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Original poster

DH has gone off our chosen name - help!

37 replies

whizzlepuff · 03/09/2016 04:50

We had decided on Felix for DS. It was pretty much the ONLY name I loved, even though it's pretty popular. Our surname is Greek (even though we're not - long story) which limits options. I've put together some other names that I do like - feedback welcomed, and other suggestions! In no particular order...

Elias (pronounced Ellie-as) - this is the only one DH seems to like
Max
Lucas
Bastien
Willem
Xavier

Like but can't use:
Zachary
Elijah

I feel like there isn't a boys name in the country that I've not heard and discounted for some reason. Find girls names so much easier.

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Coconutty · 04/09/2016 03:31

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

user1472934164 · 04/09/2016 02:56

I love Max

NotAnotherHarlot · 03/09/2016 17:45

Bastien is a name. As is Willem.
I'd be curious as to how you would pronounce Sean as anything but Shawn, same with Niamh - Neave.

I'd be cautious about something that has a different pronunciation but same spelling as uk, like Elias. Unless you decide that it doesn't matter if it is pronounced differently at home and at school/clubs.

I've met a baby Aristotle and a Constantine both of Greek heritage. No one batted an eyelid.

Felix is fab though! I'm presuming Phillipe/Philip no good? It's pretty global!

WankersHacksandThieves · 03/09/2016 17:45

Sylvester?

Original poster
whizzlepuff · 03/09/2016 17:26

Incidentally I rwather like Florian - will add to long list!

OP posts:
Original poster
whizzlepuff · 03/09/2016 17:01

Interesting point OnTheRoses, however I can assure you that I am perfectly capable of spelling and pronouncing names, in more than just English.

For context (good thing I NC for this) DH is of unknown Afro-Caribbean mixed race heritage, brought up by a Greek lady, speaks Greek & has the surname. I am white British but with Dutch ancestry, my father left home very young and changed his Dutch surname to a British one. We have connections spanning 40 years and a home in France. We have these various international connections, which is why I'd feel comfortable with a name that isn't necessarily solidly British, but is used commonly in the UK. That make sense?

The more pertinent point made by a PP is that teachers would struggle with a different pronunciation and for that reason I'd think twice about using the foreign pronouciation. Obviously I don't want to saddle DS with a lifetime of explaining! Already have enough bother with people thinking Amelie is Emily.

Thanks so much everyone for your helpful points and suggestions! Grin

OP posts:
ElornaElephant · 03/09/2016 15:38

I know an Ilias (who is Greek heritage) and that is pronounced "Ih-lee-as" which might work better! His brother is called Aristotle, Aris for short, if you wanted to go all out!

EggbertHeartsTina · 03/09/2016 13:08

What about Hector, Hector of Troy was Greek

RiverTam · 03/09/2016 12:49

So how do you think Esme should be pronounced? Because I've heard both versions, and the French version from people who aren't French. Both are perfectly valid pronunciations.

OhTheRoses · 03/09/2016 12:14

Roots!

OhTheRoses · 03/09/2016 12:13

Yes, there can but the Op is in the UK and hasn't indicated any overseas,routes except for a Greek surname without being Greek.

SEbastian
WillIAm

Perhaps you'd pronounce Henry as Henwee or Sean as Shaun or Naeve as Niamh.

It's twitty and the child has to live with it.

RiverTam · 03/09/2016 12:00

Err - there can be more than one pronunciation of a name, you know. Especially if the name is used in different languages.

OhTheRoses · 03/09/2016 11:53

Why don't you pronounce and spell things properly?

Merlin
Gawain
Tristan
Florian

All normal but unusual.

RiverTam · 03/09/2016 11:52

I like Elias, Lucas and Willem from your list.

TheWildRumpyPumpus · 03/09/2016 11:50

We had Felix, Theo, Jasper, Alexander on our list - ended up with a Nathaniel!

Dontrocktheboat · 03/09/2016 11:47

I would pronounce Elias Ellie-as as you say. Not actually met any to confirm this or otherwise. I really like it. My ds has a name with two possible pronounciations and it is a bit of a pain but people generally get it right once told.

I like Felix too, not so keen on your other names. Definitely prefer Sebastian to Bastien which looks weird!

Purplebluebird · 03/09/2016 09:59

Luca was on my short list :) Felix is also nice, tbh most of the names on your shortlist are nice! Only thing I'd worry about is pronouncing them in a way that your other half would be happy with - not sure teachers and other parents would "get" the difference if you see what I mean. I'm Norwegian and my other half English, so we had to choose a name that is pronounced almost the same way in both languages, which limited it greatly (but it was my favourite name anyway)!

DartmoorDoughnut · 03/09/2016 09:30

How strange I suggested Felix to my DH this morning! He harrumphed but he does that a lot so I'm going to keep it on the list!

Mottled · 03/09/2016 09:23

I know a couple of people whose name is pronounced Ellie-as but it is spelt Illias (think it is an Arabic/Muslim name). Elias is A-lie-us.

Original poster
whizzlepuff · 03/09/2016 09:22

Amazing - thanks so much for all the replies. And some great suggestions. Some are already taken by family members and friends' kids (Alex/ander, Reuben, Otto, Milo, Jago, Jasper, Linus) - typical, they're all great names!

A few have said keep fighting for Felix, I'll certainly keep trying Grin

Agree about Ellie-as potentially causing problems, DH defaults to pronouncing it that way because it's the Greek way and despite not actually being of Greek heritage he was brought up by a Greek lady and speaks the language. I like both pronunciations tbh.

Really like Casper, Luca, Frederik, Theo/dore- will add to list! Sebastian is great - had been dithering over this one before.

Should say DS will be brother to Amelie.

Thank you - this is making it fun again, rather than stressful Flowers

OP posts:
Jooni · 03/09/2016 07:49

Felix is fantastic, I'd keep mentioning and see if your DH comes back round.

Love Elias and Willem too, and loads of the suggestions you've got already.

How about:

Xander
Milo
Dorian
Silas
Louis
Peter
Jago
Matias
Jonas/Jonah
Bennet
Linus
Otto
Rex

Ninasimoneinthemorning · 03/09/2016 07:45

Oh just to add - he also did this with dd2 and I changed her name to one he preferred - won't be doing that again!

Ninasimoneinthemorning · 03/09/2016 07:44

Yep Dh is trying they shit with me - I have seven weeks left. I've called this baby that name for months now and he can fook off.

Stick to your guns- who made him the boss?

BendydickCuminsnatch · 03/09/2016 07:41

Agree, I'd automatically read Elias as Eh-LIE-us. I like it! I also think Willem is pretty badass but might be annoying people mishearing it as William?

Sugarpiehoneyeye · 03/09/2016 07:39

Love Xavier, how about, Xander, Rex, Luca, Luther or Reuben.

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