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Baby names

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Original poster

Down to the final three

52 replies

Overthinkingoverthinking · 21/08/2023 16:13

After lots of debate we've finally got our shortlist down to three names for our boy due in a few weeks. Our surname is short, common and begins with an S. We have a different list for middle names depending on which first name we choose, so please could you give us your thoughts on these three names:

  • Stanley - DH's favourite
  • Archie - My favourite
  • Jack - We both like but not sure if it's too plain with our surname and it's neither of our favourites.

Thank you!

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Aquamarine1029 · 23/08/2023 02:08

Jameson Smith. Nn Jamie.

DramaAlpaca · 23/08/2023 02:06

Jack is OK, but it annoys me that it's actually a diminutive (of John) and it feels incomplete to me as a standalone name even though it's been used as such for a long time.

Sorry, OP, but I can't stand Archie. Another diminutive, but so cutesy. Cutesy isn't good, ever. And it's seriously overused.

I actually really like Stanley. I wouldn't use it myself but I know a Stan in his 20s and he's cool so I like the association.

intherough · 23/08/2023 02:03

Overthinkingoverthinking · 21/08/2023 16:13

After lots of debate we've finally got our shortlist down to three names for our boy due in a few weeks. Our surname is short, common and begins with an S. We have a different list for middle names depending on which first name we choose, so please could you give us your thoughts on these three names:

  • Stanley - DH's favourite
  • Archie - My favourite
  • Jack - We both like but not sure if it's too plain with our surname and it's neither of our favourites.

Thank you!

Stanley

user1492757084 · 23/08/2023 01:42

John Archibald is my pick - Jack or Archie.

John is handsome, stately and under used.
Archibald is the name of many progressive men and the name of a grand portrait competition.

Mumofgirls2017 · 21/08/2023 22:28

Stanley!

Daffodilwoman · 21/08/2023 21:55

Jack is the best of those 3.

OopsieeDaisy · 21/08/2023 21:52

I like all of them but I do agree Archie is a nn and very popular at the moment along with Albie, Alfie etc. I love Stanley and Jack but I’m not keen on alliterative names so I’d probably pick Jack, and as others have said, I’ve not heard of any very young jacks for quite some time.

Miriam44 · 21/08/2023 21:35

Jack is one of the most handsome names ever!
Archie is amazing! SO darn cute! Especially on a little boy!
Stanley too is very handsome and refined.

overall I vote for Jack! It’s just so timeless!

ZoyaTheDestroyer · 21/08/2023 21:23

If you must use Jack with a very common surname I would strongly advise giving him two middle names to guard against administrative mix-ups, or to benefit him if he goes into a field such as academia or medical research where your name is very important for citations.

TrustPenguins · 21/08/2023 21:22

Jack

Belladonna56 · 21/08/2023 21:17

CapEBarra · 21/08/2023 16:18

Isn’t Jack a diminutive of James? I think James is much classier that Archie or Stanley, but then I’m of an age when those names were very cloth caps and ferrets, pigeon racing, and Woodbines.

Me too. Names such as Walter, Jack and Alfred all conjure up images of old, old men.

continentallentil · 21/08/2023 21:14

I like Stanley Smith (if the shoe fits.. )

Archie Smith is fine, there are a lot of Archie’s right now though, so with your surname maybe Arnold nn Arnie to stand out a bit more?. Or Alistair for the Scottish vibe - Al Smith is nice.

Jack Smith is too dull - I like the plainness, but there have been a zillion Jacks in the last 25 years. John, Joel, Jerome, Jethro?

RuthW · 21/08/2023 19:38

Stanley by a mile.

Archie is 'half a name' and Jack is too popular

shoopshoopdedoo · 21/08/2023 19:32

Jack is definitely my favourite. I also like the suggestions of John and James. I think it’s the most enduring of your choices.

Stanley is nice. I really dislike Archie. Both seem to be quite of the moment. I don’t know any little Jack’s, but there are plenty of Stanley’s and Archie’s at baby groups where I am.

cptartapp · 21/08/2023 19:26

Stanley - really dislike this. Really. Stan was described by 'cute' by a pp so another reason to avoid. He won't be two forever.
Archie - Ten a penny and already dated imo.
Jack - ok if somewhat unforgettable.

LemonDrizzleDessert · 21/08/2023 19:22

Barleysugar86 · 21/08/2023 19:09

Stanley, if it works well with your surname. Eg Stanley Scott sounds quite distinguished. Archie always feels like a nickname to me.

If your surname is fairly common I'd maybe go Stanley over Jack. I feel common first name common surname could feel a bit forgettable.

Stanley Scott could work yes

PurpleChrayne · 21/08/2023 19:22

I'm not keen on any of them. They all sound like small-time East End gangsters in the early 1900s.

LemonDrizzleDessert · 21/08/2023 19:21

Mummy08m · 21/08/2023 19:14

Just to add to the chorus - Archie is in the top ten uk dog names atm.

Lmao

MyBrownEyedHandsomeBoy · 21/08/2023 19:19

My little brown eyed boy is Jack so obviously I think this is the best name 🥰

Mummy08m · 21/08/2023 19:14

Just to add to the chorus - Archie is in the top ten uk dog names atm.

Down to the final three
Barleysugar86 · 21/08/2023 19:09

Stanley, if it works well with your surname. Eg Stanley Scott sounds quite distinguished. Archie always feels like a nickname to me.

If your surname is fairly common I'd maybe go Stanley over Jack. I feel common first name common surname could feel a bit forgettable.

KirstenBlest · 21/08/2023 19:04

Babies called Archie in England & Wales since 1996 (darkgreener.com)
Babies called Jack in England & Wales since 1996 (darkgreener.com)
Babies called Stanley in England & Wales since 1996 (darkgreener.com)

I was surprised that Archie was so popular.
Given how long Archie and Jack have been popular, the surname will nearly always be used. It's not just in your immediate circle, but things like in the workplace when an adult.

faban · 21/08/2023 19:02

I deffo know more Archie's and Stanley's atm. No little jacks! It's my fave out of the 3

SaulsShitCar · 21/08/2023 19:00

Jack or Stanley. Everyone and their dog is an Archie around here.

Glassfullofdreams · 21/08/2023 18:53

Archie is really popular so I'd avoid that one.

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