Please or to access all these features

Baby names

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

Duncan, Simon, Daniel, James, Joseph, Jack, Harvey, Miles, or Luke?

70 replies

danascully96 · 22/09/2026 21:35

EDIT: Forgot Robert.

Which is the best? Is it better to go with names everyone likes, or to go with underused names that are well-established but more divisive?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
ERthree · 22/09/2026 21:37

Go for under used names,

lavenderrosedaisy · 22/09/2026 21:37

I like Daniel, James, Joseph, Jack and Luke.

Unless it’s really out there or very divisive I’d go for what you like most. All these names are fine! I love traditional names and sure some think I’ve named them very boring names but I love them.

Cucurella · 22/09/2026 21:38

Simon or James

TheeNotoriousPIG · 22/09/2026 21:55

I like Joseph, Jack, Luke and Robert.

I would choose the name that you and your partner (if applicable) love, and avoid being swayed by other relatives and their opinions!

SunshineSpice · 22/09/2026 21:57

Duncan and Harvey are ghastly. The others are perfectly nice but I find Daniel and Simon a little dated for a baby.

AlwaysSometimesNever · 22/09/2026 22:00

Not Harvey. Having taught for 25 years that name gives me the shudders. 🤣

Mumofgirls2017 · 22/09/2026 22:05

Daniel, james or joseph

NOT Duncan or Harvey

seahorsessky · 22/09/2026 22:11

James, Daniel and Luke are the most classic-some in every age group, but not over popular And they're not a particular class, as in, some very working class people have them, but also, very upper class or even royalty-there are boys with these names in every set, while some names are associated with "posh" or "troubled" people. I'm not saying that's fair, but it is true! (Simon was popular a generation ago, but not so much now, Harvey/Harley not as popular now). Also think about whether you are happy with nicknames before deciding.

NinetyNineRedBalloonsGoByAgain · 22/09/2026 22:11

Robert, Simon, Daniel - bit 1980s

Duncan / Harvey / Luke - awful

Miles - high teasing potential

Jack, James, Joseph - lovely!!!

AutumnAllTheWay · 22/09/2026 22:17

Jack

So classic and strong and unpretentious

There's a reason many main characters named Jack

FoundAUserNameDownTheSofa · 22/09/2026 22:31

Simon was peak popularity 50 years ago.

Joseph great. I also still like Daniel, Robert and James. All have good shortening potential which I think helps them suit different ages and stay current whilst being classic.

PrincessOfPreschool · 22/09/2026 22:31

Luke

YourWinter · 22/09/2026 22:33

Simon, James and Jack. Miles perhaps.

Peanutlicious · 22/09/2026 22:36

Jack or Luke

Helenbelena · 22/09/2026 22:37

Go for the underused names. Much more memorable!

I hate having a popular name - always having to add my surname.

fumingrightnow1 · 22/09/2026 22:41

Luke and Miles are my favourite we very nearly called one of ours luke

Cobrakainerd · 22/09/2026 22:45

I actually like Duncan, Simon, James and Miles.
Im not up to date with baby names. It feels like some names are timeless or due a comeback.

thornbury · 22/09/2026 22:51

My dog is called Harvey, so is my neighbour's cat, just in case that helps.

Jamclag · 22/09/2026 22:54

All solid, classic names but James or Miles would be my choices.

LoudPlumDog · 23/09/2026 00:08

Joseph and Luke are my favourite.

DramaAlpaca · 23/09/2026 01:10

Not Harvey, but the rest are fine.

mathanxiety · 23/09/2026 02:39

Joseph and Robert are gorgeous.

danascully96 · 23/09/2026 02:54

NinetyNineRedBalloonsGoByAgain · 22/09/2026 22:11

Robert, Simon, Daniel - bit 1980s

Duncan / Harvey / Luke - awful

Miles - high teasing potential

Jack, James, Joseph - lovely!!!

See, Duncan’s one I really like but seems to be polarizing. Are Duncan and Luke super dated or do they sound bad? Or both? I’ve gotten this reaction from friends too, so I’m genuinely curious! Thank you for your feedback btw! I also love the J names!!

OP posts:
danascully96 · 23/09/2026 02:56

SunshineSpice · 22/09/2026 21:57

Duncan and Harvey are ghastly. The others are perfectly nice but I find Daniel and Simon a little dated for a baby.

Duncan, Simon, and Harvey are probably the most “risky.” Are they super dated, or are they ghastly because the sound of each one is unattractive? I’m genuinely curious as I have gotten this reaction in real life from friends too!

OP posts:
Boreded · 23/09/2026 03:44

Miles is a dog name

Swipe left for the next trending thread