Classic/boring vs unusual/weird - help us choose!

[Bubbinsmakesthree]

DH and I have very different ideas on boys names.

I prefer popular classic names with clear diminutives - top of my list are Alexander and Thomas. DH is not a fan, he thinks they are boring and too common.

DH likes more unusual, strong names - his suggestions include Adair and Conrad. I think they are too 'hard' sounding and I don't like names that don't have potential for a diminutive/nickname (unless they are softer sounding short names - I quite like Leo).

Any ideas for names that DH and I might agree on? We're probably looking for vintagey/classic but a bit unusual with option for a nickname/diminutive. I have got literally nothing that meets these criteria!

Jackson?

Nothing wrong with classic names. They are classic for a reason. Also, it is your DC who will have to live with the name, not your dh. I have a relatively unpopular although not outlandish name but as a shy child I felt it singled me out, which I hated. I would have been absolutely mortified to have a name like Adair. There seem to have been plenty of good compromises suggested here.

Flynn (but biased!)
Theo
Elias
Hanley
Evan
Idris
Gabriel
Rafe

Grace - I completely agree about classic names!

Lots of good suggestions here, will run through with DH though I still like Alexander best

Vincent (Vince, Vinnie)
Alistair (Al, Ali)
Patrick (Paddy, Pat, Patch)
Jonathan (Jon, Jonny)

All still classic names but slightly lower down the top 100 than Alexander & Thomas

Alasdair jumped out at me as the perfect compromise between Alexander and Adair!

Hadley
Edmund
Travis

I agree with your DH and I think you should take his opinion into account given he also grew up with a name considered boring- and doesn't want this for his future son. I yawn inwardly when I hear names like Thomas, Oliver etc, just so so overdone, millions everywhere so gives the boy no individuality at all. They're not "classic" they are boring and safe.

Adam
Alexei
Micah
Colm
Damian
Verne
Lawrence
Drew
Eamonn
Huck
Ralph
Frank
Tristan
Peter
Clive

I yawn inwardly when I hear names like Thomas, Oliver etc, just so so overdone, millions everywhere so gives the boy no individuality at all. They're not "classic" they are boring and safe.

A child doesn't need an outlandish name to give him / her individuality, what a ridiculous statement.

Molly what a nasty thing to say. Would it be OK for me to say 'i sneer inwardly whenever I hear a boy called Conrad or Arlo; so obviously "try hard" '.

Ironically in my kids school there are dozens of Finns, Stans and Wilfs. Very few Peters, Michaels or Patricks.

I think it's very difficult to know in advance whether an unusual name will be a gift or a burden.

My name is quite individual but I have never felt it suited the individual that I am.

How about Aidan/Aiden instead of Aidair? Has the more classic sound you like but still a little less popular?

*Adair even.

Lemuel
Leighton
Leland
Levison