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

Which do you like best - Alexander (Xan), Samuel (Sam) or William (Will)?

83 replies

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 16/09/2021 21:51

So I tend to like classic names and I think I've narrowed it down to one of these three for DS. I'm not too worried about popularity (each were given to 5 babies or less out of about 800 in my area last year) - but I keep changing my mind about which I like the sound of the most. Any views/tell me your fave of the three, please?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
ellenpartridge · 20/09/2021 21:52

Sam is the best short version.

Samuel, William and Alexander all really nice

Don't like Xan

Block · 20/09/2021 21:38

All great names.

OP, be aware that you don't get to dictate the nicknames. One of my DC is Bumble. This bears no relation to her first name (a long and beautiful and unusual name) or her surname, but that's how she's known. I have long given up, and also call her Bumble.

These things find their own level. I think the main thing is to give a child a name that you like, and that isn't going to attract ridicule. After that, you have to leave them to it.

OnceMoreOnToTheBeach · 20/09/2021 21:34

William (Will) is my favourite. I just think it's a lovely name with an obvious shortening which I also like.

I used to love Alexander, but I've never liked Xander. I do know a little Xander, (full name Alexander), though, and I don't think he's had any problems with it.

Samuel (Sam) is nice enough but a bit meh for some reason. It's somehow has a more modern vibe to me than William does, so depends what you like really.

Original poster
IamnotwhouthinkIam · 20/09/2021 15:49

Thanks again for everyones help. I'm leaning towards Will(iam) or Sam(uel) now as "Alex" doesn't sound as good with our surname (even though Alexander somehow works well) and "Xan" might be too unusual for many people. I've still got a while to decide though so I'll keep saying the different names aloud/to my bump - perhaps one will eventually feel more natural than the others!

OP posts:
DocAutumn · 19/09/2021 19:00

Sam - love
Will - good name
Alexander - really dislike, so harsh.

MiaMarshmallows · 19/09/2021 16:14

Samuel. Always liked that.
Really don't like the name William.

Redlocks28 · 19/09/2021 14:35

Alexander (Alex).

Xan is dreadful!

pantherrose · 19/09/2021 14:34

Samuel/Sam is the nicest by far!

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 19/09/2021 14:11

Will is there best.

I like Xan and especially Xander but I don’t think people can get their heads around those, and Alex is much easier.

Soozikinzi · 19/09/2021 13:56

I have an Alexander Raymond who gets called Alex but Alec is a nice option if you already have an Alex ? A Samuel Aaron Matthew so his initials spell Sam and a Jack William Asa so I did feel drawn to comment that I love all those Choices ! Hope all goes well with whichever you choose! Xx

Blubells · 19/09/2021 13:50

Isn't Will a little confusing as it's such a common verb - eg Will Will come? Will's will.

I guess it's better than Willy though Grin

Original poster
IamnotwhouthinkIam · 19/09/2021 13:43

Thanks again all - it's been really useful to see everyones views Smile. At the moment I'm still equally torn between the three, although I will read through the thread again!

OP posts:
BubbleCoffee · 19/09/2021 10:08

William

Almostcooked2021 · 19/09/2021 07:23

William but I am biased! Our son is mostly Will or Will’s.
occasional relative has called him billy Bob and they’ve had a swift slap!

xprincessxjanetx · 18/09/2021 00:42

I like all but Alexander just clinches it for me

TerribleCustomerCervix · 17/09/2021 23:11

We have a toddler William- we just introduced him as Will straight away and people stuck to it. The only people who call him by his full name are me and DH when he’s been bold, even though we were adamant he’d only be Will 🤔

I love how many nickname options it has - one to suit whatever type of man he turns into.

RuthW · 17/09/2021 23:05

Love Will for William and Xan or xand for Alexander.
Dislike Sam, so boring

Original poster
IamnotwhouthinkIam · 17/09/2021 22:37

Hmm, I've never thought of Xan as being feminine - where as I've met lots of girl Alex's, I've never met a Xan, male or female (but only heard of male ones). Same with the Xanex thing - I think that's more American, in the UK Valium seems much more commonly used. Interesting that someone liked Orlando, if people are saying "Xan" is pretentious, I dread to think what would happen if I asked for opinions on Orlando! {grin}

OP posts:
Original poster
IamnotwhouthinkIam · 17/09/2021 22:30

Thank you all for the helpSmile .

It's strange how disparate the feelings are about "Xan" (so thanks again to those who were more positive - my thoughts were/are it's okay since it's only a nn, he can easily choose something else if he dislikes it himself).

I agree Sam/Samuel seems a friendly name and thanks for those who reassured about "Willy", it's teasing that would worry me the most (people liking his name is more a secondary concern!).

OP posts:
ISaidDontLickTheBin · 17/09/2021 22:21

The long form of all 3 names are all nice

Xan is short for Xanthe though. Don't use Xan for a boy.

sofakingcool · 17/09/2021 22:06

I have a William, he's been known as Will since he was about 7. He's sometimes affectionately known as Willy by us, but never in front of others Grin

I also love Alexander

notacooldad · 17/09/2021 21:58

Nearly ever William I know is shortened to Will or Wills.
A few a known as Bill or Billy.
I dont know any that are nn Willy.

OrangeTortoise · 17/09/2021 21:54

William

Cindie943811A · 17/09/2021 21:54

Alexander has always been my favourite boy’s name but I sadly didn’t get the wee boy to name. Xan sounds fine to me and I don’t understand the MN dislike of it.
Pity you don’t feel comfortable with Orlando — a fabulous name !

finallychangedmyusername · 17/09/2021 18:27

I adore all three, but Samuel is one of my top boys names. It's such a happy name, you can't help but smile when you can Samuel (well, I can't, anyway!) Alexander and William are also both fabulous names though, you can't go wrong.