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Baby names

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

Original poster

Oliver or James

40 replies

user1471523301 · 20/09/2016 19:38

I am 6 months pregnant and struggling to think of boys names! The only two DH and I agree on are Oliver and James, but they are both really popular. Any preferences between the two? Any more suggestions of names we might like?

It has to be a fairly classic name as we have quite a long, unusual surname.

OP posts:
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BikeRunSki · 20/09/2016 19:39

I much prefer James.

Annoyinglyhappyperson · 20/09/2016 19:40

Team james but that's my son's name so slightly biased.

Nospringflower · 20/09/2016 19:41

Much prefer James. Don't like Oliver.

SoftBlocks · 20/09/2016 19:43

James. Not keen on Oliver.

Mybeardeddragonjustdied2016 · 20/09/2016 19:44

Maybe think which nn you prefer for the future when his name isn't enough for his mates?!
Ollie
Ol
Jimmy
Jim
Jamie

melibu84 · 20/09/2016 19:44

I'd say Oliver because I think it is a bit less popular :)

pinocchiosnose · 20/09/2016 19:46

I'm not a fan of Oliver . Go with James , it's a great name.

doceodocere · 20/09/2016 19:46

They are both strong, classic names and safe choices. They're enduringly popular rather than fashionable so won't date.

Original poster
user1471523301 · 20/09/2016 19:49

James winning so far! Not keen on Jimmy which is my main concern.

OP posts:
somefarawaydream · 20/09/2016 19:51

I have an Oliver James
Good choices OP Smile

PunkrockerGirl · 20/09/2016 19:51

I like them both

DoYouRememberJustinBobby · 20/09/2016 19:52

James, if not shortened to Jay.

gladyoucame · 20/09/2016 19:53

I also have an Oliver JamesSmile. Not many Olivers in our primary school.

DartmoorDoughnut · 20/09/2016 19:58

James for DS1 and Oliver top of the list for DS2 at the mo. Also joined by Benjamin, Thomas and Felix.

Oliver prob won't happen due to it being number 1 at the mo tbh!

CPtart · 20/09/2016 19:59

I have an Adam James, so James.
How about Luke, William, Edward, Marcus, Evan, Andrew,

eatingtomuch · 20/09/2016 20:02

My ds is called James. He is never called Jimmy by his friends.
We have always called him James and he has always introduced himself as James.

Natsku · 20/09/2016 20:05

Oliver. But that's because my best friend throughout primary school was an Oliver so I'm a bit biased. Never met a bad Oliver.

MrsHathaway · 20/09/2016 20:07

Oliver is more popular and more trendy.

I think James is far more likely to be Jamie or maybe Jay than Jimmy nowadays.

I have used both Grin so here are some others we used and nearly used.

Charles (Charlie)
Robert (Robin)
Matthew
Edward
Adam
Luke
Alexander
William

MrsHathaway · 20/09/2016 20:09

Incidentally I don't know an Oliver who has escaped being Ollie somewhere. That's my sole regret for using it (and I never call mine Ollie although DH and DC1 among others do).

FoxesSitOnBoxes · 20/09/2016 20:09

Both good names. Oliver my favourite

Ankleswingers · 20/09/2016 20:15

I prefer James, although Oliver is lovely too.

To you, they'll be the only Oliver or James, so don't worry about them being popular.

Good luck OP Smile

Laineymc7 · 20/09/2016 20:18

James

LastGirlOnTheLeft · 20/09/2016 20:19

I love James - DS2 is James and never Jim, Jamie, Jimmy, Jimbo or anything else!! Just James.

MotherDuckSaid · 20/09/2016 20:25

i have a real soft spot for oliver on toddlers and boys, but i think James suits all ages nicely best, IMO :)

ElliotTheCat · 20/09/2016 20:33

Oliver Smile I love it!

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