Frederick or Laurence? Help!

[Bue]

Due with first baby in 3 weeks and stuck on a boy's name.

For years my boy name has been Frederick. Was all set to use this, DH on board, but recently I'm having big reservations. Freddie, which I know he would inevitably be called, is so popular. I'm a midwife and we've had a few little Freddies recently - every time I hear it on the ward my heart sinks slightly. Also DH loves Fred and wants to use that as a nn, but I just can't imagine a child called Fred. However I know I can't insist on the kid being called Frederick. I mean I'm not Frasier Crane and it is rather formal for everyday use.

Recently DH suggested Laurence, nn Laurie. Although I'm fairly neutral on Laurence itself, I love Laurie, more so than Freddie. (And yes I know it's a French girls' name and many people prefer Lawrence.)

So what do we do? Stick with my long term favourite or abandon it in favour of an upstart name?

Laurie is just great.

Freddies are ten a penny.

Go for Laurence.

Laurence Frederick perhaps? Keeps a whole lot of options open. Sounds good, too.

I know a Frederick nn Derry, do you like that?

Laurence nn Laurie is great.

Frederick

Laurence is much nice than Frederick IMHO and nowhere near as popular - I've met a few toddler Freddies recently. I've never heard of Laurie as a nickname for Laurence though - only Larry - but it's very cute for a little boy.

Yes, Laurie has been trendy and popular for girls in France, same as Laurence actually. Both also sometimes used for boys.

Both are fine names but I prefer Laurence over Frederick. Laurence is better than Lawrence as latter is more likely the surname.

They are both lovely but Laurie is nicer than Fred, IMO.

Laurence / Laurie, definitely!

Thanks all, I think you've helped put my mind at ease that I'm not making a rash decision. flora yes I think that Laurence Frederick might be the plan now! That way I still get to use it but in the long form that I love.

I went to school with a boy called Laurie and he was lovely! use Laurie!

Laurence Frederick is super choice!

Love Laurence and Laurie . . . Little Women associations!

Laurence is my favourite.

Definitely Laurence - much nicer than Frederick and love Laurie as a nickname. Laurence Frederick would work really well.

So agree. Laurie is super cool.

Are you me?

I have a 17mo Fred and am 15 weeks pg with a baby that will be Laurence if it's a boy (or maybe Hugh - TBC!).

DS is Frederick and we thought he'd have the nn Freddie but it's mostly just ended up Fred. Suits him I guess. There are indeed quite a few about, mind (although I only actually know of one other in real life, I hear it in the street often).

If you're concerned about popularity, then Laurence. Freddies are awesome though if you can live with him occasionally meeting another one.

PS - with apologies for minor derail OP - as we seem to have similar taste. I'm struggling on girls' names if you've got a good one?

Tango how funny! I think Frederick and Laurence is a great sibling set obviously. Are you a Hugh Laurie fan or something?

Well I can suggest Romilly for a sister, as that's our girl pick!

Thanks all again for your help

Ha! Well I do quite like Blackadder & House - but it's a coincidence; we were thinking Larry really anyway and Hugh is my late FIL's name.

Nice one! I DO like that - Romilly is going on the list (I VVV much like Romy as a nn - not sure it'll get past DP tho - he's v trad). Good luck with everything

Laurence (but then I'm biased as I have one )

I love the name Laurence- would have been a contender for DS but it wouldn't work with our surname as also starts with 'L'.

I love Romy. I haven't told DH yet that the plan is to have that as her nn as I'm not sure he will like it. I figure I'll just start using it and he'll go along with it

Oh definitely Laurence. I can't stand Freddie (& there are so many of them!)

I hope we don't live too close to each other OP. Even our DHs sound similar.