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Baby names

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

Original poster

Two syllable boys names that CAN'T be shortened!

110 replies

RiceorChips · 12/08/2013 12:47

I know that most names can be shortened however, some names have much more obvious / common shortened versions than others.
For example, popular ones include Daniel (Dan), Thomas (Tom) and Samuel (Sam).

I'm looking for suggestions on 2 syllable boys names that can't be shortened (or at least have less obvious shortenings). For example, Leon, Caleb and Niall.

Any suggestions please???? Thank you!!

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OutragedFromLeeds · 16/08/2013 00:40

Love Leon and Jacob.

Original poster
RiceorChips · 15/08/2013 14:34

I know, I guess long names get shortened and short names get lengthened!! Or some nickname is introduced based on the surname or something completely random!!

I do like Finn / Finlay but DH doesn't.
He's vetoed quite a few names I like actually including Caleb, Theo, and Zac / Zachary.
But of course hasn't really suggested any... apart from the likes of Barry or Derek!!!!!

OP posts:
LokiTheCynicalCat · 15/08/2013 13:20

You seem to have a lot of Irish names in the family! And you've said you like some of the Irish names suggested, so if you're open to those, here are two more: Finn and Lorcan.

DH and I have both agreed to consider Lorcan for DC2 if a boy. We considered Finn for DC1, and IME Finn does tend to get lengthened to Finlay in the UK, whereas in Ireland it's either a stand-alone name or short for Fintan or Finbarr.

BuntyPenfold · 15/08/2013 13:05

I know a Niall called Nelly!
Jude called Judy.
Aiden called Ades.

There is nothing you can do tbh.

Original poster
RiceorChips · 15/08/2013 12:12

Thanks all, really helpful!

Have run some names past DH and currently our shortlist looks like this:
Leo
Leon
Jacob
Joseph
Marcus

Though I know some (if not all) of these can easily be shortened!!!!

It's a tricky busy this naming lark, especially when you have an 'awkward' surname!!!

OP posts:
OutragedFromLeeds · 13/08/2013 22:29

Jacob is lovely and I really like Jake as well. 2 great names for the price of 1 imo.

Joseph is nice as well and I don't mind Joe either.

I think both would get shortened sometimes/by some people so I wouldn't choose either if you really don't like Jake/Joe. As everyone has said though pretty much everything will be shortened sometimes and I think a nice nn like Jake has to be better than J or Red or Jar or whatever Jared would be shortened to.

Maybe you should think of a one syllable name you love and then add on an extra syllable?

Jake/Jacob
Joe/Joseph
Jack/Jackson
Jude/Judah
James/Jamie
Josh/Joshua
Jev/Jevan
Jay/ any J name!

Luke/Lucas or Luca
Mark/ Marcus
Tom/ Thomas
Sam /Samson or Samuel

WheresMeJumperOhNo · 13/08/2013 21:04

Eli?

I have a friend named Justin, nicknamed Stin.

Original poster
RiceorChips · 13/08/2013 20:46

Ok so maybe Justin is off the list???!!!

I do like names beginning with J though, they seem to work well with our surname.

So, thoughts on:
Jared - too harsh sounding?
Jamie - too soft / feminine sounding?
Jacob - inevitably shortened to Jake?
Joseph - LOVE this! Though inevitably shortened to Joe? Joey? Though is that a bad thing?

OP posts:
Wereonourway · 13/08/2013 20:02

I have a Theo too. I love it obviously

His middle name is James, suppose there's risk of jim/jimmy later in life but probably not for some time?

I also like Jude

AuntieStella · 13/08/2013 19:52

"but when he's 15 you won't even think of Mr Tumble though."

By the time he's 15, a JustIn will be at the peak of 'small willy' jokes

flowers123 · 13/08/2013 12:43

Kurt x

5madthings · 13/08/2013 12:16

rice ds3(8) has a friend called justin, he is a lovely little boy, no one connects his name to mr tumble and my kids watch it as they have younger siblings.

Reastie · 13/08/2013 12:02

or Henry

Reastie · 13/08/2013 12:01

rice but when he's 15 you won't even think of Mr Tumble though.

I like Jared, I don't associate it with naughty boys at all. Just thought of another few, Jasper,Graham and Gareth.

Original poster
RiceorChips · 13/08/2013 11:57

Some great suggestions, thank you!

Am liking Jamie and Theo, and love Nathan!

Others I like but can't have include Isaac, Aidan / Hayden, Dylan, Simon and Alex.

Quite like Justin but can't get the Mr Tumble connection out of my head!!

I like Jared but have heard it's often thought of as a naughty boys name?? What do you think?

OP posts:
FunnysInLaJardin · 13/08/2013 10:02

Nye is a name which we considered OP. Short for Anuerin. TBH any name can be shortened

afromom · 13/08/2013 09:58

Noah
Theo
Connor
Conner
Evan
Alan
Harry
Jamie
Alex

cottoncandy · 13/08/2013 09:58

Riley
Lucas
Nigel (not many of those around these days!)

AuntieBrenda · 13/08/2013 09:55

My brother is called Aaron. He gets called ah. His mates call him alf or afie. I don't think my parents envisaged that!

EarthMither · 13/08/2013 09:39

Jared

Turniptwirl · 13/08/2013 09:35

I see what you mean, like friends and family will shorten anything but teachers and other random people wouldn't automatically shorten it.

Reastie · 13/08/2013 08:38

Oh CP yes I can see that now Confused . It's not as obviously shortened as Thomas/Tom Benjamin/Ben etc though

CPtart · 13/08/2013 08:11

I know a Merlyn that is known only as Merl.

MortifiedAdams · 13/08/2013 08:04

Travis

Reastie · 13/08/2013 07:58

Rory, Percy, Derek, Dylan, Corey, Merlin

That's all I can think at the minute.

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