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Baby names

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

Original poster

Marlon or James?

39 replies

coldsandinsleepingbags · 18/02/2021 22:58

DS due soon and have really struggled with finding a boy's name that we feel at all drawn to. Generally feel that boy names fall into the category of very popular or traditional (which isn't generally our bag) or a bit too 'out there' and obscure (also not our bag). Struggle to find any names in the middle ground. Found it really easy coming up with options in the middle ground when naming our DD!

After a good few months of looking at every name list and generator online we've got two on our shortlist... Kind of feel one from each category I mentioned above - James (nn J) or Marlon (nn Marley).

I'd like to have at least a couple options on our list and make a final decision once he's born.

I know names are obviously such a personal thing but would love to hear some first impression thoughts on both/either!

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LittleTiger007 · 20/02/2021 21:48

James is lovely nn Jamie or Jim
Marley is nice but not so keen on marlon.

Jeschara · 20/02/2021 17:22

Marlon is not down market, my West Indian partner, said it is a name used in the Carribean quite alot.
The Marlon I know is University educated, and in a very high powered responsible job.
I prefer Marlon to James, as the latter is a used alot more. It is your choice but do not be put of the name because of other peoples view, it your choice.

waitingforgranny · 20/02/2021 12:11

James / Jim are good names. Marlon and Marley are naff. Sorry.
Traditional person here though

ShulamithFirestone · 20/02/2021 08:26

James!

ElaineMarieBenes · 20/02/2021 05:45

Both? Marlon James is a fantastic writer!

cabbagedpickles · 20/02/2021 05:38

Marlon reminds me of The Perishers character :

Marlon is amiable but he is not very bright. This has not dampened his ambitions; he is enthusiastic and often tries his hand at inventing. The fact that most of his inventions – fire, the wheel, the horse and cart and so forth – had already been invented did not deter him, because he felt he was slowly catching up.

alexdgr8 · 20/02/2021 04:39

James is a fine name.
Marlon i do not like. sounds rather a feminine name to me, or american.

PCar20 · 20/02/2021 04:32

James is classic.

Marlon is so dopey sounding - sorry!

AnnLouiseB · 20/02/2021 04:31

James is lovely. Marlon sounds like a fish.

Whatwouldnanado · 19/02/2021 23:31

Marlon is awful. James is classic. Shorten to Jim or Jamie if you must.

MondeoFan · 19/02/2021 23:29

James - always been my favourite ever name. Suits all ages and all walks of life. Not a fan of it being shortened though. Not sure why you'd shorten an already short name.

Marlon - again I like it and wouldn't want it shortened

DenisetheMenace · 19/02/2021 23:21

James: Jimmy is a lovely and these days seldom used variation too.

danascully96 · 19/02/2021 23:18

Marlon - Brando
James is nice, but the recent Britney Spears documentary where Jamie's her villainous dad has slightly tainted the name for me. Still, I vastly prefer it to Marlon.

percheron67 I'm American, so your comment's ugly to me. I wish you would refrain from the anti-Americanisms.

Synchrony · 19/02/2021 23:14

I like James and J but am too scared to use it myself because I loathe Jamie.

I like Marlon too and don't find it downmarket. It makes me think of Marlon Brando who I used to crush on.

pilates · 19/02/2021 22:21

James

Firebird83 · 19/02/2021 22:18

Definitely James. Agree Marlon is downmarket.

35andThriving · 19/02/2021 20:18

James is a wonderful name.

user1493494961 · 19/02/2021 18:35

Definitely James, agree with pp, Marlon seems a bit down market.

Original poster
coldsandinsleepingbags · 19/02/2021 08:40

Hmmm, Marlon not getting much love!

@SionnachGlic I think you're right - probably need to stop thinking about it now and just wait til he's born and hope something falls into place when we meet him!

Thanks for all the input everyone :-)

OP posts:
JemimaTiggywinkle · 19/02/2021 04:45

I prefer James.

Not keen on Marlon, and if you’re planning on calling him Marley, why not just name him Marley?
I don’t particularly like Marley either, but prefer it to Marion.

SqeakyHindge · 19/02/2021 04:32

James I have James in family, only few of mates nicknamed him Jim, Jimmy

SmeleanorSmellstrop · 19/02/2021 04:20

James, definitely, but also definitely would shorten to 'J' which is a bit naff - the name of all the naughty boys while I was at school in the 90s/early 2000s - and would either just stick with James or use nickname Jimmy.

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 19/02/2021 01:18

James is lovely imo- it's often considered the most classic and timeless boys name in many English speaking countries, yet it's currently the lowest in the UK popularity charts than it's been for at least a century (so there are fewer boys than ever being given the name). It's also has the bonus of lots of nn's - cool Jay, retro Jim/Jimmy, vintage Jem and cute Jamie.

Marlon sounds more like a surname to me or a trendy celeb type name (like Brando), and I see Marley as a pets name, sorry. If you are unsure maybe you could try to find a middle ground in terms of classic/modern and popularity - maybe Leon or Evan instead of Marlon? Or you could go traditional like James but with a cool nn - maybe Alexander (Xan/Lex) or Nicholas (Nico/Cole)?

Mally2020 · 19/02/2021 00:56

both nice but prefer James

Winningmoves · 19/02/2021 00:28

I know a Marlon in a lavender marriage. Janes is great. Jim is even better

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