Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Flip

Original poster

Edward or William?

14 replies

Babysealion · 05/12/2013 10:56

Baby is due in 8 weeks (a boy) and we had decided on the name Edward Patrick. Patrick as a middle name.
However I really like William too. If we called him William he would be William Edward Patrick, is this too long/drawn out? Edward Patrick would be middle names.
Can't decide between Edward and William!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

SS3J · 05/12/2013 11:18

I love the name William, but it is very popular at the moment. If that matters to you then you'd be better off sticking with Edward - also a good classic, but not quite as popular now. What about Edward William Patrick? I don't think two middle names are a problem, unless you have a very long surname too.

ToffeeJungle · 05/12/2013 12:37

I prefer William. Like Will as a nn though really don't like Ed / Eddie.

William Edward Patrick sounds lovely!

DocHudson · 07/12/2013 06:25

Edward. William is yawnsome. Edward far less common.

DocHudson · 07/12/2013 06:26

And yes William Edward Patrick does sound like you couldn't make your minds up. Focus on choosing your favourite, the middle name is not very important on a day-to-day basis.

sonnieboo · 07/12/2013 07:42

I find both names a little dull but in particular dislike the Willi/Willy in William so would have to choose Edward.

msmiggins · 07/12/2013 07:52

Do you prefer Eddie or Bill?

Chances are that is what your son will end up being called or Ed, Billy or Willie.

You have to accept that the chances are the world- teachers, friends, workmates, ( and probably your son himself) will ultimately use these shorter handles. If you like those names too then go for it.

DeckTheHallsWithBoughsOfHorry · 07/12/2013 08:20

Edward is probably less common ... but at school we had two newborn Edwards in ten days last month! One is mine.

The other is to be known as Ted - if you object to Eddie then setting out your stall that he is to be called Ed/Ted/Ned/Woody before people create their own shortenings would be a good plan. We are trying to avoid Eddie by using Ed.

Ninasaurus · 07/12/2013 08:55

No difference between the two in my opinion.

Mama1980 · 07/12/2013 08:59

I like both William is very popular though around here. So if that matters I'd go with Edward

yummymumtobe · 07/12/2013 09:07

I love both, they were my top 2 as well! Really classic, traditional names and quite classless. They definitely pass the test of being usable in all walks of life - judge, policeman, banker, builder - the name is ok for all of them! We have 2 middle names as well and it's fine, esp if one is for family or some sort of sentimental reason. Think of the abbreviations as this is definitely more likely to happen for boys than girls.

Wishfulmakeupping · 07/12/2013 09:12

Both have good nn potential :) love Bill or Ted/Teddy
Think at a push I would say William with Bill as nn

mrselgar · 07/12/2013 09:14

I have an Edward. He's always been known as Ed. I wasn't too sure about the name at first as I thought it maybe a little boring. However, I really love it and have never regretted using it.

Jellibotti · 07/12/2013 09:23

I know a William Edward Patrick. Never been a problem, even with a polysyllabic surname.

terribleteethinitsterriblejaws · 07/12/2013 09:30

I love both names. I think William is becoming more popular...i have three in my class! (reception) and one Edward.

Flip