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

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?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
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.