Help with our dull names

I like Ewan but def prefer a 'w' - Ewan or Ewen to Euan. Love Eilidh too. That's not a 70s name! It's an old name but popular now. I think Ningnang was saying was that it would sit alongside your other DC's more English name fine because although it is clearly Gaelic, it's common enough not to stand out - not that she was suggesting you hyphenate it!

Dean Friedman sings "Lydia"

You have some great names ! Too many good ones to choose .

I hope you are keeping better

'Euan'

Evan, Sam Fred, Hannah, Helen, Laura , Catherine. I can't rate them out of ten but none of these is 'dull'. None of them.

I did wonder if that was what had put you off Lydia! There was a Lydia where I used to work many years ago. Some of the young men of the office weren't too fond of her (she was very much senior and often had to give unpopular orders) and used to call her "Chlamlydia" behind her back. As horrible as it is/was, I can't hear the name Lydia without thinking of the nickname now .

Similarly Nina is Nee-Narr (like a fire engine) to me. Again, because of somebody I used to know called Nina who was commonly called Nee-Narr (not by me I hasten to add!).

Of your names, I like Euan & Laura best. I also really like Sam for either sex, but it does seem to be the most popular boy's name in this area - there are 3 Sams in DD's Reception class of 22, for example. It is still a lovely name though.

Best of luck for your imminent delivery!

Ford and Keir. Are you a fan of Ford Kiernan by any chance?

My Samuel is in no way boring! It's a fabulous name, not too common but not completely unheard of. Our Sammy is lovely and it works very well.

Ps Eilidh is gaelic for Helen!

I think Eilidh is becoming well known enough to sit alongside an anglicised name.

Both mine have 70's names. I love the fact that they fit well with ours. I have a baby Gregory and have had no negativity towards it's at all.

I could out myself with dds name but think actress in her 40's in a popular film at the moment.

We were worried they might grow up thinking their names are old fashioned and stuffy so they both have more modern and very short middle names that were inspired by family members.

I like Euan and Helen from your list because I don't know of any babies with those names.

I have a Ewan too - great name! As PP said it's a real name but uncommon enough to be unusual

Secret though- the inspiration came from my mums best friends cat

I got told my ds's name was better suited to an animal, it was 13 years ago and I was obviously ahead of the times ;)
His name is Oliver.

Op go with what you and dh love, never mind people putting you off.

I know quite a few baby Keirs if that makes any difference.

What did they say about Lydia?

We have an Eilidh and live outside of the UK and once you explain how to spell it/pronounce it no one bats an eyelid. I usually say it's Scottish Gaelic and people say like Niamh is Irish.

Long story short that's my fave!

Euan/Ewan - LOVE it
Sam(uel) - ok
Fred(Erick) - though I don't like Freddy - quite popular at the moment
Ford - makes me think of cars, sorry! Don't like it at all
Elliot - love it
Keir - like it

Hannah - I've always disliked the name Hannah, but can't justify it!
Helen - love it
Eilidh - love it, assuming you have Scottish connections (otherwise might be a bit random)
Laura - love it, due a comeback
Sam(antha) - ok
Nina - another one I dislike without good reason!
Catherine - nice

Some other 70s suggestions (sorry if I'm repeating others'):

Amy
Bridget
Colette
Carina
Carly
Diane/Diana
Esther
Julie/Julia
Frida
Karen
Geraldine
Hester
Joanne/Joanna
Kim(berly)
Lisa
Louise/Louisa
Marie
Naomi
Paula
Roberta
Sarah
Tessa
Theresa
Victoria
Zara

Gregory
Gregor
Adam
William
Craig
Dean
Eric
Francis
Ivan
Anthony
Christopher
Richard
Joseph
Laurence
Matthew
Luke
Nathan(iel)
Paul
Robert
Stewart/Stuart
Timothy

My first thought was Joanne/Joanna or Gregory.

Euan and Nina are fabulous names.

What about Flora? There is a wee girl round here called Nora and I love it. Maggie? Martha? Elsie? Iona? Isla? Mhairi? Naomi? Amber? Bethan? Rhona? Roslyn? Zoe? Cara?

Lyle? Kyle? Harris? Struan? Stuart? Logan? Aedan? Toby? Lachlan? Aaron? Rory? Thomas? Austin? Grant?

...and Jane

Nice names.

I really like Laura, Helen, Samuel, and Euan.

How about
Emma
Michelle
Jennifer
Claire
Sarah
Marie
Kay
Suzanne
Lindsey

Ian
Robert
Graham
Neil
Malcolm
Timothy
Gregory
Daniel
Adrian

Love Samuel, Fred is OK, Keir lovely but wouldn't use if you're not Scottish (am assuming you are though). Helen is fab, and unusual these days. Ditto Laura and, to an extent, Catherine. Hannah is quite nice too. Nina is sweet and cool.

Not keen on the ones I haven't mentioned.

Such a shame about Lydia - it's beautiful and unusual.

I like Elliot and Samantha best!

I'll throw in Patrick for boys and Gemma for girls.