Stephen - am I crazy to love this name?

[slothlike]

As the title says, I really like the name Stephen, possibly in part because of a really lovely person I used to know with that name. Not crazy about the nickname Steve, but I could cope with it - just wouldn't use it myself! DH is on board as well.

I haven't asked for anyone else's opinions on it (until now), but I just have this hunch that other people will react in a bit of a 'meh' way, as it's simultaneously fairly unoriginal and declining in popularity. What would you think if you heard the name Stephen being shouted across the playground? Too middle-aged-man sounding? (I don't really buy into the "It only matters if YOU love the name" line, because it's not ME who has to have the name for the rest of my life...!)

FWIW, other potential name candidates are Toby and Theodore.

I l

Oops, I really like it. Good solid name, knew a hot one! He was always Stephen never Steve. I also like the spelling Steven. Heard a little boy being called this a while back and it caught my attention as it's now so unusual and it sounded good.

I know a 64 year old Stephen, his wife calls him Steve but no one else does. I know several in their thirsties, they are all Stephens. And the six year old is never shortened either.

I'recently heard of a baby Robert and a baby Michael, by calling him Stephen you'll be giving him a name that everyone has heard of and most people think well of instead of "Oh no, not another one"

There are some wonderfully classic names out there and Stephen is one of them.

Ooh thanks for the replies everyone - very happy with how positive they are , good to hear I'm not the only one who likes it. Looks like Stephen it is then, unless DH changes his mind!

the steven i know has always been either Steven or Ste, but never Steve

I love it, it was a contender for ds.

I like the name.

There has been a King Stephen of England (even if he was really Etienne of Blois), so really there is no reason why it (and Richard) don't belong among the George, William, Edward type names.

I know two teenagers called Stephen & Steven. Neither of them are ever called Steve.

It's a very nice name.

DH loves this name. On his list. I don't dislike it.

I think Stephen is a good solid name that isn't overused these days. There are already lots of little Tobys and Theos out there but a Stephen probably won't have to add his initials to his name - good choice imo!