurence.

[florascotia]

Laurence Frederick perhaps? Keeps a whole lot of options open. Sounds good, too.

[Sophronia]

I know a Frederick nn Derry, do you like that?

Laurence nn Laurie is great.

[barbecue]

Frederick

[mika2]

Laurence is much nice than Frederick IMHO and nowhere near as popular - I've met a few toddler Freddies recently. I've never heard of Laurie as a nickname for Laurence though - only Larry - but it's very cute for a little boy.

[reuset]

Yes, Laurie has been trendy and popular for girls in France, same as Laurence actually. Both also sometimes used for boys.

Both are fine names but I prefer Laurence over Frederick. Laurence is better than Lawrence as latter is more likely the surname.

[MamaLazarou]

They are both lovely but Laurie is nicer than Fred, IMO.

[ashesandfire]

Laurence / Laurie, definitely!

[Bue]

Thanks all, I think you've helped put my mind at ease that I'm not making a rash decision. flora yes I think that Laurence Frederick might be the plan now! That way I still get to use it but in the long form that I love.

[susurration]

I went to school with a boy called Laurie and he was lovely! use Laurie!

[reuset]

Laurence Frederick is super choice!

[LorelaiVictoriaGilmore]

Love Laurence and Laurie . . . Little Women associations!

[Allalonenow]

Laurence is my favourite.

[TempsPerdu]

Definitely Laurence - much nicer than Frederick and love Laurie as a nickname. Laurence Frederick would work really well.

[sidonie1]

So agree. Laurie is super cool.

[Tangoandcreditcards]

Are you me?

I have a 17mo Fred and am 15 weeks pg with a baby that will be Laurence if it's a boy (or maybe Hugh - TBC!).

DS is Frederick and we thought he'd have the nn Freddie but it's mostly just ended up Fred. Suits him I guess. There are indeed quite a few about, mind (although I only actually know of one other in real life, I hear it in the street often).

If you're concerned about popularity, then Laurence. Freddies are awesome though if you can live with him occasionally meeting another one.

[Tangoandcreditcards]

PS - with apologies for minor derail OP - as we seem to have similar taste. I'm struggling on girls' names if you've got a good one?

[Bue]

Tango how funny! I think Frederick and Laurence is a great sibling set obviously. Are you a Hugh Laurie fan or something?

Well I can suggest Romilly for a sister, as that's our girl pick!

Thanks all again for your help

[Tangoandcreditcards]

Ha! Well I do quite like Blackadder & House - but it's a coincidence; we were thinking Larry really anyway and Hugh is my late FIL's name.

Nice one! I DO like that - Romilly is going on the list (I VVV much like Romy as a nn - not sure it'll get past DP tho - he's v trad). Good luck with everything

[itsnothingoriginal]

Laurence (but then I'm biased as I have one )

[Blondie87]

I love the name Laurence- would have been a contender for DS but it wouldn't work with our surname as also starts with 'L'.

[Bue]

I love Romy. I haven't told DH yet that the plan is to have that as her nn as I'm not sure he will like it. I figure I'll just start using it and he'll go along with it

[Lunastarfish]

Oh definitely Laurence. I can't stand Freddie (& there are so many of them!)

[Tangoandcreditcards]

I hope we don't live too close to each other OP. Even our DHs sound similar.