Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

Name for newborn boy-stressed,sleep deprived and can’t decide!

37 replies

ASplendidMoomin · 02/02/2018 06:22

Our boy was born two weeks ago and we still haven’t named him. Names I like are:

Raphael or Rafi (Persian/Arabic name)
Thomas
Alexander

For some reason DH and I keep going round in circles and not getting anywhere.

He now has loads of silly nicknames and our families are getting impatient.

Please hit me with your suggestions. I like classic names but also names that have something interesting about them.

Thanks!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
FartnissEverbeans · 05/02/2018 14:09

Gorgeous name OP! Congratulations x

Original poster
ASplendidMoomin · 05/02/2018 12:02

It’s decided! We went for Rafi Alexander in the end. Thanks for all the lovely messages xx

OP posts:
Sadiebird · 05/02/2018 10:52

Congratulations! From your list I like Alexander, I think it’s a lovely handsome name.

I also like Isaac, Jacob, and Theo.

deste · 04/02/2018 21:48

Love Raffi.

NewYearNiki · 04/02/2018 21:33

Alexander is the best.

Congrats.

greatpotential · 03/02/2018 12:07

Raphael is wonderful! Rafi for short?

SoFancy · 03/02/2018 11:40

Rafi is lovely, but I like Alexander best. Its just such a classic name that is versatile and works in so many cultures. Beautiful.

Natsku · 03/02/2018 11:36

The other spelling where I live is Raafael (so a long A sound) which I like how it sounds but reckon the spelling would confuse my British family too much!

kaytee87 · 03/02/2018 10:49

Ah, misunderstood your post

Original poster
ASplendidMoomin · 03/02/2018 10:49

Raphael is Hebrew but Rafi (or Raffi) is Arabic/Urdu/Persian meaning ‘noble’ or ‘exalted’.
I love the spelling Rafael too...

OP posts:
pipilangstrumpf · 03/02/2018 10:48

Raphael is lovely and interesting.

Thomas and Alexander are quite common and a little overused/dull imo.

How about Reuben, Quentin or Marcus?

Natsku · 03/02/2018 08:59

I am seriously tempted now to use Rafael (have to spell with an F where I live otherwise it'd be pronounced Rap-ha-el) with Rafi for short as I still am not anywhere near decided on a name for my quite overdue baby.

kaytee87 · 03/02/2018 08:57

Is Raphael a Persian name? I thought it was Hebrew....I've looked at a lot of Persian names and that ones never come up.
It is a nice name though Smile

FartnissEverbeans · 03/02/2018 06:53

I frigging love Rafi! I think I'd use it if I had another boy. We live in an Arab country too so it kind of works for now, but I was worried it would seem weird when we came back to the UK - glad to see from this thread that's not the case Smile

Alexander and Thomas are nice enough but they're a bit boring. Raphael and Rafi are awesome names. I know one other Raffie, who's part Italian, and I heard a little Raphael being called in the park just yesterday.

TheDailyMailIsADisgustingRag · 03/02/2018 06:50

Raphael is lovely, but so are the others! I’d probably go with Rafi or Thomas.

I know lots of little Alexanders atm and I really dislike the shortening Xander for some reason.

If you’re looking for other ideas, how about Sebastian, Marcus, William or Hugo?

Original poster
ASplendidMoomin · 03/02/2018 06:38

Thanks so much everyone. We are definitely getting closer. Will report back soon! X

OP posts:
mum2be2boys · 02/02/2018 17:08

I like Alexander the best, but also like pp suggestion of Rafferty with nn Rafi. Good luck deciding :-)

UsernameInvalid66 · 02/02/2018 16:46

I like them all but I think I like Alexander best - and it has the great advantage of having lots of different short forms with different "feels", so if he doesn't like it when he's older he can be Alex or Lex or Xan...

flumpybear · 02/02/2018 16:45

Raphael is perfect

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 02/02/2018 16:34

All three are good.

Does your husband like them too?

If you're looking for similar but different, what about Lysander, Gabriel, Edmund/Edmond, Gilbert, Clement?

Congratulations!

pallisers · 02/02/2018 14:59

Three lovely names that work well in lots of cultures/languages.

Don't stress so much - you can't go wrong with one of these. Put them in a hat, tell yourself you'll use whichever is picked - pull one out and see how you feel. If you feel absolutely no, then discard it.

PaddlingShoes · 02/02/2018 14:58

Rafi.

Natsku · 02/02/2018 14:57

Love Rafi

MammieBear · 02/02/2018 14:54

I agree don't be rushed by family, take your time to find the name that suits him, do you like Rafferty if you like Raffe? Alexander is nice gives loads of options and looks good or how about Archer gives Archie as nn and suits February with valentines... Good luck

Sugarpiehoneyeye · 02/02/2018 14:20

Thomas.