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Baby names

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

Original poster

Classic, strong boy names

70 replies

Babybear260 · 29/11/2025 17:19

We have a one syllable surname. Husband loves the name Vincent. I like it and I like the Latin origins and like the fact it means ‘to conquer’ but would hate for it to be shorted to ‘Vinny’. Vince is fine. But people could call him vinny at school.

it it a ‘Chavy’ name? I mean this loosely and in a non derogatory way - apparently my name is deemed as a stripper name but definitely wasn’t in the 90s when my parents picked it. I want something sounding classy and something to suit him for all ages.

Arthur is another contender but maybe it’s too old sounding for a baby

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Biscuitsneeded · 29/11/2025 22:12

William.It means 'strong-willed protector'. And it's a lovely, timeless name.

blanketsnuggler · 29/11/2025 22:08

I know a Vincent and nobody calls him Vinnie! He's either Vincent or Vince.
I like the names Alec and Leo.

Calliopespa · 29/11/2025 22:05

Prelim · 29/11/2025 21:27

I’ve never thought of Vincent as a strong male name, to me it’s always been on the more feminine side, but that might just be because of the ones I know!

I agree. It's not far off Valentine in my mind - unless you go to Vinnie which is quite different again.

Calliopespa · 29/11/2025 22:02

BoleynMemories13 · 29/11/2025 19:07

Personally I much prefer Arthur (loads of babies are called Arthur now so it definitely won't feel odd or too old). I actually think it suits a baby better than Vincent, which sounds very grown up.

Neither Vinny nor Vince are my style at all. I think Arthur works better as a stand alone name, whereas Vincent will inevitable be shortened as it's quite a mouthful for a young boy.

Agree: I much prefer Arthur as well. I don't think it is too grown up for a baby - no more so than Vincent.

Strong classics to me are Alexander, Edward, Henry and I am currently liking Harold (with Harry for short).

ETA there is also Alfred for a strong classic if you like Arthur, but I'd avoid Alfie as a BC name. It's a bit overdone in recent years and a bit lacking in substance as an actual name I think, but could work if you worry about names too grown up for a baby.

Betsy95 · 29/11/2025 21:30

I love the name Henry too.

REDB99 · 29/11/2025 21:29

Alexander is better Vincent. It will definitely get shortened to Vinnie which is seen as chavvy.

Prelim · 29/11/2025 21:27

I’ve never thought of Vincent as a strong male name, to me it’s always been on the more feminine side, but that might just be because of the ones I know!

Getitoffmychest · 29/11/2025 21:25

Henry

LivingTheDreamish · 29/11/2025 20:52

I like both Arthur and Vincent. In fact Arthur Vincent sounds good? Artie/Art for short.

But I see no reason not to go with Vincent for the first name, if you like it and can accept Vinnie may happen. I do think it possibly edges slightly towards chavy but not enough to put me off.

APatternGrammar · 29/11/2025 19:17

How about Victor?

HonoriaBulstrode · 29/11/2025 19:16

Alexander

sharkstale · 29/11/2025 19:14

Sorry but Vincent would definitely end up being shortened to Vinnie. As above, I don't think there's much avoiding that one.

notatinydancer · 29/11/2025 19:08

Harry / Henry, Rex.

BoleynMemories13 · 29/11/2025 19:07

Personally I much prefer Arthur (loads of babies are called Arthur now so it definitely won't feel odd or too old). I actually think it suits a baby better than Vincent, which sounds very grown up.

Neither Vinny nor Vince are my style at all. I think Arthur works better as a stand alone name, whereas Vincent will inevitable be shortened as it's quite a mouthful for a young boy.

NET145 · 29/11/2025 18:06

It’s fantastic!!

Moreteaandchocolate · 29/11/2025 17:27

I really like Vinny (more than Vincent!) but you can’t use Vincent if you hate Vinnie.

Arthur is my favourite boys name atm but it’s so so popular with little ones where I am. Certainly not too old sounding now - it’s definitely made a comeback!

Original poster
Babybear260 · 29/11/2025 17:25

EasilyRemedied · 29/11/2025 17:23

Personally I much prefer Vinny to Vince. I don’t think you can avoid that abbreviation if you name someone Vincent.
I’ve a friend who didn’t want her son’s name abbreviated but now all his friends call him by that abbreviation.

That’s true, and I know that pretty much any name can be abbreviated to however anyone wants / and want our child wants so I’ll just have to get over it :)

OP posts:
MartinCrieffsHat · 29/11/2025 17:23

Can't go wrong with Atlas or Hercules.

EasilyRemedied · 29/11/2025 17:23

Personally I much prefer Vinny to Vince. I don’t think you can avoid that abbreviation if you name someone Vincent.
I’ve a friend who didn’t want her son’s name abbreviated but now all his friends call him by that abbreviation.

Onefortheroad25 · 29/11/2025 17:22

There’s a Vincent in our family. Everyone calls him Vincey!
I like Arthur, it’s old but cute.
What’s your stripper name? I’m intrigued! ☺️