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Baby names

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

Original poster

Impossible surname

143 replies

Seaview6 · 04/10/2021 18:25

Our surname is Coe.
We’re having a boy in a few weeks and I can’t find a single name I like at all. Everything sounds like a company name!

Nothing with an O sound seems to work. Nor does anything ending in a C or K. Most boys’ names are one syllable and sound ridiculous.

I can see why Sebastian Coe’s mum went for that! It actually sounds alright. It would be on my list if it weren’t for him being well known.

Please help!

DH likes Edward and Isaac but I don’t love either and don’t think Isaac works at all.

I like Theo, Luke and Gabriel but DH doesn’t like them or they don’t work.

OP posts:
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LeaningJowler · 04/10/2021 19:48

My great grandfather was Cornelius Coe (born around the 1850’s) I always thought it was a great name! Although it probably is a bit too dated.

PenguinBarnotBird · 04/10/2021 19:48

Another vote for Alexander

Also love Nathaniel and Maximilian

How about
Philip
Michael
Nathan
Jason
Harrison

Original poster
Seaview6 · 04/10/2021 19:47

List so far from this chat:
Rufus
Lucas
Matthew
Charles (Charlie?)
Reuben
James
Edward
Fraser
Sebastian?!

Can anyone see issues with any of these? I don’t love them all but I could sit with them for a bit and see what happens.

Feel free to keep the suggestions coming!

OP posts:
mathanxiety · 04/10/2021 19:47

Reuben
Ezra
Isaiah
Milo
Jasper

MyCatHatesWhiskas · 04/10/2021 19:47

Reuben is lovely! I also love Sebastian but I have to say, he’s so well-known I would probably avoid it or use it as a middle name.

Lucas Coe sounds lovely. As does Gabriel Coe!

A few others:

Samuel Coe
Benjamin Coe
Matthew Coe

I agree to avoid a name ending in C, K or O.

SingingSands · 04/10/2021 19:45

Nathan
James
Sean
Hamish
Ryan
Rory

Helenluvsrob · 04/10/2021 19:45

Harry Coe ….. or maybe not 😂

8lue8ird · 04/10/2021 19:45

Leon? Or some thing that ends in n?

Aorh · 04/10/2021 19:44

Ooooh, actually Elliot’s my favourite!

Chattercino · 04/10/2021 19:43

@3luckystars Grin

NigellaSeed · 04/10/2021 19:43

@Seaview6

Ooh - Reuben. That’s good.

Do you really think we could use Sebastian? Wouldn’t it be a pain for him? I really do like it as a name.

Yes absolutely, are people going to remember him all your sons life? It's a great name, don't let him hog it!
mnahmnah · 04/10/2021 19:42

My favourites of all these thy I think avoid any issues are:

James Coe
Rufus Coe
Reuben Coe

Aorh · 04/10/2021 19:40

It is a tricky name, and I think one of the worst for nearly slipping you up because combinations can seem totally I k for a while until you realise it makes something silly.

I like Edward, Rupert, Nathaniel, Benjamin, Matthew, Daniel, Fraser, David, Peter.

I think as long as the shortening doesn’t make a ridiculous word, I think you’re slightly overthinking (Ed Coe is perfectly fine)

Jeremy as a more unusual one.

Breaking the “O” sound rule, I actually quite like Logan Coe.

Talith · 04/10/2021 19:37

Don't worry to much. I have a one syllable surname and my boys have classic names like your choices. I'd say they're snappy names but simple to convey (in a good way).

LG93 · 04/10/2021 19:36

We have that name in our family! Boys names include
James
Peter
Thomas
Alexander
William/Billy
Edward

Other names I think go well
Benjamin
Dominic
Johnathan

I definitely think it needs a longer name. Just avoid Simon in case it's shortened to Si 😁

DemBonesDemBones · 04/10/2021 19:34

I genuinely know a Joe Coe Grin

Original poster
Seaview6 · 04/10/2021 19:34

Ooh - Reuben. That’s good.

Do you really think we could use Sebastian? Wouldn’t it be a pain for him? I really do like it as a name.

OP posts:
PlainJane1000 · 04/10/2021 19:33

Daniel
Dylan
Lewis
Arthur
Liam
James

Original poster
Seaview6 · 04/10/2021 19:32

Yep - Al Coe, Frank Coe. We picked up on those fairly early on!

Maybe I’m overthinking it but Dan Coe and Stan Coe sound like drain unblocker to me!

OP posts:
Msgiggles30 · 04/10/2021 19:29

First name that sprung to mind for me was Jacob Coe (albeit popular) also Francis and Louie.

NigellaSeed · 04/10/2021 19:27

Go for Sebastian, it's a gorgeous name and he's famous but it's not like naming your kid Barry Manilow

Sackofnickles · 04/10/2021 19:27

Reuben?

DietrichandDiMaggio · 04/10/2021 19:25

@KirstenBlest

C Coe sounds a bit like sicko
No it doesn't, and how often are people called by their first initial and surname anyway?
CoddledAsAMommet · 04/10/2021 19:24

The thing is, some of these longer name suggestions sound lovely but chances are they'll be shortened. You can't possibly call a child 'Franklin Coe' as it WILL be shortened and you'll have accidentally named your son after a dictator. It would be like calling him Hitler.

Will = wilko
Harry = Harricot
Gregory = Graeco

crochetcrazy1978 · 04/10/2021 19:22

My surname is 1 syllable and I feel you need a three syllable first name to balance it

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