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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Matthew or Finlay??

53 replies

chubbychipmonk · 18/01/2013 23:53

Already have a DS with quite a traditional name. Am 32 weeks pregnant with DC2 and we can't agree on a boys name! I like Finlay, DH likes Matthew. Opinions please?

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monica77798 · 24/01/2013 14:52

I actually prefer Finlay over Matthew, even if it is very "trendy".

blindworm · 24/01/2013 14:14

I have a nephew called Finlay, and even his nursery spells it Finley, so maybe the spelling is an issue. Prefer it Finlay to Finley or Findlay though.

Original poster
chubbychipmonk · 22/01/2013 20:36

I get what you mean Blotted, I've been writing it down with all different spellings but think I prefer it now spelt 'Findlay'.

OP posts:
Blottedcopybook · 22/01/2013 17:09

Chubby - I prefer it with the D and that's certainly how my DS spells his name, but really I would go with what you prefer. I found that once written down, Findlay looked more like how I imagined his name to look than if I'd spelled it Finlay/Finley/Phynnleigh. I know that sounds a bit airy-fairy but it worked for me!

Locketjuice · 22/01/2013 13:41

I'm biased I have a finnley, and yes always spelt wrong!

Chaoscarriesonagain · 22/01/2013 13:36

Findlay with a d!

Yfronts · 22/01/2013 13:34

Matthew is lovely

MidnightMasquerader · 22/01/2013 00:47

Finlay will date, but if that doesn't bother you, then not a problem.

Matthew is by far the better choice. Matt is a great shortening when he's older. Matt/Matthews always seem to be lovely.

bigkidsdidit · 21/01/2013 21:36

Matthew

forgetmenots · 21/01/2013 21:19

I prefer Findlay but the spellings without a D are more common at the moment (I like traditional!)

ilovecolinfirth · 21/01/2013 21:13

Matthew...beautiful!

Original poster
chubbychipmonk · 21/01/2013 21:11

Which do you all prefer. . Findlay or Finlay?

OP posts:
goinglone · 21/01/2013 10:44

Finlay. Strong classic old Scots name.

forgetmenots · 20/01/2013 23:54

Me too blotted, I'm in Scotland and think of it as a very traditional name, particularly when spelled with a D, and Irish names like Fionn too.

Blottedcopybook · 20/01/2013 20:12

My DS is a Findlay and it was very unusual when he was born in 2001 - the only other Findlay I'd heard of was the son of Sharron Davies. It has become much more popular in recent years though, lots of 6-7 year old Findlay's running around. I like to think it's because so many people met my lovely boy as a delightful toddler that they wanted to name their child after mine Wink

Somewhat bemused that Findlay is considered faddy & trendy, it's a very traditional Irish/Scots moniker.

Bakingtins · 20/01/2013 19:50

Matthew - biased because I have one, and pleased to hear the MN jury agree. It's a classic name, and there are not many little ones about.
I have had people ask me how to spell it though Confused

Lovely meaning too "gift of God"

Reaa · 20/01/2013 17:49

Matthew

WowOoo · 20/01/2013 17:47

Another Matthew fan.

Ragwort · 20/01/2013 17:45

Matthew (Matt), lovely name.

Original poster
chubbychipmonk · 20/01/2013 17:43

I quite like Matthew shortened to Matt (when he's older) but less keen on Finlay being shortened to Finn. Am really stuck now!

OP posts:
MrsJohnDeere · 20/01/2013 15:45

Matthew.

Two in my family, both adults, have never been shortened to Matt by themselves or others.

CiderwithBuda · 20/01/2013 15:40

Matthew. Although be warned it will eventually be shortened to Matt so bear that in mind. We liked either but to me Matt was an older boy kicking a football about rather than a baby. DSis Matt now at school to all his friends and some of the teachers and he likes it.

And Finlay may well get shortened to Finn.

bigbluebump · 20/01/2013 15:26

Matthew is more timeless and will age better than Finley/Finlay/Finn - it feels quite 'faddy' to my ears, probably because it has been a little overused.

forgetmenots · 20/01/2013 15:17

Both names are lovely and I think both are classic, but Finlay is having a real spike in popularity. If that doesn't bother you go for it!

Finlay Matthew or Matthew Finlay are lovely names.

Blanketsandpillows · 20/01/2013 14:32

Matthew for me