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Original poster

Gabriel or Theodore

40 replies

fireworkbaby · 04/04/2019 14:20

Which do you prefer? I like both of these names. Would prefer something not too popular (ie not multiple in a class) and think Theodore + Theo + Teddy etc are pretty popular? If we went for Theodore would use Theo or Ted as a nickname. I like Gabriel but not so keen on Gabe. Also any suggestions for names on similar lines?

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WhereIsMyTVRemote · 06/04/2019 22:53

Tough choice there op. Love them both. No Gabriel's in abundance where I am, Theos are to a point. I'd go Gabriel personally as I love Gabe too.

SilverySurfer · 06/04/2019 16:10

I like both but would choose Theodore for the nn Theo.

KarBB · 06/04/2019 11:42

Gabs?
I've come accross lots of Theo's lately and I think it's really high on the popular names table atm - you can check the ons stats. That said I prefer Theodore to Gabriel and adore Ted & Teddy!

NutMeghan · 05/04/2019 22:25

I much prefer Gabriel but I like Gabe.

So if you don't like Gabe go with Theodore with nn Ted.

WoollyMummoth · 05/04/2019 22:12

Gabriel and Gideon are gorgeous names!

tootiredtospeak · 05/04/2019 21:58

I have a Gabriel and we love it. There is actually 2 in his class at school!!

MouseBatMummy · 05/04/2019 21:24

I like both. Theo is very popular where I am ( West Yorkshire) so would go for Gabriel - but I love Gabe so that nn wouldn't bother me

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 05/04/2019 21:20

I wouldnt say Gabriel was feminine.
Yes it does have a feminine form, but so do lots of names. Daniel, George. Harry. Joseph. Francis.
No one complains about those names.

Joeybee · 05/04/2019 21:02

This is a tough one. I like both names and both have been on my list at some time or another.

Theodore is gentle, versatile, a little bit grand, but not pompous. However it puts me off that it is riding in popularity so much.

Gabriel is such a sweet sounding name and Gabe is a lovely nickname. However I feel it's maybe a bit too feminine sounding. It's also very biblical...which without being religious, I felt a bit wrong using it.

KindnessCrusader · 05/04/2019 20:44

@Doodlekitty Gideon is so lovely!

Doodlekitty · 05/04/2019 20:39

I have a Gabriel. He's nearly 4. He has never had his name shortened, although I appreciate it probably will be in future.

Outing myself to anyone who knows me here, but his brother is Gideon. Which I adore!

We get a lot of comments about him being an angel. Which he very much isn't. Its a lush name.
Theodore was on our list but really doesn't work with our surname

SassyCassie · 05/04/2019 20:34

A little Theo would be adorable! I wouldn't say the name is popular, however that could just be where I live.

Mooshu · 05/04/2019 20:30

I like Theodore but hate the name Gabriel.

I have a Theodore shortened to Tom Wink

EmmaBead · 05/04/2019 19:35

I like Gabriel. It's a nice name.

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 05/04/2019 19:33

How does Gabriel shorten to Rae.

I suppose the Same could be said "How does Margaret shorten to Peggy".

KindnessCrusader · 05/04/2019 17:06

Always has been in my family 🤷‍♀️

Shmithecat2 · 05/04/2019 15:36

HollowTalk

I've no idea. I have a Gabriel and I can't see any link Hmm

HollowTalk · 05/04/2019 15:32

How does Gabriel shorten to Rae?

Love Gabriel, btw, OP.

e22aed247a · 05/04/2019 15:31

Other suggestions:
Noah
Leopold nn Leo
Caspian
Jasper
Jared
Sebastian nn Seb
Ash
Freddie

e22aed247a · 05/04/2019 15:29

Another note- how about Theodore with Gabriel as a middle name. This way Gabriel wont be shortened and you can still use it. Theo Gabriel flows well imo

e22aed247a · 05/04/2019 15:28

Theodore nn Theo is a great name. I'd say its important you like the nicknames as you can't control the abbreviations others will use at school etc

Barbarafromblackpool · 04/04/2019 23:10

I wanted Gabriel. Had it as a middle name.

Other names on the list were:
Felix
Rufus
Jasper
Edmund
Sebastian.

KindnessCrusader · 04/04/2019 20:56

Always one 🙄

Shmithecat2 · 04/04/2019 20:52

I have a Gabriel shortened to Rae.

Confused
BlueMerchant · 04/04/2019 20:52

Theodore nn Ted.
I don't like Gabriel.
I was going to suggest Isaac.