Long boys' names with fab nicknames

[ginzillas]

We've found out that our bump is blue so I'm looking for boys' names.

Here's a list of my current faves. I like a long name with a short, cool nickname. DD (Marianne) is mainly known by a nickname.

Nathaniel (Nate) - but we can't use this as nephew has a very similar name, which is a shame as it's my fave
Zachary (Zac) - DH's favourite
Rafferty (Rafe/Raff) - I love this but is it getting very popular?
Jared (Jed) - wildcard
Gabriel (Gabe) - I like it but DH will never go for it

I also love Jude - just as it is.

Middle name will be Albert. Our surname is very common so I'd like a more unusual first name, which I think rules out Zachary.

Any inspiration much appreciated!

I live in a bit of London with popular names and only know one Zachary. I wouldn't let the fear of it maybe being popular put you off - you would be gutted if you didn't choose it for that reason and then never came across another one!

True musicinspring1 but I seem to hear it a lot where we are (Herts). Maybe it's just because I love it so notice it more.

Cam is a lovely nickname archer

I have a Zach. Only one at his primary school. I teach in an average sized high school (1000 pupils) and currently we have one Zach, have taught 3 in 15 years. Very naice area, good schools (not that that matters).
Nathan/Nathaniel much more common, at least one in each year at my high school and three in DSs primary and there are three Raf/Rafa's currently at my school! (Could be football linked here though).
Love Seb, Gabe and Ned as nn.

I wanted Nicholas as I thought Nick/Nicky might be quite nice. DH didn't fancy it.

I also like Roderick for Roddy, but don't think I could quite carry it off. :)

Interesting pieceofpurple! Thanks. Perhaps my perception is skewed from reading the threads on here and always hearing it described as being popular.

Raphael is not Italian, it's a fairly international name (with variations of spelling) since it's the name of a Biblical archangel. So feel free.

Rafferty otoh is awful, a mash-up of riff-raff and rackety to my ears.

Jared I like a lot. It certainly is a "proper name", also Biblical I believe. I know a Jared who goes by 'Jazz'.

DH has just pissed all over my Jared/Jed bonfire by saying 'No way, it sounds like Jedward'. Hmm....

He has a point

Rafferty is good (when not mangled by autocorrect!)

Jedediah (Jed) is fabulous

Jedediah (Jed) is fabulous

Ha ha - Me too. but don't tell Jude Law

I have a Sullivan - Sully or Van (unimaginative!)

Montgomery, Monty
Benedict, Ben

Jeremy (Jem) or Corentine (Coren or Con) spring to mind?

Also like Angus (can go for Irish spelling or other variation for interest) with Gus as nn.

Jebediah (Jeb) is also quite fabulous.

I love Isaac, nn Ike.

Ike is now the dog's name, since dc3 was a girl

I think Rafferty is a fab name and goes well with Marianne, I like Sullivan (Sully) as well.

Why does everyone have to have a nickname? A work colleague was pg and was going to call her daughter Charlotte nn Lottie or Yvonne nn Evie

What's wrong with just calling them by their names. Neither of my DC has a nn - neither do any of my friends' kids - maybe it's a new thing that I've missed out on

Bel It's not so much a nickname really (that's calling my child Treacle toffee, or Pumpkin). it's just having the option of a short form, which has always been common. I don't think it's new- I'm 43, I grew up amongst Cathy's, Nicky's and Jo's.

(Sorry Belinda unintentionally shortened your name then).

Fabrizio - Fab .

I love love love Jared.

Augustus - Gus/Gussie

Reuben - Roo / Ben