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Baby names

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

Original poster

Final two boys names

172 replies

Ipanema01 · 22/08/2016 12:46

Our gorgeous little boy arrived on Wed and is still nameless - really need to make a decision! We're pretty much down to Arlo or Fox - which do you prefer and why?

My concern is that Arlo is about to become mega popular, though on a par with what I'm not sure...

Thanks!

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ThinkPinkStink · 22/08/2016 13:25

There is nothing wrong with Arlo or Fox - the moment people have a lovely little baby to associate with a name, it just becomes 'their name'.

As Lucky says, around where I live (South West London) no one would even register Arlo or Fox as being unusual.

For me, Arlo will require less explanation as he grows older - I know an Arlo and he's a lovely little boy.

Fox is a little more 'out there' and I'd imagine he'd need a bit more confidence to carry it off (imagine a very quiet, shy, Fox... it wouldn't be the easiest name to blend-in with).

Go with your gut - and whatever works best with your surname!

Flushedwithsomething · 22/08/2016 13:35

We have a DS with middle name Fox - have had such positive feedback about it that we pretty much use Xxxfox as his first name (hope that makes sense). Arlo Fox is very cool!

Bluesand1 · 22/08/2016 13:36

I know of 2 Arlo and 1 Fox. I think Arlo will be the more popular of the 2 but I'm not sure how popular. Go with your fave. Fox is more unusual.

Original poster
Ipanema01 · 22/08/2016 13:39

Thanks for the input all, I get that I'm not asking you to choose between John and David - for me there is nothing more dull.
I'm in SW London too so I'm not too concerned about him sticking out massively with an unusual name.

OP posts:
Loyly · 22/08/2016 13:43

Yeah, use both together - Arlo Fox.

PickleSarnie · 22/08/2016 13:45

Arlo is really lovely

Fox would make a nice enough middle name. But is just strange for a first name.

Alwaysinahurrynow · 22/08/2016 13:45

I always revert back to the test of the right honourable/judge/partner of royalty test for names, which are a little more unusual, in which case I would side with, Arlo. Fox is cute though.

Tiggeryoubastard · 22/08/2016 13:46

Not personally keen on Arlo but it's ok. Fox is ridiculous. Why would you do that to a child?

That1950sMum · 22/08/2016 13:48

OP congratulations on the arrival of your son.

I'd think carefully about your choices. You might be in SW London now where such names wont stand out, but your son has to take his name through a lifetime. Your 'trendy' choice to impress the SW London crowd might be something he comes to hate.

How about using one of your chosen names as a middle name?

DearMrDilkington · 22/08/2016 13:50

can you imagine introducing yourself to someone' hello, i am fox?' - GrinGrin

Op I'd 100% go for Arlo. Are you even allowed to name a baby Fox?!

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 22/08/2016 13:56

Yes, I can totally imagine introducing yourself as Fox Dear. It's a syllable, as are many other names.

SirChenjin · 22/08/2016 13:58

I am Fox - Foxy Fox .

You really have to be a confident type to pull that off Grin

therootoftheroot · 22/08/2016 13:59
rainbowstardrops · 22/08/2016 14:03

I think Arlo Fox would be better.
Congratulations on your new baby!

Dontrocktheboat · 22/08/2016 14:07

Definitely Arlo - personally not massively keen on it but at least it is a name (Italian for Charles apparently). I have three kids under 8 and have never met an Arlo so don't think it is that popular though its sound fits with current trends.

There are a few people who would be cool enough to carry off the name Fox - most people couldn't so unless your child is guaranteed to be unutterably cool then I wouldn't.

Cocochoco · 22/08/2016 14:11

I love Arlo, and have come across two in the past few weeks, none previously. So agree it's getting more popular. But it's a really cool name. I cringe at Fox.

Chewbecca · 22/08/2016 14:11

Arlo purely on the basis it is more like a name. Congrats.

ThinkPinkStink · 22/08/2016 14:14

If in two years I hear someone calling 'Arlo' or 'Fox' on Clapham Common, I'll give you a wink OP.

Seriously though, I know a Badger, I got used to it within a couple of moments, I know a Rocky (very cool kid, luckily), I know a Coco-Delilah - whatever suits you, your family, your kid - go with it, there are more important things to worry about than having an unusual name (I almost knew a Rook, but he was born blond, so it was deemed unsuitable).

Cocochoco · 22/08/2016 14:15

I almost knew a Wolfie - but thankfully his mum had a girl.

septembersunshine · 22/08/2016 14:15

I know brothers with Fox and Bear as middle names and I think they work (but only as middle names). I can't imagine Fox (or Bear) as first names.

Arlo would be my choice out of the two. It's a good name and I don't know one. I know a few Ezra (an Ezra Fox actually!) but not one Arlo. I don't think it's that popular at all. Congrats on your baby boy!!

Kriek · 22/08/2016 14:45

We have a 'Tiger'. It wasn't his chosen name originally but has worked out lovely. I love Fox. Go with your gut though.

Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost · 22/08/2016 15:57

Fox. Don't be so silly. As previously said. This is a human being. Not a pet.
I quite like Arlo, though

KoalaDownUnder · 22/08/2016 16:08

Nah, Fox and Bear and Wolf and the like are just silly.

Arlo is okay. It reminds me of the whole Milo/Hugo/Otto '-o is so cooool' thing that seems to be going on currently, but it is certainly better than Fox.

MuffyTheUmpireSlayer · 22/08/2016 16:18

Arlo.

There's nothing wrong with introducing yourself without your name being David or Peter Grin

BadToTheBone · 22/08/2016 16:35

Arlo is nice, Fox is try too hard.

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