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Baby names

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

Original poster

Which boys’ name do you prefer: Arran, Arthur, Sebastian or William?

54 replies

tutifruiti1 · 19/05/2026 11:26

We’re expecting a baby boy and finding it difficult to pick a name. Not sure whether to go classic or a bit more distinctive. We like these names below but aren’t sure:

  • Arran
  • Arthur
  • Sebastian
  • William
Which one do you like? Thanks!
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FluffMagnet · 19/05/2026 18:05

Either Sebastian or William.

sanityisamyth · 19/05/2026 18:01

William, but I’m biased. Arthur or Sebastian are nice too. Don’t like Arran.

Tellmetomorrow57 · 19/05/2026 17:58

Sebastian

autumn1638 · 19/05/2026 17:40

William

mcmuffin22 · 19/05/2026 17:39

Calliopespa · 19/05/2026 11:42

Probably Arthur, followed by William.

Arran seems like a misspelling of Aaron, or a place name (and style of jumper!). I guess Skye also gets used, but I think Arran is more like calling a child Guernsey, and in any case, I'd hear Aaron.

Sebastian has totally changed vibe in the last 15 years, and I wouldn't personally use that.

I know an Arran.... he's a heavy sweater.

user293948849167 · 19/05/2026 17:39

In order of preference:
Arran
William
Arthur
Sebastian

I know a couple of boys called Arran so don’t think it’s that unusual

amber763 · 19/05/2026 17:22

William is my favorite boys name

NannyOgg26 · 19/05/2026 17:21

William's nice but I don't like Bill or Billy which it might get shortened to. I also like Arthur. 😊

Jk987 · 19/05/2026 17:18

William ❤️

83forms · 19/05/2026 16:42

Sebastian

muddyford · 19/05/2026 16:39

Arthur and William (but not Billy).

LoudPlumDog · 19/05/2026 16:10

Depends on your surname, any middle name and any siblings.

I love William and Sebastian.

Calliopespa · 19/05/2026 16:09

NamingNoNames · 19/05/2026 14:57

I have never seen Arran for boys, it's more a girls name I have never heard of a girl or woman called Arran. I doubt that anyone else has either.
Baby name explorer.

Edited

To be honest I've only even known of an island and a style of jumper!

But if I had to guess I'd definitely have assumed a boy.

LulaLulaByeBye · 19/05/2026 15:04

I like them all apart from Arran - Sebastian first, then Arthur, then William.

ithinkilikethislittlelife · 19/05/2026 14:58

I have a Sebastian. I call him Seb and his brothers call him Sebby 😊

Oneearringlost · 19/05/2026 14:58

Sebastian

MrsTerryPratchett · 19/05/2026 14:57

I have a soft spot for Sebastian. Seb is lovely as well.

NamingNoNames · 19/05/2026 14:57

I have never seen Arran for boys, it's more a girls name I have never heard of a girl or woman called Arran. I doubt that anyone else has either.
Baby name explorer.

ToadRage · 19/05/2026 14:53

Don't like Arthur, too overused these days. Not a fan of William either. Sebastian is OK buy also making a comeback. I have never seen Arran for boys, it's more a girls name unless it's a misspelling of Aaron which i like, its a family name for me, my grandpas middle name, his grandfather's name...

LaVitesse2022 · 19/05/2026 14:33

Arthur and William. Sebastian makes me think of the crab in the Little Mermaid. Arran will be forever correcting people who will spell it "Aaron".

Mumofgirls2017 · 19/05/2026 13:57

Arthur

user1492757084 · 19/05/2026 12:20

William
Arthur

Sebastian

Arran

YooBlue · 19/05/2026 11:56
  • Sebastian
  • William
  • Arthur
  • Arran
NamingNoNames · 19/05/2026 11:53

Arran - I'd think there was a Scottish or Irish connection. Otherwise, one of the many different spellings of 'Aaron'.
Arthur - classic but very popular
Sebastian- not keen
William - a bit 'safe'. I like Billy.

Runningshoes99 · 19/05/2026 11:52

Arthur and William both lovely names OP. I was choosing between them for my boy! I am really happy I chose arthur although for a while it felt like a big name for a baby but now he is a toddler it suits him so well. I think both those are lovely and classic. We also considered Zach, Charlie, Leo, Milo, Max, Joshua.
I’m less sure about Arran I think you’ll be forever annoyed by people misspelling it or mispronouncing it and it has a harder sound somehow? Sebastian does make me think of the crab from a little mermaid but that’s just me showing my age. Seb is a cute shortening but beware he will get Sebby!

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