Finlay (Finn) or Arthur

[Wombat222]

Baby is 5 weeks old and have to make a decision!! Have looked at every baby name under the sun and down to these two. Finlay bothers me because so many spellings and pronunciations (I know it’s Fin-lee but our friends and family don’t seem to) and Arthur bothers me as worried it’s a bit old-man ish. Other front runners were Henry, Isaac and Fred but we’ve narrowed to these two. What do you guys think?!

What's wrong with just Finn if you are bothered about different spellings and pronunciations. Finn is pretty universal.

Though you might think it is too short.... I have a Finbar, who is definitely known by his full name at home, and it always sounds a bit odd to hear friends and teachers calling him Finn. But more because it doesn't sound like they are talking about my son, not because there is anything, imo, wrong with the name Finn.

I like Arthur too. I think any old man associations would go right out the window the minute your baby Arthur is there in reality.

Finbar, get really Celtic.
Old names are coming back and it's the child for me that chooses their name. My dc suit their names so much, it took 8 weeks with the last one but it's perfect even though all I get is that's unusual or how do you spell it.
And it's such a easy name.

I can see why because it sounds like Finley but spelt like that makes me think of Riley which is really don’t like! He’d be Finn anyway but these spellings etc are an issue! He’d constantly have to spell it/pronounce it!

Took you 8 weeks to name? This makes me feel better!! I’m getting hassle at all angles for not having decided 😂

Yes and that's because my dh couldn't pronounce the name so I google what he was saying and it's a name lol
I had so many people telling me what I should call him, or what they were calling him ( previous discussed options), but at the end of the day ( as long as it took) his name it spot on.

I used to nanny for a little Arthur (he’s 10 now ) to my knowledge he has never been called farty arty. He has never had his name shortened, it’s always Arthur. He loves his name and so do I!

That’s reassuring! I honestly think I’m going a bit mad!

Yes I think I’m overly concerned re the nickname 😂

Fingal! Just putting it into the mix. I like both names. Know lots of Finns and Finlays, I think it's a lovely name. I know it's boomed recently in England, but its always been popular in Scotland (or at least, I went to school with several in the 80s & 90s) but personally that wouldn't put me off.

Met an 11 year old Arthur recently, suited him very well, and my 6 year old (who is all excited about King Arthur at the moment) was deeply impressed and envious.

I know a little Finnan if that helps? Or how about Alfred instead of Arthur?

I think just Finn would be lovely.

I really love Finlay 😍

I do like Alfred but not so keen on the Alfie, Archie type shortening

I prefer Finlay I think. Arthur's nice too though.

I'd go with Arthur but like both.
We have older names and I know my mil didn't like them at the start. Not because she said anything at the start but because she said a few years later that they suited them and she couldn't imagine them being called anything else now.

I really like Finlay(that spelling). In fact, when our son was born almost 4 yrs ago, he was nearly called that. It was in our final two! Really wouldn't go with Arthur, sorry.

I like Fred.

All Fred’d and Freddie’s I’ve met have been full of fun!

What did you go with IWouldliketoknow? Interested!

I agree but I don’t like Frederick or Freddie which makes it hard, just Fred!

Just Fred is good.

I also like Wilfred.

Alfred/Fred?

I much prefer Finlay but then I'm Scottish too. I don't think it's faddy or fashionable and likely to go out of fashion in the same way as it might down south tbh. Finlay has always been a used name in Scotland and will continue to be. Personally I prefer it with a d in but I'm not precious. If I met one I'd just ask how they were spelling it and then crack on - it wouldn't be big deal.

@wombat22 , he doesn't get called any nicknames at all, he also doesn't answer if people shorten his name which is funny, he is a proper grumpy old man some days so his name is just him

Both nice names but if it bothers you Finn is very popular at the moment - I know at least 6 under 2.

@Wombat222 We went with Caleb. Completely different feel from Finlay. Can't really say what made us choose one over the other x