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Original poster

Favourite boy names from this shortlist for a bookish but not nerdy feel

103 replies

danascully96 · 11/09/2026 19:03

Which is your favorite: Miles, Joseph, Luke, Daniel, Pierce, Alexander “Alec,” Nicholas, Cameron, Christian, Caleb, Elijah, Clark, Heath, Max, James “Jamie,” Theodore, Russell, August, Simon, Blake, Rowan, Graham, or Leo?

If this helps, I always picture a handsome, bookish man but hopefully not a dorky name!

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Carthorses · 12/09/2026 03:08

Bram Stoker's name actually Abraham

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 12/09/2026 02:28

I know an Alec (just Alec, not Alexander)who fits the description “bookish but not nerdy” perfectly.

Original poster
danascully96 · 11/09/2026 22:42

Joolsin · 11/09/2026 22:26

I love Alec, much more interesting than the ubiquitous Alex of which there are thousands!

I agree with those who are saying it's too soon for Graham in the UK but - thinking of the American pronunciation - what about Bram? It's definitely a bookish name but not in the least bit nerdy.

Edited

I really like Bram! I think of Bram Stoker. Can you imagine if I had a Heath & a Bram (very gothic!!)? Bram definitely sounds intelligent and powerful, great suggestion!

OP posts:
Oblahdeeoblahdoe · 11/09/2026 22:33

James and Joseph are my favourites

DoreenCorkhill · 11/09/2026 22:30

Rowan & James
The rest not so
much .

Sunbringer · 11/09/2026 22:30

Miles and Caleb

CurlewKate · 11/09/2026 22:29

Nicholas (Nico), Leo, Miles, James are the only ones I like. Possibly Simon.

Peanutlicious · 11/09/2026 22:27

I like Heath and Caleb best

Joolsin · 11/09/2026 22:26

I love Alec, much more interesting than the ubiquitous Alex of which there are thousands!

I agree with those who are saying it's too soon for Graham in the UK but - thinking of the American pronunciation - what about Bram? It's definitely a bookish name but not in the least bit nerdy.

whereimfrom · 11/09/2026 22:21

My sons name is Caleb Pierce 😂
Leo & Luca were on my shortlist too

strawberrykat · 11/09/2026 22:17

Caleb, Elijah, Luke and Rowan were on my shortlist.

Dislike Russel, Heath, Pierce and Graham.

Almost very little boy is called Theo or Leo where I am.

Giraffehaver · 11/09/2026 22:16

Joseph then Daniel

LOCOJDS · 11/09/2026 22:14

Joseph, Daniel and Alexander are my favourites

Ifonlyiweretaller · 11/09/2026 21:59

@ShloopieYou’re right there! I. Married to a 60 odd year old Graham and we have 3 other Grahams as friends! I agree though that a baby called Graham these days would be a surprise.

YourWinter · 11/09/2026 21:58

James or Theo.

NamingNoNames · 11/09/2026 21:57

@Mandarinaduck , I am British too and Caleb is a name from the Bible, so the pronunciation varies by language. It's CAL-ebb in Welsh (and Spanish, Portuguese etc)

PerfectPlasticPerson · 11/09/2026 21:43

Rowan or Miles.

Mandarinaduck · 11/09/2026 21:41

NamingNoNames · 11/09/2026 20:28

None of them seem bookish.

Like: Alec, James/Jamie, Nicholas

Too popular: Leo, Max, Alexander,

OK: Miles, Simon, Blake, Joseph, Luke, Daniel, Pierce, Rowan, Graham, or Leo

Not keen: Cameron, Heath, Russell, (Caleb said the English way)

Don't like: Elijah

Dislike: August, Theodore, Christian, Clark, Julian and Quentin.

Are there different ways to say Caleb?
I would say KAY-leb (I'm British). Is there another pronunciation?

countrylifeorcitylife · 11/09/2026 21:39

Ooh good list. Heath is my fave

Dandeloosha · 11/09/2026 21:02

That’s a great set of names. I’d go with James though day to day I’d probably call him the much loved but underused Jim instead of Jamie.

cheapskatemum · 11/09/2026 21:02

Miles is my favourite. I prefer Piers to Pierce.

Butterflybluebell · 11/09/2026 20:57

Miles is my favourite by a long shot!! I love it. I always regret not using it myself.

Original poster
danascully96 · 11/09/2026 20:38

danascully96 · 11/09/2026 20:30

I love the idea of southern/country names (I’m not southern), but Langston and Atticus would seem like a lot on my kids 😅 The reason I like Miles is it sounds kind of southern in my mind, but yes, Waylon (or names like Arlo) are a step too far! I think Harvey is an older name that could fit a lot of backgrounds (British or American), but the association with Weinstein is still too much sadly.

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Whoops — @Dee51121 this response was meant for @Shloopie

OP posts:
ShutteredUp · 11/09/2026 20:30

None of those seem at all bookish. Quite a few definitely giving ‘jock’ vibes.

Original poster
danascully96 · 11/09/2026 20:30

Dee51121 · 11/09/2026 20:11

I think Luke is one of the most unbookish names I could think of. But names clearly give different vibes to different people!

If you think you'll travel to the UK a lot with your child, I would avoid Graham due to the US UK pronunciation differences.

I love the idea of southern/country names (I’m not southern), but Langston and Atticus would seem like a lot on my kids 😅 The reason I like Miles is it sounds kind of southern in my mind, but yes, Waylon (or names like Arlo) are a step too far! I think Harvey is an older name that could fit a lot of backgrounds (British or American), but the association with Weinstein is still too much sadly.

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