Barnaby or Charlie?

[LottieP987]

Really struggling for a boy's name. I like Charlie but am worried that it's too mega-popular. I think Barnaby is lovely, cheery and laid-back sounding, but what do you think about teasing potential? Too like Barney the irritating purple dinosaur?

Nightmare finding a boy's name that is unusual but not ridiculously so. Girl's names are so much easier!

I think that's enough votes for Barnaby for me to feel confident about choosing it, although I'm sure I'll have a few more horrible dreams where friends laugh hysterically upon hearing the name of our new arrival!

I have just asked a 13 year old barnaby for you. He thinks it's a good name- everyone at school knows him as he is the only one. Apparently it comes from the village of barnaby in north Yorkshire which dates back to Viking times

Barnaby is a fab name. I know an adult who's nn is Barnes

Charlie is sweet enough but is soooo popular. I know loads (as nn for Charles and Charlotte)

Thanks everyone. I've never met a Barnaby, really reassuring to know it's considered a good name in those all-important teen years!

My husband is Barney and he's 6'2" and lush!

like Charlie ........ Barnaby just makes me think of Midsomer murders!

Charlie by miles.

Barnaby by miles imo - such a strong, elegant name. Charlie, along with Alfie, Archie and all the other 'cutey' type names are too overused imo and will date soon.

Another vote for Barnaby - it sounds beautiful and is a proper name. I find Charlie a little dull/childish sounding. Charles maybe.

Barnaby is lovely but I loathe Barney as a shortening and it will take an incredible effort on both your and your sons part for that not to happen.

Another vote for Barnaby here.

Charlie is just too popular now, there are little boys called Charlie, little girls called Charlie, and every time I think of Charlie, I can't help thinking 'You're a right Charlie aren't you? and an image of a grinning clown pops up in my mind.

Also, without exception, every single Charlie I have ever known IRL is not a very nice person. My experience of Charlies is probably very limited and I am not suggesting that all Charlie's are little horrors, just the ones I know.

Barnaby OTOH is a lovely name.

Barnaby!

I don't like Charlie much, and went to school with a Barnaby who couldn't have been further from drippy. He was a bit rough around the edges, but nice, and played heavy metal guitar (brilliantly I have to admit) and rode a motorbike. I know one too who is about 13.

Another vote for Barnaby,but then I am biased as I have a teenage one.