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Baby names

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

Original poster

Zachary or Joshua

32 replies

Mj10 · 08/12/2019 08:53

Hi all.
Really interested in your opinions on the 2 names. The little guy is 5 days old and we are struggling to settle on the name. We like both but we wonder if zachary is a bit naff and if joshua is a bit 90s. Our surname begins with J so Joshua J does have a ring. Boys names are so hard and such an important decision. Be interested to know your views on which one is more favourable. Thanks!

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Staffori · 09/12/2019 00:33

They're both great names. As I know many more Joshuas/Joshes than I do Zachary/Zacs, I'd pick Zachary.

Original poster
Mj10 · 08/12/2019 21:05

Thanks for the replies everyone. Really interesting to get your views! Boys names are such a minefield! Grin

OP posts:
dementedma · 08/12/2019 19:37

It will be Zack or Josh as nn. Both overused.

Anappleaday1 · 08/12/2019 19:34

I love Joshua (and Josh) it was top of my list but dh said no. I also like Zachary but dislike Jesse. Don't panic, you still have plenty of time. Try using one name at a time for a few days each and see if that helps (rather than trying them all out at the same time iyswim). Congratulations!

TwinMum89 · 08/12/2019 16:59

My 4 month old boy twin is called Zachary, though we call him Zach most of the time.

Spied · 08/12/2019 16:51

1st- Zachary (ok)
2- Joshua/Jesse ( can't decide if I like either)

Batmanandrobin123 · 08/12/2019 16:48

I love Jesse! I started a thread on it the other day. It's my favourite of the three names.

ApocalypseCow · 08/12/2019 16:17

I have two children one called Joshua and the other Zachary, obviously I love both names! Other names I liked were Lucas, Elijah, Henry, Raphael and Malachi.

finallychangedmyusername · 08/12/2019 16:08

Afraif?! Afraid.

finallychangedmyusername · 08/12/2019 16:08

I love Zachary and Joshua. Both have featured on my lists. Less keen on Jesse I'm afraif. Also Jesse J reminds me of Jesse James.

Scarletoharaseyebrows · 08/12/2019 13:22

Joss is nice. Similar to Jesse and Josh!

Scarletoharaseyebrows · 08/12/2019 12:52

Like Jesse.

Know 2 sets of brothers called Zach & Josh. One set 17 & 21, one 7 & 12!

Sherrybabyy · 08/12/2019 12:50

I really hate Jesse. Not keen on Zachary or Joshua either- I agree they are very 90s even though they’re much older than that

sue51 · 08/12/2019 12:49

I prefer Zachary but most people will shorten it to Zac. There seem to be a glut of Joshua/Joshs around at the moment. Jesse is nice.

Astronica · 08/12/2019 12:42

I like Zachary best, and I much prefer both over Jesse.

lunasunshine · 08/12/2019 12:42

I love both names! Smile

roiseandjim · 08/12/2019 12:25

Really really really dislike Joshua/Josh

MrsBertBibby · 08/12/2019 11:33

I agree, not keen on either for your reasons.

Joseph is a great name. Never going to sound faddy, lots of fun with variations (ours loves Jozef, and Giuseppe is great fun to bellow at meal times when he is slow to the table.)

Leopardprintboots · 08/12/2019 11:16

I adore the name Jesse @Mj10 there’s just been a thread about this name, it should still be on the name page. It’s slightly more unusual than Joshua but still lovely and not crazy

MissBPotter · 08/12/2019 11:14

I like Joshua and it is not dated, it is a biblical name and I know people from age 90s, 40s, teens and children caked it. However, it won’t be super popular now which I think is good.

Not a fan of the name Jesse at all and it is much more popular at the moment but if you’re not sure about your other two choices then maybe looking elsewhere is better.

Original poster
Mj10 · 08/12/2019 11:11

Thanks for the replies. What do people think of the name Jesse?

OP posts:
daisypond · 08/12/2019 09:22

Are Biblical Old Testament names really classic, though, in the UK? They have a history linked to the Nonconformist movements, etc. Are there any in the royal family, for example? Probably not.

Answerthequestion · 08/12/2019 09:08

Joshua is hardly dated!!! It’s a classic biblical name. I like it a lot. I don’t like Zachary, at all as it’s totally ubiquitous here and every other child from 18-0 is called Zack

Batmanandrobin123 · 08/12/2019 09:05

There really isn't anything wrong with slightly 'dated' anyway. It's not like you're suggesting Barry or Kevin. The names Zachary and Joshua are both in common usage and will fit in well with his peers.
I'd prefer a name that is slightly dated than one that is going to rocket in popularity and be hugely trendy.

Firsttimemama2017 · 08/12/2019 09:02

Joshua!