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Baby names

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Original poster

Can't decide whether to go for classic or cool

84 replies

anonymumma · 16/04/2010 22:58

Ok so here's my dilemma.

I am expecting twin boys and can't decide whether to go for classic names or cooler more hip names.

We are thinking Edward & Louis, or the cooler but less safe Felix & Dexter?

Both myself and husband love all the names but don't want to regret our choices a few years down the line.

What to do??? Help!

OP posts:
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clams · 17/04/2010 13:06

I wouldn't think of Felix as cool, it's the name of an elderly relative. Edward and Felix match in my mind and are a modern but not matchy combo.

Anyone over the age of 18 needs to be sensibly cautious about being cool. Using the term alone probably means your intentions may backfire. Especially with Dexter - I'm sorry, IMHO it shouts 'try-hard'.

mountainmonkey · 17/04/2010 13:00

I like Dexter and Felix but they do remind me of this

and this

janeite · 17/04/2010 12:43

Edward and Louis much nicer imho. Then again, Felix is a name that I really don't like.

debaronz · 17/04/2010 12:32

Agree with LynetteScavo, I don't think of Louis as a classic name. There are other more classic boys names which could be due a revival. Frederick, John, Richard for example.

MamaLazarou · 17/04/2010 12:32

I would never consciously go for a 'cool' name. It just seems like trying too hard. Go for a name you like without worrying about whether it's cool or not. My favourite from your list is Edward.

Original poster
anonymumma · 17/04/2010 10:46

Thanks for all the helpful comments.

I'm not worried about whether they're popular in other countries. I have intentionally avoided James, William etc because they are too popular here.

I had a feeling there would be suggestions to mix the two ie Edward & Felix, but we've decided not to do this as we don't want one to think he has a less cool name in years to come!

I did think of putting the 'cool' names in the middle but I like them less this way. Edward Dexter doesn't really do it for me.

Most of the comments have crossed my mind. The Twilight thing did worry me but I like Edward enough to not worry too much.

The D list celeb comment did make me laugh! This just about sums up my concerns!

More thoughts appreciated!

OP posts:
jellybeans · 17/04/2010 10:33

Edward and Louis. Like Felix and Louis better though.

GoldenSnitch · 17/04/2010 08:30

My friend just named her son Dexter. Reminds me of a serial killer.

Obviously, I didn't tell her that!

EldonAve · 17/04/2010 08:27

prefer Edward and Louis

DinahRod · 17/04/2010 08:12

Similar issues, I like the traditional Edward v much although it is undergoing a real surge of popularity, haven't seen it, but ppl tell me is down to 'Twilight'?? Dh likes Gabriel or Finn which I do also like (might have to start a thread!).

In order like:

  1. Edward
  2. Louis
  3. Felix
  1. Dexter (v now)
Ineedsomesleep · 17/04/2010 08:10

Go for the classic, the names won't date as quickly. Having said that, I don't really think that Louis is a classic name and will date quite quickly.

If you are going for names that are cool now, think about names that were cool 30 or 40 years ago, like Kevin and Tracy. How do they sound now?

izzybiz · 17/04/2010 08:07

I would go with the classic and maybe use the cool as middle names.
My youngest Ds I really loved the name Stanley, but didn't feel I could use it as a first name, so he is George Stanley which sounds fantastic with our sirname!

LynetteScavo · 17/04/2010 08:07

I'd go for Edward and Felix.

I don't think of Louis as being classic.

Felix and Dexter are fun and funky. I like.

notevenamousie · 17/04/2010 08:06

I like Edward and Louis better, don't like Dexter, but none are "don't do it!!" names to me - congratulations and I hope you enjoy naming your twins.

Bonsoir · 17/04/2010 08:03

Because we live in a globalised world, who knows where her children will end up, and it is useful to be aware that the name that sounds slightly unusual in one culture is run of the mill in another.

nooka · 17/04/2010 08:00

Why should the OP care whether her choice of names (all of which she has said she really likes) are overused in France or Germany? She's not said that she lives anywhere other than the UK.

I think all her name choices are pretty mainstream, whether cool or classic, and that mixing the two would work best for non-matching reasons.

Bonsoir · 17/04/2010 07:12

Edward is a really lovely name - traditional and underused.

Louis is a horrid name, and overused in France right now IMO.

Felix is another horrid name, and overused in Germany.

Dexter is a another horrid name.

Fliight · 17/04/2010 06:58

Louis and Felix

too many Xs otherwise and I don't like Edward.

nooka · 17/04/2010 05:35

Felix and Dexter seem a bit too matching to me too.

BitterAndTwistedChoreDodger · 17/04/2010 00:09

Just to stir things up..

I love Edward and Dexter.

twinkerbell · 17/04/2010 00:07

pmsl

menomena · 17/04/2010 00:07

Felix and Edward would definitely be nicest IMO.

Felix and Dexter are maybe a bit too matchy as both are cartoons and both have an X. Together I think they are a bit "too cool" whereas Felix and Edward sounds classic but not boring. Louis I'm not keen on at all.

BunnyLebowski · 17/04/2010 00:06

Felix and Dexter will make you and your DH sound like try-hard wannabe D-List celebs.

Edward and Louis will make you sound classy and sophisticated and of impeccable taste.

Your boys will thank you for the classic sensible names.

scurryfunge · 17/04/2010 00:02

I like Edward and I think Louis snot that traditional so is distinctive enough

ozmetric · 16/04/2010 23:57

Edward and Felix.