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Baby names

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

Original poster

Wife and I can’t agree on name for our baby boy!

90 replies

noaddedsugarx · 02/01/2024 14:28

We really don’t have long left to go and it’s worrying me we haven’t picked a name.

Some names I have suggested that I love and she’s said no to are Knox, Sutton, Sullivan (my faves) Sawyer, Jonah, Bodhi, Asa, Eli, Cove, Holden.

She really likes Maddox which is alright but it doesn’t feel like the one. I know a lot of you on here aren’t a fan of River but that’s the only name we both love but I’m worried it’s getting really popular now and it’s putting me off.

Names we both kinda like are -
Cole, Rowen, Cohen, Parker, Zachary &
Cooper.

When we picked our daughter’s name we had it picked out for years and both absolutely loved it. I feel like we will end up just settling for our son’s name but I want to find something I love.

boys names are the hardest 🥲 help!

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Filthyslattern · 02/01/2024 15:20

Rowan is nice.
The rest are awful. I am sorry.

PeekABoo22 · 02/01/2024 15:20

Aquamarine1029 · 02/01/2024 15:16

Jameson, nn Jamie.

Are you a fan of whiskey? 😅 Just call him Jamie. Hate this NN shit.

I'm also not a fan of River OP but if that's what you both love everyone else will grow to love it as soon as you announce that as his name.

PieAndLattes · 02/01/2024 15:20

Lots of these are surnames as first names. If that’s your vibe why not look back through your family trees to see if any of the historical surnames might suit? You might come across names like Campbell, Harris or Forrest, which would make lovely (and meaningful) first names.

BROWNBANANABITS · 02/01/2024 15:18

Is River popular? I come across a lot of babies/toddlers and have never met one (London).

My personal favourite is Rowan, but if you both love River you should go with that.

Aquamarine1029 · 02/01/2024 15:16

Jameson, nn Jamie.

Olika · 02/01/2024 15:14

If you both like River then go for it. I think it's a nice name.

Reugny · 02/01/2024 15:13

noticed the surnames as names were very unpopular

It is a UK thing.

People tend to think it is weird as names have meanings, and last names have different meanings from first names.

For example "Smith" means that likely an ancestor worked as a blacksmith, so why give a child the name of a profession?

MissyB1 · 02/01/2024 15:07

River is fine, if you both like that then you should go for it.
Another name similar to others on your list you might like is Hudson.

Guavafish1 · 02/01/2024 15:06

Zachary or Rowan

MerryChristmasToYou · 02/01/2024 15:04

OK:
Jonah
Asa
Maddox
River
Rowan
Zachary

Awful:
Knox
Sutton
Sullivan
Sawyer
Bodhi
Eli
Cove
Holden
Cole
Rowen
Cohen
Parker
Cooper

Avery and River will end up being Aver & Rivery

Original poster
noaddedsugarx · 02/01/2024 14:49

@Timemysticaltime yes I was browsing a least favourite names thread on here recently and noticed the surnames as names were very unpopular! I absolutely love the surnames and names trend though. Our little girl’s name is Avery which I know can be used for a boy too and we loved Kennedy for a girl aha.

Aww I absolutely love Sullivan (Sully for short) and wish I was allowed to use it. Definitely think it’s a good choice!

Yeah I think maybe with River it’s just cos it was never heard of ages ago but I feel like I’m seeing it pop up everywhere for boys and girls now but mainly on social media so perhaps it’s not as common as I think irl.

Quinn is also a favourite of mine but I see it as more of a girls name.

I’ll check out that thread - thank you ☺️

OP posts:
Goldbar · 02/01/2024 14:48

Zachary is my favourite from your list.

Original poster
noaddedsugarx · 02/01/2024 14:43

@MargotBamborough River is looking like the most likely option atm.

We did debate on the spelling of Rowen/Rowan but I think you’re right we would probably forever be correcting people if spelt with an e.

Thanks for the heads up on Cohen! Wasn’t aware so good to know.

OP posts:
Timemysticaltime · 02/01/2024 14:41

Omg our situations are so similar you could be my husband haha! Except I don't like Maddox and I wish he'd go for Jonah!

We are due a boy in 2 weeks and can't agree either but Sullivan is one of our current frontrunners (DH loves it) and we also have Eli and Rowan on our list. I think surnames like Sullivan, Sawyer and Sutton are largely hated here on Mumsnet though. I can't decide if that means people will hate these kinds of names IRL if we choose one or if it's just a Mumsnet thing!

I agree with the pp that if you both love River, pick that. I wish there was a name we both loved! And I don't think River is that popular at all, a bit trendy and suggested often on name websites but I don't reckon you'll meet lots of them IRL.

Also agree with pp on Cohen - I understand this can be quite an offensive choice so would avoid this one.

I posted a thread recently and got some great suggestions so have a look here for some more ideas maybe?

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/baby_names/4963473-challenge-whats-our-middle-ground?page=2&reply=131568541

Good luck!

Page 2 | Challenge - what's our middle ground?! | Mumsnet

Hi fellow namenerds, I have a challenge for you. My husband and I are expecting a boy next month and are poles apart in taste. Wondering if you can s...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/baby_names/4963473-challenge-whats-our-middle-ground?page=2&reply=131568541

MargotBamborough · 02/01/2024 14:30

If you both love River then go for it.

It's not my cup of tea but then neither are most of the names on your list.

My favourites from your list are Zachary and Rowan, spelled with an A, not an E.

I really wouldn't go for Cohen, it is a sacred name for Jewish people.

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