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Baby names

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

Original poster

Zen or Axl boys name

67 replies

Lanicholla · 25/01/2023 09:32

So we due in few weeks and picking a name is so Freaking hard! After name discussions, we have agreed on Axl or Zen (I know it's not everyone's cup of tea). We already have a boy Kai 😍
Is there any more short unusual unique names out there?

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AutumnOcean · 25/01/2023 12:54

I met a little boy named Vann once. I thought it was sweet

AnotherAnother1 · 25/01/2023 12:53

@Lanicholla yes there’s a good reason you don’t know any children called Axl or Axel…..

Original poster
Lanicholla · 25/01/2023 12:52

AnotherAnother1 · 25/01/2023 12:50

Both awful but if you must saddle your child with one then spell Axel correctly! Who on earth is going to mistake it for Alex? People who are partially sighted? People who can’t hear correctly?

I’m afraid in your quest to be original I’d have to say your names are try-hard and I’d immediately think of someone who lives on Sheriff Street!

@AnotherAnother1 that's actually reading other threads in here I had that impression, not that I know any of Axls or Axels at all..

OP posts:
Krakenes · 25/01/2023 12:50

My Dad’s friend is called Zen. He’s Canadian and very successful lawyer, so I don’t think the name has harmed him!!

AnotherAnother1 · 25/01/2023 12:50

Both awful but if you must saddle your child with one then spell Axel correctly! Who on earth is going to mistake it for Alex? People who are partially sighted? People who can’t hear correctly?

I’m afraid in your quest to be original I’d have to say your names are try-hard and I’d immediately think of someone who lives on Sheriff Street!

Original poster
Lanicholla · 25/01/2023 12:48

LaLaLouella · 25/01/2023 12:43

I agree with all the posters saying Zen is not a name to saddle a child with...

Axel is fine, Axl not so much!

I think you can get carried away with trying to choose a name that's underused and exciting - my friend spent months trying to find a name like that and, due to lots of people trying to do the same, has ended up with 3 little girls in her daughters primary school class with the same name...

Just choose a name you love, wether or not it's unusual depends entirely on factors beyond your control!

@LaLaLouella totally agree , and we just try hard to agree on something we both like. I suppose untraditional is more what we looking for rather than super unique

OP posts:
DancingWithYouInTheSummerRain · 25/01/2023 12:48

Lanicholla · 25/01/2023 12:36

Thank you ! Yes other name just doesn't sound right to me either.
Rex is a dogs name , knew couple. (I love dogs btw)
Dax sounds like ducks
Knox will be teased by knocking on a head and so on..
We well aware that Axl Rose is name is short for and original is Axel, but I dislike the fact that it might be mispronounced as Alex. Axl looks more original and it's won't be that much relevance in few years

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I have an Axel, just spotted you were concerned about being misunderstood as 'Alex', I can't honestly say we have never had that issue at all, so I wouldn't worry, also Axel would be easier for the child in terms of learning to spell the name and also others pronoucning the name, especially now it's phonics sounds in schools.

I've also not met/heard of locally another Axel, since my son was born (he's now in school) so I don't think popularity should be a worry.

Original poster
Lanicholla · 25/01/2023 12:46

DacwMamYnDwad · 25/01/2023 12:44

@Lanicholla , I think Kai is an 'english' spelling of a Welsh name, Cai. Cai is fairly popular in Wales

That's interesting!! We are in Ireland and know 2 boys one spelled Khai and another one is Kye

OP posts:
DacwMamYnDwad · 25/01/2023 12:44

@Lanicholla , I think Kai is an 'english' spelling of a Welsh name, Cai. Cai is fairly popular in Wales

LaLaLouella · 25/01/2023 12:43

I agree with all the posters saying Zen is not a name to saddle a child with...

Axel is fine, Axl not so much!

I think you can get carried away with trying to choose a name that's underused and exciting - my friend spent months trying to find a name like that and, due to lots of people trying to do the same, has ended up with 3 little girls in her daughters primary school class with the same name...

