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Original poster

boy's names - Loris? Sylvan?

27 replies

Karuna13 · 15/12/2010 21:59

Hi

We've been debating over boy's names and after mentioning 'Loris' in jest realised it had connections that both DH and I liked.

But, I've never heard it used, what do you think?

An alternative, or middle, name that's running through my mind is Sylvan. My late mum's name was Sylvia and I'd love to weave this into the name somewhere - a bit more tricky for a boy than a girl.

Loris and Sylvan both (unintentionally) seem to fit a nature / woodland theme following on from DS1 Rowan.

What do you think? Boyish / Girlish? / Asking to be beaten up in the playground?!

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ElfPantsAtMidnightMass · 15/12/2010 22:10

Hi Karuna

is a Loris.

Sylvan means living in the woods doesn't it? Not bad but might get called Sylvia?

Avocadoes · 15/12/2010 22:14

Love Sylvan. I know a gorgeous man called Sylvan. It would be a great tribute to your late mother.

Loris is too close to Lois for me. And Doris. Very feminine sounding.

Original poster
Karuna13 · 15/12/2010 22:29

Hi Elfpants,

LOL at the ticklish slow loris - that's where our jest started, but thinking on it the name seemed to have a real appeal.

And Avocadoes - the 'Doris' thought had crossed my mind, not quite the playground nickname you'd choose for your little one.

But, it has to have some other associations .... doesn't it??

OP posts:
MuffinMouse · 15/12/2010 22:40

I like the sound of Sylvan. But if I'm very honest - both sound a bit like girls names to me, especially Loris. I know that lots of people like unisex names so maybe it won't be an issue...Personally I'd poll some men to get a real feel for how it'll be received in terms of teasing/not.

Iamcountingto3 · 15/12/2010 22:47

Loris is too much slow Loris for me, but I suspect that's not an animal everyone knows. Except on mn of course.

Quite like Sylvan, but I think it'd have to be the right child to carry it off & avoid teasing at secondary school...

ElfPantsAtMidnightMass · 15/12/2010 23:19

What about Lorcan? I really don't think Loris is an ok name, unless you'd consider siblings called Ay-ay and Sloth

Original poster
Karuna13 · 15/12/2010 23:27

..... mmmm Sloth, now there's an idea! [visions of calling 'sloth, come here please' to a hyperactive toddler]

Is the slow loris association such an obvious one??

DH immediately thought of Loris Capirossi (italian motorbike racer)!

OP posts:
clumsymumsnowdriftbaby · 16/12/2010 00:02

i love sylvan,

but then i also love names like Florian,giacomo and rupin for boysBlushand my dc's are named sky and arlo.Grin

i think it goes nicely with rowan btw and i love the meaning.

loris is nice too,but i prefer sylvanSmile

1percentawake · 16/12/2010 19:50

I really like Loris - had considered for my DS who is now Laurie so similar!

Sylvan is nice - like Florian as suggested above too!!

AllieW · 16/12/2010 19:56

I find both of them quite girly, which may or may not be a problem for you. Not keen, sorry.

LetThereBeRock · 16/12/2010 20:57

I like Sylvan,but I certainly wouldn't use Loris. It's a family of primates.

EauRudolph · 16/12/2010 20:59

I agree with Allie, they both sound like they could be girls' names.

LetThereBeRock · 16/12/2010 21:19

I prefer Sylvanus to Sylvan actually,though both are nice.

LetThereBeRock · 16/12/2010 21:20

I think it's a little more masculine too.

ElfPantsAtMidnightMass · 16/12/2010 22:42

But on the downside, it has "anus" in it.

And the Sylvanian family jokes become ever more likely.

What about Calidore?

ateles · 18/12/2010 19:48

slow loris's are named after the Dutch word for 'clown' as they thought the animal had a clown like face. Don't know if that would put you off.

Original poster
Karuna13 · 20/02/2011 22:42

bump - Am getting closer and closer to my due date and still hooked on Loris / Sylvan for DS2.

Your thoughts?

Many thanks

OP posts:
PurveyorOfWoo · 20/02/2011 22:50

My brother is called Sylvan so I am biased. It really suits him. We grew up in a small conservative village and he never really had a problem. He gets called Sylv for short.

Loris just reminds me of the small animal.

OliveMalay · 21/02/2011 00:30

Of the two, I prefer Sylvan. Loris sounds like Boris or Doris, which I'm not keen on.

How about Sylvester?

Or if you like tree names what about Aspen, Rowan, Lynden, Walden, Oliver?

Clary · 21/02/2011 00:35

Not keen on wither I am afraid.

When PG with DS2 I made a list of names that included Fairfax. Glad it stayed on the list tbh. I would put Loris in the same place.

Can only think of Slow Loris, some kind of lazy animal. Or Lois.

Sylvan sounds too much like Sylvia tbh.

OliveMalay · 21/02/2011 00:40

How about Lawrence instead of Loris?

mathanxiety · 21/02/2011 05:14

How about Solomon or Simon?

Or Lorcan as suggested earlier?

Or Daragh -- a nice Irish name and refers to the oak tree.

I think Loris and Sylvan both sound a bit girlish. I know an 80-something man named Loren but even he has trouble making reservations, talking on the phone, etc., as people think he's Lauren..

gapbear · 21/02/2011 15:53

Slow loris!

You do know that if he isn't terribly bright or is a daydreamer his name will haunt him (and you), don't you?

Kirangel33 · 03/11/2018 13:33

Hey Karuna! Just seen this and I wondered if you named your son Loris after all. People didn’t seem keen but I named my son Loris in 1988 and everyone has loved the name! It’s been a very lucky one for him!

Secretarchersaddict · 04/12/2019 18:16

Hi Kirangel33, just in case you ever get to revisit this thread, yes we did go ahead with Loris and I can't imagine him being called anything else now!