First thoughts on baby names...

[BabyNinja]

I've only just found out I'm pregnant so only in the very early stages of thinking about names, but there are a couple which I have liked for some time.

Sophie Florence
Imogen Cecilia

Edward Alexander
Sebastian Paul

The middle names are all family names, and we tend to like classic first names, with at least one shortening/nickname option.

Because we've got these names in our heads, we're struggling to come up with alternatives. I know none of them are especially unusual or imaginative - does that matter?

Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Thanks!

I picked out my sons name when I was 15 and just never got tired of it. It did sort of spoil the fun of picking one out whilst I was actually pregnant though if I'm honest. Perhaps thats why I haunt the baby names board ;)

If you've liked them for some time, go with them though, they're all lovely names.

All fine but very popular names. Main thing is that YOU love them!

We do love them. I just worry that my baby will grow up to become the susan/claire/louise of his/her generation, and will be instantly identifiable as a particular age group because of their name. Am I overthinking this?

I don't think the names you have chosen are particularly 'now' names.
They are popular but have been for a long time rather than just for a couple of years then nothing, for example my 27 yo sister was in school with four Sophies, and 11yo DD is in school with about the same amount.

I love Imogen but with Florence as a middle name, I love Edward and Sebastian probably Sebastian slightly more, I like Alexander as a middle name over Paul.

I love the name Cecilia - that is timeless and not very popular these days.

I'd choose Cecilia over Sophie and Imogen personally.

I'm in my mid-20s and have friends with all of the first names you listed. I suggest the fact they are still being used now - 20-30 years on - mean you needn't worry about them dating.

BUT, if this is something you're worried about, perhaps avoid Sophie as it's currently in the top 10 (#6 - www.namenerds.com/uucn/pop/UK2010/UK2010xx01.html).

All of the names you have chosen are in the top 70 or so names used for babies at the moment - they are classic, not trendy, choices but if you're worried about the dating effect, you could consider picking something that ranks lower down.

As a general rule of thumb, if you've had friends with the name, your friends have children with the name, and your parents know of people their age with the name, it's probably OK to pick!

Your first names are all quite popular, yes. Especially Sophie and Edward but even Sebastian has risen up the ranks over the past few years, it seems.

I too like Cecilia. And Paul actually. If you're after a more 'timeless' name, have a look at the name statistics outside the top 100. (Our ds's name was used 13 times last year - not everyone will love it but we do!)

Thank you everyone for your help. I will definitely have a look at the names outside the top 100 to see if there is any inspiration there!

I don't mind popular names, I think as someone said earlier, I want names which aren't really "of the moment" but you've all reassured me on that front.

I like Imogen, but think the nicest girls name you've mentioned is Cecelia.

Sebastian Alexander would be my favourite. Classic, classy names.

I like Sophie (I have one )

And Sebastian the best.

I also like Imogen (DH vetoed)
But Edward is meh for me

Any of the names in your OP would be fine :) Personally I'd pick Sophie Florence or Edward Alexander.

Love Sophie - thats on our shortlist!
Sebastian is nice too.

Go with them if you love them!!