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Original poster

Which baby boy name suits best: William, Hugo or Hugh Russell?

113 replies

GabiRussell · 19/03/2026 07:16

We’re having a son and can’t pick a name. We like Theodore (Theo) but that’s taken in our family. Husband doesn’t have too many boys names he loves. Really likes:

William (Will) Russell
Hugo Russell
Hugh Russell

Which do you prefer. Any other suggestions? We want a fairly timeless name that we won’t regret.

OP posts:
ThatWhiteElephant · 20/03/2026 08:37

William

Calliopespa · 19/03/2026 20:44

Sunshineismyfavourite · 19/03/2026 20:44

I love William (Will), Hugo and Monty. I know boys with all these names and they so suit them. All classics and timeless and perfect for young babies or older men.

Yes Monty Russell sounds good too.

Sunshineismyfavourite · 19/03/2026 20:44

I love William (Will), Hugo and Monty. I know boys with all these names and they so suit them. All classics and timeless and perfect for young babies or older men.

tinyspiny · 19/03/2026 20:42

William and Hugo are both lovely . What about Alastair or Christian ?

Original poster
GabiRussell · 19/03/2026 20:39

Calliopespa · 19/03/2026 14:06

I actually much prefer Edward anyway.

Show quote history

Yes, I love Edward/Teddy. Hubby not sure.

OP posts:
Original poster
GabiRussell · 19/03/2026 20:39

HoskinsChoice · 19/03/2026 20:05

How about Tarquin? Or Monty?

I like Monty :)

OP posts:
Original poster
GabiRussell · 19/03/2026 20:38

Weegieunicorn · 19/03/2026 20:13

William will end up being called Billy and Hugh will be called Shug. How do you feel about the name shortening? Hugo is a bit pretentious imo.

I don't mind Billy but I don't like Shug lol

OP posts:
Original poster
GabiRussell · 19/03/2026 20:38

Treylime · 19/03/2026 08:49

I thought the same about Will Russell. You have to be careful with the surname if you have names like Mark/Rob/Nick/Luke the wrong surname can make them sound silly eg Luke Wright Luke Shaw

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Lol

OP posts:
EmbarrassmentLovesCompany · 19/03/2026 20:32

Given Russell is the surname id go for a first name thst isn't a common surname.

So Russell William or William Russell??

On that basis, id go for Hugo.

Weegieunicorn · 19/03/2026 20:13

William will end up being called Billy and Hugh will be called Shug. How do you feel about the name shortening? Hugo is a bit pretentious imo.

Zanatdy · 19/03/2026 20:07

Hugo

HoskinsChoice · 19/03/2026 20:05

How about Tarquin? Or Monty?

Calliopespa · 19/03/2026 14:06

AngelicInnocent · 19/03/2026 10:25

If you like Theodore, have you considered Edward. You can still use Ted or Teddy then.

I actually much prefer Edward anyway.

Calliopespa · 19/03/2026 14:05

B1anche · 19/03/2026 07:20

William Russell makes me think of Willy Russell, the playwright, and Hugh Russell sounds wrong. Go with Hugo.

Hugh does sound wrong with Russell somehow. I normally like it, but that doesn't flow.

I'd go for Hugo.

William is classic but indistinct and works better with a more colourful surname imo.

Arregaithel · 19/03/2026 14:00

Also just fyi @GabiRussell Willy Russell is renowned for Educating Rita, Shirley Valentine, Blood Brothers, if it's of any import?

HugoThatway · 19/03/2026 12:43

Jack

bridgetreilly · 19/03/2026 12:42

My uncle was William Hugo so that gets my vote!

ForgottenPink · 19/03/2026 12:41

Hugh or Patrick

GingerBeverage · 19/03/2026 12:19

I had to email a Hugh this week.

Autocorrect changed it to Hello Huge

Auroraloves · 19/03/2026 12:19

Hugo sounds best with Russell. William Russell is a mouthful

is Russell a family name ?

fussychica · 19/03/2026 12:16

William nicest of three.
Or Adam
Benedict
Alexander
James
Nathan

ArtAngel · 19/03/2026 10:41

William

Not Hugh

AngelicInnocent · 19/03/2026 10:25

If you like Theodore, have you considered Edward. You can still use Ted or Teddy then.

Rainbowdottie · 19/03/2026 09:59

Out of the names you’ve given, I like William the best. A good classic name that takes him anywhere

Mayflowerz · 19/03/2026 09:58

Out of your list I would say William.

Hugh Russell doesn’t seem to sound right when I say it. The Hugh sort of gets lost. Could be how I speak though 😂

Hugo does seem like a popular dogs name at the moment.

William Russell flows nice.