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Original poster

Does Theodore work with surname Bell?

31 replies

Babybell7 · 27/04/2017 11:20

My due date is next week and this little boy still hasn't got a name!

Our surname is Bell.
My DH and I love the name Theodore and we were almost dead set on naming our boy this, but my DH noticed if you run the names together too quickly it sounds like 'doorbell'. I didn't notice, but he's worrying.
The only other names we can agree on are Alexander and Henry, but they don't feel quite as special to me as we have called the bump Theodore/Teddy since 20 weeks.

Is this an issue? Do you hear "doorbell" when saying the name out loud? Or are we better off with Alexander or Henry with the surname Bell and which do you prefer and why?

Thank you!

OP posts:
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TrollTheRespawnJeremy · 27/04/2017 11:21

Can he not be Theo instead? I picked up doorbell right away

Pansiesandredrosesandmarigolds · 27/04/2017 11:21

Theodosius?

Thecomfortador · 27/04/2017 11:29

Yep picked up the door bell thing straight away. Theo is nice though.

What about Alexander Graham? (sorry).

beekeeper17 · 27/04/2017 11:38

Now that you've noticed it you'll always be thinking about it! I think it's fine if he'll always get called Theo, but you may not want to shorten it. I wouldn't go for Alexander bell as it sounds like you've named him after the famous Alexander bell! I think Henry bell is lovely.

CryingShame · 27/04/2017 11:39

If you call him Theodore and shorten it to Teddy, it's less on an issue. Teddy Bell sounds sweet, but not sure how a 17 year old would feel about it.

What was your maiden name? Give him a hyphenated surname.

Gobbolinothewitchscat · 27/04/2017 11:41

But about Edward which could also be Teddy but Ed later on or Ted

Door Bell is absolutely not on. Theo might work though

Justmadeperfectflapjacks · 27/04/2017 11:41

If you want him ridiculed at school go right ahead.
Thread the other day about names.

I knew a Rory Lyons.

Theodore Bell would be up there.

Sorry...

Gobbolinothewitchscat · 27/04/2017 11:42

rory lions

I'm sorry but 😂

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 27/04/2017 11:43

No that'd be cruel.

Rory Lyons Grin

SumAndSubstance · 27/04/2017 11:50

I know a Theodore Bell! It had never actually occurred to me, but that doesn't mean others won't notice and I think now the problem is that you will always think of it. I would second just 'Theo' or 'Thedosius' (that would be very cool).

Original poster
Babybell7 · 27/04/2017 12:06

Wow quick responses!

That's really funny, no one I've spoken to has picked up on it. I wonder if I hadn't pointed it out whether you all would have noticed. I don't think it's in the same league as Rory Lyons personally.
I don't like Theo on its own. It feels like a nickname to me. Theodosius is a little brave for me as well!

Haha don't worry, DH is a scientist and his father is an engineer so an Alexander bell would fit in this family. Although his middle name won't be Graham! I just don't love it as much as Theodore.

These names are literally the only boys names DH and I could agree on.
Any suggestions on names that would sound smart with our surname? It's proving to be a difficult surname for boys names!

OP posts:
MackerelOfFact · 27/04/2017 12:14

I think Theodore Bell sounds lovely and I didn't notice the doorbell thing until you pointed it out - but once you've heard it once, it's difficult to unhear!

If you go with Theo/Teddy as a day-to-day nickname though, plus a middle name for formal things, I think you could get away with it - as most of the time he will be Theo Bell, and for formal situations he can be Theodore Henry Bell (or whatever). I doubt Theodore Bell will be used that often.

Notso · 27/04/2017 12:16

Aww, no way could you use it. I picked up on from the thread title before reading your post.

Could you use your surname assuming Bell is your DH's or double barrel?

Sugarpiehoneyeye · 27/04/2017 12:30

Yes, I hear door bell.
Could it be, Theo/Theon Bell instead.
If it's the Teddy bit that you like, how about;
Edmund
Edwin
Edward
Personally, if you don't use Theo, I would name him Henry.

pipilangstrumpf · 27/04/2017 12:31

No, it sounds like Theo door bell Grin.

Any other names you love?

How about
William Bell
Quentin Bell
Tobias Bell
Henry Bell

INeedNewShoes · 27/04/2017 12:33

I wonder if I hadn't pointed it out whether you all would have noticed.

I noticed on the thread title in Active conversations before I'd read your post.

(Teddy Bell isn't much better to my ears - sounds cutesy like intentionally named to sound like teddybear.)

I feel your pain OP! I have a very tricky surname which is ruling out a lot of my favourite boys' names.

Pansiesandredrosesandmarigolds · 27/04/2017 13:56

There's Thelonius too...

Sample1936 · 27/04/2017 14:01

Ring the door bell?

Sample1936 · 27/04/2017 14:04

Christmas Bell because hey it was a judge's name.

Merlyn Bell

Sophronia · 27/04/2017 15:31

Thaddeus? Edward or Edmund nn Teddy?

Sophronia · 27/04/2017 15:37

Some more suggestions...

Thomas
Frederick
Gregory
Joseph
James
Matthew
Oliver
Arthur
Charles
Francis
George
Jonathan
Louis
Nicholas
Leo
Wilfred
Zachary

grasspigeons · 27/04/2017 15:39

I saw door bell in the thread title too. Theo on its own is fine.

RunRabbitRunRabbit · 27/04/2017 15:44

Theo Bell would sound a bit like a girl's first name.

NennyNooNoo · 27/04/2017 16:42

Its almost on the same level as an Archie Bishop that I know! I think Theodore Bell is a nice name though. Do you think he would go by the name of Theo or Teddy at school? If Theodore was only going to be his formal name and not used much, I think it could be ok.

MelinaMercury · 27/04/2017 16:46

I saw the title and clicked to say no because it sounds like "The(e) Door Bell". You definitely didn't have to point it out :o