DH has gone off our chosen name - help!

[whizzlepuff]

We had decided on Felix for DS. It was pretty much the ONLY name I loved, even though it's pretty popular. Our surname is Greek (even though we're not - long story) which limits options. I've put together some other names that I do like - feedback welcomed, and other suggestions! In no particular order...

Elias (pronounced Ellie-as) - this is the only one DH seems to like
Max
Lucas
Bastien
Willem
Xavier

Like but can't use:
Zachary
Elijah

I feel like there isn't a boys name in the country that I've not heard and discounted for some reason. Find girls names so much easier.

Err - there can be more than one pronunciation of a name, you know. Especially if the name is used in different languages.

Yes, there can but the Op is in the UK and hasn't indicated any overseas,routes except for a Greek surname without being Greek.

SEbastian
WillIAm

Perhaps you'd pronounce Henry as Henwee or Sean as Shaun or Naeve as Niamh.

It's twitty and the child has to live with it.

Roots!

So how do you think Esme should be pronounced? Because I've heard both versions, and the French version from people who aren't French. Both are perfectly valid pronunciations.

What about Hector, Hector of Troy was Greek

I know an Ilias (who is Greek heritage) and that is pronounced "Ih-lee-as" which might work better! His brother is called Aristotle, Aris for short, if you wanted to go all out!

Interesting point OnTheRoses, however I can assure you that I am perfectly capable of spelling and pronouncing names, in more than just English.

For context (good thing I NC for this) DH is of unknown Afro-Caribbean mixed race heritage, brought up by a Greek lady, speaks Greek & has the surname. I am white British but with Dutch ancestry, my father left home very young and changed his Dutch surname to a British one. We have connections spanning 40 years and a home in France. We have these various international connections, which is why I'd feel comfortable with a name that isn't necessarily solidly British, but is used commonly in the UK. That make sense?

The more pertinent point made by a PP is that teachers would struggle with a different pronunciation and for that reason I'd think twice about using the foreign pronouciation. Obviously I don't want to saddle DS with a lifetime of explaining! Already have enough bother with people thinking Amelie is Emily.

Thanks so much everyone for your helpful points and suggestions!

Incidentally I rwather like Florian - will add to long list!

Sylvester?

Bastien is a name. As is Willem.
I'd be curious as to how you would pronounce Sean as anything but Shawn, same with Niamh - Neave.

I'd be cautious about something that has a different pronunciation but same spelling as uk, like Elias. Unless you decide that it doesn't matter if it is pronounced differently at home and at school/clubs.

I've met a baby Aristotle and a Constantine both of Greek heritage. No one batted an eyelid.

Felix is fab though! I'm presuming Phillipe/Philip no good? It's pretty global!

I love Max