Finally a short boys short list...

[CarryOnDancing]

After months of deliberation we have the list down to three we have a couple of "safer" backup options just in case our boy doesn't suit any of these but these are the definite front runners.

I'm not really expecting many to like our options as they are a little marmite, but which do you prefer? Also any suggestions welcome! We don't want anything popular or "crazy" though.

The names are:

Arnold-(will no doubt be shortened to Arnie/Arne/Arno). It feels geeky but in a good way?

Vince-(I also like Vincent but it doesn't really go with our surname and I like Vince enough to use as a given name-with Vin/Vinny as a nickname). My only concern is it's slightly American/Italian/mafia sounding?!

Howard-(I doubt Howie as a nn can be avoided. I think it's a cute nn but worry it will be misheard as Harry?)

Thanks in advance!

I like Arnold, it's uncommon but not unheard of, might end up being one of the old-man type names that make a come back.

Not keen on Vince, just don't like the sound of it, or Howard, but that is probably because of TBBT.

Not keen on Arnold - prefer Albert or Alfie.
Vincent is ok but not a massive fan of Vince.
Don't like Howard.

Kenneth / Kenny
Leonard / Lenny
Edmund / Edgar / Eddie
Maurice
Wilfred / Wilf / Wilbur
Lionel
Jeremy
Frederick / Freddie
Samson
Peter
Gerald

Well as you asked for opinions ! I prefer Arlo to Arnauld.. Vince ok.. and Howard is a no no... (I just hear Howards mother from Big Bang calling him )

In my opinion: Vincent it nice, Arnold is ok & inoffensive... but I definitely wouldn't call a baby Howard.

LOVE Howard

Have you got a second list?

my associations with these names

Arnold Shwarzenegger

Vincent Van Gogh & Vincent Vega (Pulp Fiction)

Howard Wolowitz (The Big Bang Theory)

based on solely on those I reckon Vincent is best

I like Arnold and Howard, not keen at all on Vince.

Vincent is wonderful - would have loved to have called DS Vinnie, or Donnie, or Dominic, or Eddie - real NY bluecollar names

Anything but the weak and feeble Alfie, too too flaccid.

I love Arnold, but not keen on either Vince or Howard.

Hate Arnold, sorry.

Like Vincent, but not Vince.

Am rather fond of Howard.

Toffee has given some good ones, especially Maurice, Wilfred and Jeremy (love Jem), all of which I'm partial to.

Can I also throw in:
Julian
Bertram
Bartholomew
Roland
Alain / Alan

Thanks for the opinions and feedback so far. I've posted about Howard elsewhere before and it received much more positivity, so it's good to get some other feedback. On the opposite side Arnold was slated and it's not had the same rocks thrown at it here so it's not really conclusive as yet!

To be honest if everyone loved them completely it might just put me off a little. I don't really want to subscribe to a current trend or pick the one that's just more heard so people are more comfortable with. I am trying to find names that aren't hated though of course, as he has to live with the name!
I'm trying to keep in mind that friends have used names I dislike but now think positively about because I know a lovely person with the name.

The "safe" list consists of Laurence (but DH isn't keen), Alexander (nn Lex) Dominic and Alistair-but none of those really excite us. I'm prepared for not feeling too adventurous when he arrives though. I'll probably just be happy to have him and a name!

I love Howard! We had a dog called Howard when I was younger though so couldn't use it for ds

Love Arno.....

Hate hate Howard! Same ilk as Colin! Or Graham imho......

Vince - meh!

Love Arnold and Howard!! Fabulous!!

Dislike Vince. Sounds like a thug or a dog.. Either way not good.

My fave is Howard!

Really,really dislike Arnold and Vincent.

Okay with Howard.

LOVE Alexander- especially with the nickname Lex, it makes it more unusual. Also love Dominic- with Nicky as a nickname, not Dom. It sounds very strong and handsome. And Alistair is my favourite, it's amazing, not too common and so many nickname options.

Of your first list- Howard. Off your first AND safe list, Alistair.

Love Laurence.

I like Howard and especially like howie as a nickname.

Dominic is lovely. I can't honestly say I like your short list personally. Its your child though so who the heck cares really what I think!