Matthew or Theodore?

[AnOwlJustDreaming]

Which do you prefer?

Definitely Matthew.

Matthew. It's a bit more timeless whereas Theodore, aside from being too geeky for me, seems much faddier. No one was thinking 'Theodore' ten years ago.

Mathew is not as much a mouthful and imo a nicer name, was on my boylist

Theodore just makes think of Alvin and the chimpmunks

Matthew is infinitely nicer.

Theodore, though technically a "classic" is a trendy name. Very popular at the moment, but won't hold the long-term appeal that other classic names have (Thomas, James, Edward, Benjamin etc).

Theo is nicer than both imo.

Matthew/Matt is dated. Theodore/Teddy is faddy.

@Patienceisvirtuous - people are more likely to use Theo than Teddy...

Theodore. Matthew is far too outdated for me, too many boys in my school year and surrounding years with that name. Mulitple Matts and Mattys from the generation now having children.

Much prefer potential nicknames for Theodore too.

Another point to take into account, however - if this is important to you - Matthew is less common nowadays whereas Theodore and all variations (Theo, Teddy, Ted) are extremely popular atm.

I don't really like either, but would Theodore if I had to.

Matthew is nicer in my opinion. Both nice names though although prefer Theo to Theodore!

Matthew is not 'outdated'! It's a biblical name and will be time timeless.

I do like Theodore but at the moment I know loads of them under 5. I also know an 18yo one though. It's a good solid name - my reservations are its current popularity and the chipmunks!

Love Matthew.

I love both but prefer Theodore. It is popular at the moment but don't think it's faddy. I actually know a 20 year old called this with nn Theo.

Matthew is not 'outdated'! It's a biblical name and will be time timeless.

Even biblical names are subject to the whims of fashion. Mark? Simon?

Same with names from Greek mythology. Jason is still firmly out in the fashion wilderness.

Matthew. Theodore was rare until about 10 years ago. Now there are little Theos everywhere. Matthew and Matt both timeless and classless.

Love Matthew.

Matthew is a classic. Theodore is so faddy and will date.

I like Theodore, Teddy, Bear, Theo as nn.

I don't think it's faddy, it's constantly used in the US, because of Theodore Roosevelt and NZ, AUS. There are other famous ones of course.

I hate Matty as a nn for Mathew, which seems to be generally used and puts me off it.

Bit biased as my youngest is Matthew, but both are nice

Matthew. I like Theodore but know tons under 6. I know Matthews of all ages.

Matthew.

Theodore was popular 10/20 years ago too. I know loads through my kids. Matthew/Matt is one of my all time favourite boys names. I have no idea why I didn't use it on my own boys!

Matthew is too safe and dull for my taste.

Love Theodore known as Theo. Theo is a lovely name. Strong, masculine, individual, classic.

Jonathan.

Nope, I didn't misread the question!
I knew a Theo who liked to tell new people that 'all three of us have the same name, because my parents are like that', and seemed a bit put out when I said 'You mean you have brothers called Matthew and Jonathan?'

Theodore is much nicer. I don't think it's faddy at all! It's having a bit of a resurgence at the moment, yes, but it's hardly a new, flash-in-the-pan type name. It's got a long and distinguished history, a lovely sound and some great nicknames.