Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

Nathan(Nate), Daniel, Andrew or Frederick(Fred, Freddy): which works best for a child?

15 replies

ForDearJadeCat · 21/07/2026 02:37

Nathan (Nate), Daniel, Andrew, Frederick (Fred) — which name is best for a child?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
SilveryBear · 21/07/2026 16:20

I prefer Nathaniel (Nate) to Nathan

Citadelica · 21/07/2026 16:14

I like Nate and Daniel.

I feel Andrew's currently an unpopular name

TwoHoots74 · 21/07/2026 16:12

Not Nate. Bloody awful

TheSandgroper · 21/07/2026 16:11

Wrong question. Childhood is but a passing phase. Adulthood lasts for a long time.

You want a name that works well for a grown man.

Your choices are all fine,

AgnesMcDoo · 21/07/2026 06:42

Daniel and Andrew (good traditional Scottish name)

Darkdiamond · 21/07/2026 06:38

Not Fred!

Scotstar · 21/07/2026 06:36

The attitudes towards the name Andrew is upsetting. One bad person does not a name make. Its a lovely traditional scottish name with shoternings should you wish. Surely people arent that daft. And yes, im biased but my point still stands

BoleynMemories13 · 21/07/2026 06:22

Definitely not Andrew. This name has shot right down the charts in recent years due to some very high profile negative associations. I'm not saying it's the next Adolf or Myra, but I think you'll definitely raise some eyebrows if you pick it.

The other 3 are perfectly fine for a person of any age (as you're not just naming a child, you're naming a baby who will grow into an older child, teen and eventually adult etc). All 3 have good nn potential and are versatile (as opposed to just using Freddie, Fred or Nate, which could all be quite limiting).

I prefer Daniel, of the 3, but all 3 are perfectly fine choices.

darkandgloomy · 21/07/2026 04:58

I've voted Nathan, but prefer Nathaniel.

PeonyBulb · 21/07/2026 04:34

Nate is very cool for Nathan or Nathaniel

Cockerpoomom · 21/07/2026 04:26

I love Nate and I like Jude but that's going to become very popular .

Chickadee26 · 21/07/2026 04:24

Nathan(Nate) ❤️

LivingTheDreamish · 21/07/2026 03:43

All nice except Andrew. I voted for Nathan/Nate.

Strawberrycheesecake7 · 21/07/2026 02:42

Daniel is my favourite but they’re all fine.

HollyGolightly4 · 21/07/2026 02:42

I'd currently be mindful of Andrew. I wouldn't do it!