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Baby names

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

Naming baby who may be born prematurely

83 replies

ActonBell · 28/07/2021 22:11

We’re at a very high risk of premature birth for various reasons. We’re taking it day by day, week by week, at the moment and haven’t reached that crucial 24 week mark yet.

But I know that whatever happens this beautiful baby will need a name. DH isn’t in a place where he can talk about it yet but I keep turning it over in my mind. I’m worried we may not have a lot of time to find the right name if little one arrives very early.

This is my list for boys at the moment. I find boys names so hard. We already have a DS who has a classic and popular (top 20) name. There are also loads of boys in our family so if there’s a classic name missing from the list below, it’s because we already have a relative with that name and can’t use it again (Peter, Nicholas, Oliver, James, etc. are all out).

Surname begins with a hard ‘c’ sound so I’m not sure that Luke or Isaac work very well but they’re still on the list.

What do people think? I want to find this little one the most beautiful name. They are so loved already.

Theodore
Arthur
Rowan
Luke
Gabriel
Toby/Tobin
Charles (nn Charlie)
Rory
Robin
Isaac
Rufus
Reuben
Seth
Ivan
Alfred (maybe nn Fred)
Aidan
Zachary

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
ActonBell · 30/07/2021 08:31

Thanks for all the feedback. DH did bring it up yesterday and he likes Isaac but I’m not 100% on it, especially with our surname. He doesn’t like Robin unfortunately.

I’m having a big wobble about all of it today. I think I’m channelling my anxiety about the whole pregnancy into the name as if finding the right name will make things turn out right. I know that’s not the case really of course.

On all our scans this one is such an active, dramatic wriggler whereas his brother was quite chilled most of the time. I get this strong sense of personality from that, like he’s going to be a bundle of energy.

OP posts:
WildCherryBlossom · 30/07/2021 07:59

It's a very good list. My favourites are Gabriel, Robin and Isaac (but accept that Isaac C- might not flow so well. Gabriel is one of my all time favourite boys names, but Robin is very lovely. It's classic but so seldom used which makes it feel quite special. Best of luck with your pregnancy OP. I hope everything goes smoothly..

paddlingon · 29/07/2021 22:03

Theodore (Teddy/Ted/Theo) is my favorite.

I also like Gabriel (Gabe)

But I'm sure whatever name you choose will be lovely for your baby.

I hope they stay where they should for a while longer. ( dd spent time in scbu when she appeared early, it is v scary but she is all good now as a stroppy teen)

AvaCallanach · 29/07/2021 22:01

Owen isn't on your list, but it means warrior which is fitting.

DinosaurDiana · 29/07/2021 21:46

I like Ruben.

CrouchEndTiger12 · 29/07/2021 21:46

Luke is lovely.

Patron St of artists, physicians and surgeons. Luke was a doctor. Hard C surname isn't a disaster.

I like Mark too. St Marks symbol was a winged lion.

Ozberry · 29/07/2021 21:45

Toby is my absolute favourite. Hope he gives you as long as possible to decide x

Blueroses99 · 29/07/2021 21:44

My DD was born at 24 weeks and we knew she was likely to come very early so it was important to us to name her before she arrived. We knew we were having a girl so I got a book of 40,000 baby names and started reading. As soon as I saw her name in the book, I knew it was perfect. So she had a name when she came into the world and through her NICU journey, she was never ‘Baby [Surname]’.

Good luck with everything.

In terms of names, I love Matthew - gift from God.

AngelDelightUk · 29/07/2021 21:42

Nathanael means God Has Given. Would be a nice meaning

poodlepip · 29/07/2021 21:38

Aww. Baby names I love that I don't think we will be using as we either know one or my partner has vetoed for ours

  • Jesse
  • Leo
  • Rory
  • Toby
  • Ted
  • Douglas /Dougie
BunnytheFriendlyDragon · 29/07/2021 21:35

They're all lovely names OP.

I hope LO stays in there as long as possible so he has the best chance 🤞

Fruityfriday · 29/07/2021 21:32

Gabriel ❤. My Ds was born at just over 2lb at 30 weeks, tiny but perfect and no complications. He is 10 now and still little but perfect to me. Wishing you all the very best of luck x

Wallabyone · 29/07/2021 21:27

I like Gabriel too ❤️
Suggestions of Christopher and Joseph.
Wishing you all the very best with baby xxx

Concestor · 29/07/2021 21:23

I have a Gabriel, he's at primary school, we haven't met another one (yet) and I love the meaning of it. That would be my choice off your list and in fact was my first thought before I even got to your list.

Hollyhocksarenotmessy · 29/07/2021 19:00

I also love Gabriel, and knew one, who suited it well.

Hollyhocksarenotmessy · 29/07/2021 18:59

Davy is Welsh and means a cherished and precious boy.

Finlay, from Latin, meaning hero.

CoffeeBeansGalore · 29/07/2021 18:32

From your list I like Robin, Rory, Toby & Theodore.

Good luck Op Flowers

Brumchum · 29/07/2021 18:27

Isaac is lovely.

Chachachawoo · 29/07/2021 18:25

Gabriel seems like a great choice.
Good luck to you Op
Flowers

Chachachawoo · 29/07/2021 18:23

@jackstini

Aaron, Asher, Nathanial all mean miracle

Adam is life

Jonathan, Matthew, Mikah all mean gift

All the best

Aaron means lofty or exalted Asher is happiness Nathaniel is given by Gd Adam is earth Sorry to be name meaning police. I have become that personConfused
NotMyDayJob · 29/07/2021 18:22

Given everything you've said I really like Gabriel, and pp suggestion of Raphael. Best of luck to you OP

Just10moreminutesplease · 29/07/2021 18:13

That’s a lovely list. My favourite is Theodore, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of your selection.

Good luck with everything Flowers.

Mylittlesandwich · 29/07/2021 17:59

Despite the hate it's received on this thread I love Reuben. I have a toddler Reuben and it's not overused in this area. We haven't met any others.
It means "behold, a son" which I love.

Others I like are Gabriel and Malachi (which means messenger of god).

olidora63 · 29/07/2021 17:55

I like Gabriel…have you thought of Laurence/ Laurie? I hope your little one stays where he belongs for many more weeks.💐

CatkinToadflax · 29/07/2021 16:43

My DS1 arrived at 24 weeks. He is Edward. We had a long, uncertain and rocky journey through NICU, but eventually he came home - and is now approaching his 16th birthday. Dreams can come true. Everything crossed for you OP. Flowers

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