Stephen

[chickentwizzler]

DH LOVES this name, and it goes with our surname (begins with Gr), I think I like it, as long as its not shortened to Steve.

We do seem to like names ending in en.

What do you all think?

Oh MopsyFlopsy I know your right.

I just wondered,if I used Stephen, even if everyone else used Steve, it would be okay.

We have an Andy and Dave in our family, but parents use Andrew and David, and so it doesnt seem to bother them.

I think Huw's becoming more attractive. Do you prefer the name Hugh or Huw. I know Huws the welsh spelling, but although DH is Welsh he doesnt have a welsh surname, or speak Welsh. We used to live in Wales, but are now living in Herefordshire.

I like Stephen & if that's what you call him I can't imagine it being shortened until at least his teens.

I thought this was an 'adam and joe' show thread...

Thanks everyone.

Yes, love normal boys names. Its between Stephen, Hugh/Huw and Owen. I like Stephen best, just not Steve.

It seems to me that the girls in school with unusual names loved their names. However some of the boys with more unusual names (Hyde and Winford to name two) started using their normal second name (David and Evan) when they got older. I recall a neighbour of ours with an unusual name (Valentine), loved it, was full of confindence, always had an answer back for everything, and carried it off. He did go to a private school though.

:o at the Fritzl & Stalin connection - I just think of the cute 7 year old down my road!

All the names I've listed are either people I was at school with, or kids who are at school now (def not posh schools!) so am surprised some of them sound posh, Barney - really?

Laurence (Laurie)
Richard
Alan
Linden

Personally I hate it. It's one of my least favourite boys names. I think it has an ugly sound.

Stefan is much nicer.

Oh yes Owen is lovely, use that.

I prefer Stephen to Hugh or Owen. But although you may not shorten it to Steve, others may and your son may chose to do so also - and the latter especially you have littlecontrol over.

Most of the people I know with the names you have mentioned liking at int heir late 20s or early 30s, so trying to think of others along those lines....

Oliver
Dean
Neil
Iain
Dale
Andrew
Michael
Simon
Paul

Thanks Hulababy. I either know people with the names listed, or don't like the names. Re Dale, I immediately think Dale Winton. Its this name association issue, lots of nice names but I associate it with someone I know or who's famous. Also DH's rule about not using family and close friends names limits us.

Thanks EvilAnts re your comment on Owen, its good to have feedback.

Interesting that LetThereBeRock hates it, due to ugly sound. We have an ugly sounding surname, if DH wasnt so traditional I'd have loved to keep and give our children my maiden name (Llewellyn), but instead got his (which he likes). When I say first name and surname outloud the harsher names sound much better with our ugly surname, than the prettier softer names. I think that's why Stephen sounds so good, Owen although lovely is soft against our harsh surname.

I'm sure Steven Spielberg is never called Steve.

Yeah but he can pay people to call him whatever he likes :)

The risk is not that other people will call your DS Steve, but that he will accept it, like it, even encourage it!

Most kids quite like being given nicknames by their friends etc. I do know a couple of full-name-only Andrews, Simons etc, but that's usually because they are quite positive about not being Andy or Si, and/or not approachable enough to be shortened. If your DS likes Steve, or Stevie, or Ste (!?) then that's probably what he will get called. Imagine him in later life introducing himself to new colleagues as Steve. Is that what you want? :o

Do you still have your maiden name? If so, why not give DS your name? Otherwise definitely think of using it as a middle name, or even a first name. Would Llewellyn Gr work?

Afraid Llewellyn doesnt work.

I dont like Steve but if son wanted to go with Steve I could live with it, as long as hes happy with the name we've given him, I cant imagine it upsetting me. The problem would be if I'd given my son a name which he doesnt like, could be teased over, doesnt go with our surname. I think Stephen is a strong sounding name.

Oooh I dont know, veering towards Owen again.

I'm beginning to think if its a boy, I'll just let DH choose between these two names.

I love Owen. It's much nicer.

I would just say that Stephen Fry never seems to have a problem of being called Steve..!! So it can obviously be done!

I adore Owen. Sadly, DP vetoed it after Michael Owen turning his back on Liverpool for Man Utd... (we had a DD anyway, but that's not the point)

Stephen is a good name. I personally prefer Huw with it's Welsh connotations to Hugh, and Herefordshire is borderland, so it wouldn't be a problem. Do you like any of the Ed type names (Edward, Edmund etc?) or other Welsh/English names like Alun/Alan, Awstin/Austin, Bran, Dewi etc?

Huw's back in the running, DH prefers the spelling Huw, as it's a different spelling to Hugh Grant.

Owen and Stephen are sill in the lead. Possibly erring to Owen, as it can't be shortened.

Also DH is talking lots about moving back to Wales. DH's parents are farmers, and although he's trained as a Building Engineer, he's now at 32 considering joining the family farm, and working alongside his mum and dad . I'm quite excited by the idea, as although money will be lots tighter, he is under a lot of stress at work due to the recession, and I've rather fallen for the idea of being a farmers wife, and would love our children to grow up on the farm. Hoping he may be able to do some freelance work as well.

Edward is too widely used, but LOVE LOVE LOVE Edmund, I suspect it won't be to DH liking.

I like Alan, when spelt Allen, but not entirely convinced. It is an option.

We like the anglicised Welsh names like Aled and Gareth, but not the less widely known Welsh names like Merion, Delwyn, Eifion, and Hedd. I mention these names as we have friends/ acquaintances with these names, but they all have Welsh surnames, and I think these names would not go with our English surname.

So far it is Stephen, Owen, Huw and Allen. Stephen and Owen are our favourites.

Mark? Hugh? I have one of each (six and two) and although I liked the names when I chose them, I LOVE them now. Great, normal names which are surprisingly unusual now.

Thanks YouNeverCAnTell - I agree normal names are the best.