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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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Eightiesmusic · 18/03/2026 22:41

William and Vivienne don't flow when said together, James is much better out of the two.
I really like Sebastian James too.

LilyLemonade · 18/03/2026 22:38

James because it has a different vowel sound from Vivienne.

Giraffehaver · 18/03/2026 22:34

William James

DemonsandMosquitoes · 18/03/2026 19:24

Both my boys middle names. James just edges it.

Ipollita · 18/03/2026 18:07

James is much nicer than William. From your list, I think James Oscar Campbell flows nicely.

I also like -

James Gabriel
James Andrew
James Elliot
James Isaac

Calliopespa · 18/03/2026 17:07

I also think James and Vivienne sit together better than William and Vivienne. Different syllables, different sounds.

Whereas with William, I can hear a German saying "Villiam and Vivienne."

Calliopespa · 18/03/2026 17:02

I wouldn't personally use both William and James as they are both classic but not exciting (which is fine, but your MN is a chance to jazz up and personalise a staid FN). Especially with Campbell, which isn't exciting either.

I also think Vincent is very close to Vivienne - maybe not a problem for the MN, but wouldn't work well as a FN.

I think I'd go James Ezra Campbell.

coconutbiscuit · 18/03/2026 15:51

William!!!! It’s a gorgeous name.

Original poster
BabyTimez · 18/03/2026 15:50

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 know, this list is the result of great marital compromise :) Names that I love that are slightly less common: Max, Leo, Beau, Vince (but too many Vs with sister Vivienne). We decided we're OK with him being one of many, both names are at least unique in our families.

OP posts:
Songlines · 18/03/2026 15:43

William James Sebastian Campbell

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.

powershowerforanhour · 18/03/2026 15:41

William James Campbell.
You'll need to give him an Ulster Scots dictionary as soon as he's old enough to read mind you.