Just choose a name you love, wether or not it's unusual depends entirely on factors beyond your control!

Original poster
Lanicholla · 25/01/2023 12:37

Someone mentioned Kai is overused , but 8 years ago it wasn't that popular name and definitely wasn't used that much as now. Let's say it's still not a traditional name...

OP posts:
Original poster
Lanicholla · 25/01/2023 12:36

Livity · 25/01/2023 12:27

I really like Zen. It’s not that out there in this day and age, and it’ll become his name rather the word ‘zen’ very quickly.

You could have Zen as a nickname for a longer name?

I mean people are suggesting some horrific babes on here! Dax?! Come on. Go with your own tastes.

Thank you ! Yes other name just doesn't sound right to me either.
Rex is a dogs name , knew couple. (I love dogs btw)
Dax sounds like ducks
Knox will be teased by knocking on a head and so on..
We well aware that Axl Rose is name is short for and original is Axel, but I dislike the fact that it might be mispronounced as Alex. Axl looks more original and it's won't be that much relevance in few years

OP posts:
AnnaTortoiseshell · 25/01/2023 12:27

inquisitorgeneral · 25/01/2023 11:55

I'd recommend Axel. Axl Rose only spelled his name that way because it's an anagram of "oral sex". The actual traditional name is spelled Axel.

Zen is alright.

@Lanicholla I didn’t know that but definitely read this comment before you name your kid Axl.

Axel if you must. Axl is ridiculous.

Livity · 25/01/2023 12:27

I really like Zen. It’s not that out there in this day and age, and it’ll become his name rather the word ‘zen’ very quickly.

You could have Zen as a nickname for a longer name?

I mean people are suggesting some horrific babes on here! Dax?! Come on. Go with your own tastes.

holierthanthou73 · 25/01/2023 12:23

Lanicholla · 25/01/2023 11:27

Great names, but All theses names are too common and overused.

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Kai is common and overused too

Blube · 25/01/2023 12:21

evemillbank · 25/01/2023 11:13

Zen is setting him up for all sorts of shit if you call him that and he's not an extremely calm and placid child ALL THE TIME

This. Cross Zen off your list, it’s like calling a child ‘mellow’ - they would get very teased. This isn’t just about choosing a sound you like, to make you look cool to your friends 🙄 it’s a gift you’re giving your child to wear for life.

Axel is ok. Axl is pretentious and would get mispelt for life.

Lex? Ash? Rhys?

MotherofPearl · 25/01/2023 12:20

Axl makes me think of Axl Rose from Guns n' Roses.

Or a car axel.

MotherofPearl · 25/01/2023 12:18

I know a Zen, but she's a woman and her full name is Zenobia.

YomAsalYomBasal · 25/01/2023 12:14

Zen isn't unique, i know a couple. Neither are very Zen at all which is cringy.
Axel is ok but you spelt it wrong. Maybe stop trying to be yoonique and just pick a name they're not going to have to spell out for people forevermore.
Rex is a great suggestion, as is Dax.

ErrolTheDragon · 25/01/2023 12:08

Axel is fine.
Zen isn't really a name... I suppose it's like saddling a kid with the name Christian.

Squirrelsnut · 25/01/2023 12:03

Neither are great, OP. He's going to have this name his whole life.

inquisitorgeneral · 25/01/2023 11:55

I'd recommend Axel. Axl Rose only spelled his name that way because it's an anagram of "oral sex". The actual traditional name is spelled Axel.

Zen is alright.

Rowen32 · 25/01/2023 11:47

Axl just makes me think of axles on machinery, not the nicest thing you could be named after :-S
And Zen is just horrible for a little boy I think, it's a bit nothing or something..

TotallyAverage · 25/01/2023 11:42

Zac or Zak are both much nicer I think.

Cal, Dax or Kes maybe? I've known guys with those names and thought they were quite cool.

ThewaytoAmarula · 25/01/2023 11:35

LaLuz7 · 25/01/2023 11:32

Xan, short for Xanax?

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Was thinking more Alexander or Xander, but yeah, Xanax works.... certainly makes you feel zen