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Baby names

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

Original poster

James, Edward, or Benedict - suggestions welcome!

66 replies

TheGreyInThisCity · 28/05/2026 12:16

It’s still early days, but I’m expecting baby number 2 and we’re starting to think about names. I think we’ve got a girl’s name sorted, but boys’ names are harder! Our DS’s name is Laurence, and we’re hoping to find something fairly classic but ideally not super common.

So far on our shortlist we have:
James (DH’s preferred)
Edward
Benedict

I also really like Alexander, Sebastian, and William, but we can’t use those as we have close relatives with those names. Any thoughts on the names we like, or any other suggestions are appreciated! Thanks

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Original poster
TheGreyInThisCity · 28/05/2026 13:27

This is very helpful, thank you everyone!

I think the issue is that while we have similar taste in names, I’m a bit more willing to choose an unusual name than my DH is. Poor DS was nameless for almost a week when he was born because we couldn’t agree, and none of the names we both liked felt right. So this time round I want to be a bit more prepared!

OP posts:
TheRealMagic · 28/05/2026 13:23

Benedict is the only one I don't like (admittedly I'm biased - it's the only name on your list of three I haven't used myself!). I understand why people say Benedict 'goes with' Laurence, but to me Benedict and Laurence as a pair push over into a very certain kind of name - a bit 'Overheard in Waitrose' - whereas Laurence and James, say, are lovely names but not such a 'statement'.

user293948849167 · 28/05/2026 13:20

I’d pick Edward, it’s lovely but not super common these days. Goes well with Laurence. Also good nickname options, Ted/Teddy/Ed/Eddie

James is also a nice name

Not as keen on Benedict

AnnaQuayRules · 28/05/2026 13:18

Benedict

PancakeCloud · 28/05/2026 13:17

Benedict! I love James but it’s very common overall (although perhaps not with babies born today).

ICantStomachWhelks · 28/05/2026 13:16

Benedict! Gorgeous. In a similar ballpark (IMO) of softer but not wet boy names:
Peter
Julian
Gabriel

DramaAlpaca · 28/05/2026 13:12

Benedict, though I like the others too.

I second Dominic as a suggestion.

Laurence is fab, btw.

PygmyOwl · 28/05/2026 13:08

Edward is my favourite.

MrsMoastyToasty · 28/05/2026 13:04

Dominic
Sebastian
Alexander

Calliopespa · 28/05/2026 13:02

Byron1990 · 28/05/2026 12:52

I have an Edward and my other son’s middle name is Laurence, we also loved Julian, Hugh and William

I think Julian and Hugh go well with Laurence too.

MeetMeOnTheCorner · 28/05/2026 12:58

James and Edward are very overused. You will find loads of them! Benedict is so much better. Williams are two a penny as well. Be a bit more unique.

Byron1990 · 28/05/2026 12:52

I have an Edward and my other son’s middle name is Laurence, we also loved Julian, Hugh and William

yonem · 28/05/2026 12:36

I love James and Benedict! Not as keen on Edward as I don’t like Ed/Ted

Daffodilsinthespring · 28/05/2026 12:33

Benedict

TomatoSandwiches · 28/05/2026 12:27

I like Edward and Benedict.

Names that go with Laurence,

Julian
Francis
Robert
Douglas
Rupert
Alistar
Christopher
Joseph
Neil
Eric

Calliopespa · 28/05/2026 12:19

I love James and Edward, but Benedict is really fabulous and much more in line with the more unusual name you already have for your DS.

Alexander I really like, William I feel is a bit worn out and I think Sebastian has really changed niche in the past decade or so and no longer sits with that bundle of names.

I'd go with Benedict!

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