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Baby names

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

Original poster

Rex or William?

41 replies

cheddaraddict · 11/04/2015 19:51

Expecting DC number 2, a brother for Frederick (Freddie). Think we're sorted on girls' names but can't decide between Rex and William for a boy. William is classic but there are a lot of them about. Rex is more unusual, and it was my grandfather's name. We have a monosyllabic surname though so worried it might be a bit short. What do you think?

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sweetpeame · 12/04/2015 07:51

Neither is to my taste but agree with previous posters and would go with William Rex, tonnes of options for nn's. In Germany where my DH is from, Rex is a surname and I agree that for English speakers it sounds a little canine-esque as a full first name (but fine as a nickname). Lovely to honour a relative by using it in some form though.

timelyreminder · 12/04/2015 00:41

They're both nice names but I prefer William.

I wouldn't use Something Rex as it sounds like a dinosaur.

CycleChic · 11/04/2015 23:15

Was Rex your grandfather's full name?

Chancewouldbefinething · 11/04/2015 23:13

Frederick and William
Freddie and Wills
And William Rex is a great combo

DramaAlpaca · 11/04/2015 20:41
Grin

Glad you took it the right way, OP. I was hoping I hadn't been too rude!

Actually, William Rex is a seriously cool name - if you haven't already used it for the labrador Wink

Original poster
cheddaraddict · 11/04/2015 20:18

Interesting thought DramaAlpaca - I am thinking of getting a Labrador!

OP posts:
CMOTGilbertBlythe · 11/04/2015 20:18

I like Rex! A movie star name. William also lovely. Which sounds better with your surname?

Sophronia · 11/04/2015 20:14

William. It goes much better with Frederick and is more classic. I second the suggestion of William Rex.

DramaAlpaca · 11/04/2015 20:13

William for a child, Rex for a labrador.

Janethegirl · 11/04/2015 20:12

William, Rex is a name you give a pet.

MadameJosephine · 11/04/2015 20:10

I prefer William, lots of different options whereas Rex is, well, just Rex. I also think you need a longer first name with a single syllable surname. Why not William Rex and then if he prefers Rex as he grows up he can choose to be known by his middle name?

Allthatnonsense · 11/04/2015 20:06

William

HarrietSchulenberg · 11/04/2015 20:04

William has more options than Rex, ie it could become Will, Bill, Billy, Liam, or probably more. Ds2 is a William although he's now declared himself Will, which I don't really like.

Rex has very, um, canine conotations too.

aFirmGrip · 11/04/2015 19:57

I don't really like Rex but prefer it of your two options simply because William is SOOOO dull.

CaptainAnkles · 11/04/2015 19:56

William is lovely. Really don't like Rex.

GlitzAndGigglesx · 11/04/2015 19:53

I really don't like Rex unless it's a nn. It sounds like a cutesy dinosaur name