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Baby names

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Original poster

DS2 is now 10 days old but doesn’t have a name - Otto or Rafe

104 replies

Newdadadvice · 15/07/2021 13:52

Hi All,
Our DS2 is now 10 days old and we haven’t been able to make a final decision on names! We’re looking for something that isn’t stupidly popular but also not too far off the beaten track. Our two final options are Otto and Rafe.

If it matters we’re based in SE England near London and surname is Carroll.

I’d welcome any opinions on either name - as we can’t pick between the two!

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sunshinerobots · 17/07/2021 19:13

Joss? fits the criteria of unusual but 'easy'.

Joss Carroll.

Otto would be my preference from the two you have shortlisted

Chilldonaldchill · 17/07/2021 10:45

I really like them both.
I know Rafes up to the age of 13 and no one has ever made ridiculous comments about their names so I wouldn't worry about that at all. I think, with all the little Rafaels about, many of whom are known as Raf or Rafa, it maybe doesn't feel as uncommon but it's much less common than Leo.
I do like Otto but I do think the potential O'Carroll makes it slightly odd (though not enough not to use it if it's your favourite).
I only know one Otto who is early 20s now but was a bit of an idiot when younger so that probably (unfairly) puts me off. I prefer Otis.

Maggiesfarm · 17/07/2021 01:58

Rafferty sounds like the name of a racehorse.

NeverDropYourMoonCup · 16/07/2021 15:24

I've just heard somebody outside calling to their LO - 'Hamish!'.

Hamish Otto Carroll.

Just saying...

bloominglovelyorange · 16/07/2021 11:57

Rafe is probably more popular than you're expecting if he gets called Raffy. I know about 8 little baby Raffys all with various full names (Ralph, Rafe, Rafferty, Raphael).
I'd definitely pick Otto if you're wanting something a bit different- I much prefer Otto anyway lovely name

PattyPan · 16/07/2021 11:35

I really don’t like Rafferty, it’s like a combination of all the things in names I don’t like: surname being used as first name, comes across as pretentious, reminds me of something weird/random (I get a mental image of basket weaving, presumably due to raffia)

NowEvenBetter · 16/07/2021 11:04

Lots of accents can’t pronounce Otto, including mine. ‘Oddo’/‘uh-ur’ type noises-yuck. Raphael, Leo, are much better options.

Emmelina · 16/07/2021 09:54

How about Rafferty, with Rafe as a pet name?

bunsaway · 16/07/2021 09:30

I agree with the others who have said that a longer name would fit better with Benjamin. Not that siblings have to match though!

I loved the suggestion of Nathaniel (nn Nate) and came to suggest Gabriel/Gabe, Christopher/Kit, Alexander/Xander, Ezekiel/Zeke, Zachary/Zach, Ezriel/Azriel, Xavier, Elliot, Tobias/Toby, Evander/Evan.

Silly question as you're undecided, but what name does he look like to you? Does he suit a softer name, strong name etc?

SoMuchForSummerLove · 16/07/2021 09:02

@Maggiesfarm

The correct spelling of 'Rafe' is 'Ralph'. He'll spend his life having his name mispronounced.

Otto reminds me of the stoned, hippy school bus driver in The Simpsons.

The correct pronunciation of Ralph is Rafe not the other way round.

The people saying it's one letter away from rape are batshit. Do you avoid saying luck in case it sounds like fuck? Confused

JustYourAverageSue · 16/07/2021 07:43

@DeRigueurMortis Never heard of it, but I'll definitely look into it now Smile

Waterlemon · 15/07/2021 22:46

Rafael or Rafferty nn Rafe

I think Otto sounds like tellytubby Talk

BoxHedge · 15/07/2021 22:37

This thread alone would put me off Rafe, as you are saying it rhymes with Safe and others are saying Ralph (without the L presumably?!)

Personally I immediately thought it would probably be pronounced ‘Raffy’ as I know a baby of that name (not sure how they spell it).

QueenAdreena · 15/07/2021 22:35

Not keen on Otto, and much prefer the spelling of Raife.

TatianaBis · 15/07/2021 22:32

I agree if you’re going to use Rafe then spell it properly.

Maggiesfarm · 15/07/2021 22:29

The correct spelling of 'Rafe' is 'Ralph'. He'll spend his life having his name mispronounced.

Otto reminds me of the stoned, hippy school bus driver in The Simpsons.

DramaAlpaca · 15/07/2021 22:26

Otto is harsh and spiky, with a totally different feel to Benji. I don't like it at all.

As for Rafe, it's marginally better but only one letter away from rape - so a big no from me.

Kollamoolitumarellipawkyrollo · 15/07/2021 22:20

I quite like Otto and not at all keen on Rafe. So many (including me) cannot day R clearly (especially when followed by a long vowel sound) so Waif would be the name.

I agree with pp that a 3 or 4 syllable name is best. Gabriel, Christopher, Nicholas, Sebastian, Dominic, etc. Like pp suggestion of Inigo too. Not three syllable but I think Wilfred or Wilbur go well too.

AnyaMoondial · 15/07/2021 22:11

Otto is such a lovely name.

TatianaBis · 15/07/2021 21:31

Don't really like either tbh. They're dogs' names.

(I know a very charming dalmation named Otto).

finallychangedmyusername · 15/07/2021 21:20

Otis Carroll as opposed to Otto perhaps?

Or agree a three syllable name works well. I offer:

Nathaniel Otis Carroll - Nate Carroll. Gorgeous!

UnlimitedChipsAndSalsa · 15/07/2021 21:18

I love Rafe. There is an amazing Seattle-based singer called Rafe Pearlman. Search "Rafe Pearlman Beloved" on YouTube, and if the voice doesn't help you decide, nothing will. Smile Best of luck, and congratulations!

Tal45 · 15/07/2021 21:11

I think Otto is horrid, it makes me picture an over weight middle aged German bloke or the school bus driver in the Simpsons of 'my name is Otto and I like to get blotto' fame.

Rafe is much better but sounds like a nn for Raphael to me. I really love Raife though which seems more of a 'proper' name.

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 15/07/2021 20:59

Neither are my taste, but of the two I definitely prefer Rafe (plus it sounds better with your surname too imo). Otto is a bit comedic sounding German stereotype to me, sorry. If you love less common - O ending names then I prefer Ivo, Jago or even Inigo.

sadie9 · 15/07/2021 20:35

I'd go with Theo. That goes lovely with Benji.