Active discussions

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

Rex or William?

41 replies

cheddaraddict · 11/04/2015 19:51

Expecting DC number 2, a brother for Frederick (Freddie). Think we're sorted on girls' names but can't decide between Rex and William for a boy. William is classic but there are a lot of them about. Rex is more unusual, and it was my grandfather's name. We have a monosyllabic surname though so worried it might be a bit short. What do you think?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
GlitzAndGigglesx · 11/04/2015 19:53

I really don't like Rex unless it's a nn. It sounds like a cutesy dinosaur name

CaptainAnkles · 11/04/2015 19:56

William is lovely. Really don't like Rex.

aFirmGrip · 11/04/2015 19:57

I don't really like Rex but prefer it of your two options simply because William is SOOOO dull.

HarrietSchulenberg · 11/04/2015 20:04

William has more options than Rex, ie it could become Will, Bill, Billy, Liam, or probably more. Ds2 is a William although he's now declared himself Will, which I don't really like.

Rex has very, um, canine conotations too.

Allthatnonsense · 11/04/2015 20:06

William

MadameJosephine · 11/04/2015 20:10

I prefer William, lots of different options whereas Rex is, well, just Rex. I also think you need a longer first name with a single syllable surname. Why not William Rex and then if he prefers Rex as he grows up he can choose to be known by his middle name?

Janethegirl · 11/04/2015 20:12

William, Rex is a name you give a pet.

DramaAlpaca · 11/04/2015 20:13

William for a child, Rex for a labrador.

Sophronia · 11/04/2015 20:14

William. It goes much better with Frederick and is more classic. I second the suggestion of William Rex.

CMOTGilbertBlythe · 11/04/2015 20:18

I like Rex! A movie star name. William also lovely. Which sounds better with your surname?

Original poster
cheddaraddict · 11/04/2015 20:18

Interesting thought DramaAlpaca - I am thinking of getting a Labrador!

OP posts:
DramaAlpaca · 11/04/2015 20:41
Grin

Glad you took it the right way, OP. I was hoping I hadn't been too rude!

Actually, William Rex is a seriously cool name - if you haven't already used it for the labrador Wink

Chancewouldbefinething · 11/04/2015 23:13

Frederick and William
Freddie and Wills
And William Rex is a great combo

CycleChic · 11/04/2015 23:15

Was Rex your grandfather's full name?

timelyreminder · 12/04/2015 00:41

They're both nice names but I prefer William.

I wouldn't use Something Rex as it sounds like a dinosaur.

sweetpeame · 12/04/2015 07:51

Neither is to my taste but agree with previous posters and would go with William Rex, tonnes of options for nn's. In Germany where my DH is from, Rex is a surname and I agree that for English speakers it sounds a little canine-esque as a full first name (but fine as a nickname). Lovely to honour a relative by using it in some form though.

IvoryMadonna · 12/04/2015 11:03

Rex is short for Reginald, so that would solve your monosyllabic surname issue, and even things up with Frederick.

Alisvolatpropiis · 12/04/2015 15:34

Rex.

Nospringflower · 12/04/2015 15:36

Rex. Much more interesting name than William.

Lunastarfish · 12/04/2015 16:23

Definitely Rex. William is the middle name

PeasinPod1 · 12/04/2015 22:29

William- serious yawn, meh, wouldn't think anything upon hearing it as just very common, middle of the road.

Rex- cool, strong, quirky, individual but still classic.

Ignore stupid, immature comments re. dogs name- I have never heard a doggie called Rex but have heard plenty of dogs called molly, Lucy etc etc, but you never hear dog comments to these names. its just a pretty, untrue cliche, take no notice.

PeasinPod1 · 12/04/2015 22:30

"petty" not pretty?!

ReallyBadParty · 12/04/2015 22:30

I like Rex.

Short names are good, I think.

Scattymere · 12/04/2015 22:34

I'm with most recent posters. Rex. Without a doubt. If ever lucky enough to have a DS he will be a Rex.

Never heard a dog or cat or rabbit called Rex in my life. HAVE heard about 1000000 Williams in every shape and (usually rather dull...) form though. Dare to be different, its fab Wink

ThinkIveBeenHacked · 12/04/2015 22:36

Grrrr at how popular Rex is now. We gave the name to the cat seven years ago as we felt we would be tempting fate if we kept it for a future baby. It is a lovely name. However with a Frederick nn Freddie id say William nn Billy as Rex just doesnt sit well next to Freddie (imo, so feel free to disregard it)