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Baby names

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

Original poster

James or William (Will) Campbell: can't decide! Help with first + middle name

37 replies

BabyTimez · 18/03/2026 15:32

Expecting a boy, last name Campbell. Big sister is Vivienne (Vivi).

Torn between two first names: James and William (Will). Love both equally and need a tiebreaker!

Middle name shortlist: Vincent, Oscar, Sebastian, Ezra, and whichever of James/William we don't use as the first name. Open to suggestions! We love classic, vintage, and timeless names with good nickname potential.

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Pettenell · 21/03/2026 02:53

Both James and William are great names, but I'd choose James in your case, as better with sister Vivienne, and better initials. James Daniel is great!

CarriMarie · 20/03/2026 21:52

I like James Daniel or James Vincent

Yellowheather · 20/03/2026 21:29

They’re both … fine. But Vivienne is such a glorious interesting name. It seems a shame to give her brother a bit of a plain one! Can Sebastian be bumped up to first name status? Or Dominic? Orlando? (Too much?!)

Original poster
BabyTimez · 20/03/2026 21:24

What about James Daniel Campbell?

Daniel is a family name - my dad - so
while I’ve been exploring fun middle names that flow well, this would be a no regrets honor name!

OP posts:
Original poster
BabyTimez · 20/03/2026 13:37

margaritabonita · 20/03/2026 08:31

William Campbell initials WC i.e. toilet, I wouldn’t do that.

Ha! I didn’t notice that until you pointed it out, thanks! 😂

OP posts:
margaritabonita · 20/03/2026 08:31

William Campbell initials WC i.e. toilet, I wouldn’t do that.

Dobequiet · 20/03/2026 08:30

No one has ever shortened my James’ name. He’s in his 20’s and has always gone by James.

twentyeightfishinthepond · 20/03/2026 07:08

(My uncle James was called Jem.

twentyeightfishinthepond · 20/03/2026 07:07

Agree James.

jdb9803 · 20/03/2026 06:27

BabyTimez · 19/03/2026 23:18

I’d love to know what nicknames, if any, your James goes by!

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He's James - not shortened at all. His brother is known as Will.

Original poster
BabyTimez · 19/03/2026 23:19

Happycat74 · 19/03/2026 19:30

My son is James William so obviously James as a first name is my vote. William is a family name which is why we chose it.
He was the only James in his year at primary and secondary school which was nice.

That’s great! I’d love to know what nicknames, if any, your James goes by!

OP posts:
Original poster
BabyTimez · 19/03/2026 23:18

jdb9803 · 19/03/2026 19:22

My daughter's fiance is James Sebastian (although not Campbell) - His twin brother is William

I’d love to know what nicknames, if any, your James goes by!

OP posts:
Happycat74 · 19/03/2026 19:30

My son is James William so obviously James as a first name is my vote. William is a family name which is why we chose it.
He was the only James in his year at primary and secondary school which was nice.

jdb9803 · 19/03/2026 19:22

My daughter's fiance is James Sebastian (although not Campbell) - His twin brother is William

Catlady007007 · 19/03/2026 00:27

KeeleyJ · 19/03/2026 00:03

True, I prefer Jim to Billy though.

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If the baby’s name is shortened to Will before going to school, chances are that he will be called that name. Obv no guarantee.

If parents use the full name James, then it’s more likely that the friends will come up with their own shortening.

KeeleyJ · 19/03/2026 00:03

Catlady007007 · 18/03/2026 23:56

Not all and you can't determine what friends will call them. I know two little Jims...........

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True, I prefer Jim to Billy though.

Catlady007007 · 18/03/2026 23:56

KeeleyJ · 18/03/2026 23:49

Young ones tend to go for Jamie as a nn nowadays rather than Jim or wee Jimmy!

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Not all and you can't determine what friends will call them. I know two little Jims...........

BewleyBear · 18/03/2026 23:55

Both are great names. Good luck choosing!

KeeleyJ · 18/03/2026 23:49

Catlady007007 · 18/03/2026 23:45

William (nn Will) is a million times better than James (nn Jim).

Young ones tend to go for Jamie as a nn nowadays rather than Jim or wee Jimmy!

KeeleyJ · 18/03/2026 23:48

James William unless you are planning another baby them keep William as an option the next time.

Suggestion for a middle name - Brodie or Fergus.

Catlady007007 · 18/03/2026 23:45

William (nn Will) is a million times better than James (nn Jim).

Crispynoodle · 18/03/2026 23:43

We have a William James

Eenameenadeeka · 18/03/2026 23:38

They're both good. I think I'd pick James.

user1492757084 · 18/03/2026 23:32

I love Vivienne.

William is best.

William James Alistair Campbell.
William James Oscar Campbell

Dobequiet · 18/03/2026 23:02

Bellybellas · 18/03/2026 15:41

Both are very popular, and with such a common surname, he will be one of many. Any other more unusual names you love?

I love Vivienne.

I have a James and he was the only one in both primary and secondary school.

James gets my vote obviously.

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