Stephenson or Williamson?

[21Dukeee]

We don't think double-barrelling is a good idea: they end in the same sound and are both long! We each think our surname is the best which do you prefer?

"so your son will be forever explaining that his Dad is his real Dad etc etc."

Eh? No he won't, I bet it comes up like twice in a whole lifetime.

I don’t think I’ve ever asked someone whether their father was in fact their biological father. Because that would be none of my business.

I have a Noah Stephenson! I might be biased, but I think it's the best name ever. His middle name is James. Everyone always says how nice his name flows. Definitely go with Stephenson! ☺

I would use your own surname so that your passports match.

I'd use Williamson, I think it's easier to spell (whereas Stephenson will need to be spelled out each time because there are different versions).

Also it sounds better with Noah.

I would definitely use my own name if it was different from DH.

I think that, because there is effectively a 'wuh' sound at the end of Noah, that it flows better with Stephenson as you avoid back to back 'wuh' sounds. They are genuinely all perfectly good solid names though.

I like the William as a second middle name, its not often that you would say all of them together but it gives that link to his Dad's family which is nice.

I like the Stephenson surname. Double barreling Williamson and Stephenson would definitely result in a mouthful.

Noah Reuben William is a very imposing name. Not a bit too long.

You could use Willa or Wilhelmina as the MN of a girl if you ever have one.

Noah Reuben William Stephenson is a really great strong name.

As previous posters have said, because of the Wa sound in Noah it runs badly into Williamson.

Also props to you and your DP for being so modern in your surname approach, love it

Just commenting to completely agree with @Monkeyface26 comment re the W sound in Noah I'd go with Stephenson

Both are nice. Use whichever is yours, OP.

I prefer Noah Stephenson.

For registration I'd give him all the names Noah Reuben William Stephenson. It's rare he'd need to use all three, but they're there officially to reflect your choices.

My nephew has 3 Middle names one of which is his dads surname as mum and dad have different surnames. They are a bit of a mouthful when you are first told but actually in everyday use its fine. Forms can be a little short of space though.

I like the idea of using a middle name to signify the not used surname.

I agree Stephenson goes better with Noah because of the w sounds. (he would end up being NoWilliamson - it all blends together)

I was a bit at Willhemina for a girl though - but someone has suggested Willa which is lovely and makes it all ok again

Noah william Stephenson gets my vote.

Definitely Noah Reuben William Stephenson. It goes nicely, you could use Willow as a future girl's middle name.