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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Calvin/Otis

16 replies

smeerf · 19/12/2019 16:38

We've found out Nathan's new sibling is going to be a boy. We had decided on Otis for a boy but it just seems to be getting incredibly popular this year and I'm having second thoughts.

The other name I love is Calvin. It ticks all the boxes (2+ syllables as surname is one, can be shortened easily, no queries over spelling or whether it's actually a name but uncommon).

Any thoughts on either name?

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Grufallosfriends · 19/12/2019 16:39

Love Calvin!

fitzbilly · 19/12/2019 16:43

I think Calvin and Nathan go better together, they are both quite ordinary names.

I prefer Otis as a name but it just doesn't go with Nathan. To me it would seem like you played it very safe with your first and were more brave with your second.

IVflytrap · 19/12/2019 16:47

I prefer Calvin to Otis. Otis makes me think of ears.

I also think Cal is a better shortening/nickname than O or Ot/Oat or whatever the natural shortening of Otis would be.

PlantPotting · 19/12/2019 16:50

Love both Calvin and Otis

Otis is still pretty rare at number 192 (although I appreciate it is getting more popular but growth for the name last year massively slowed/stalled and the number of “Otis” in 2017 compared to 2018 didn’t change much). Far less popular than Nathan (at number 102) - do you find Nathan too popular @smeerf ?

PlantPotting · 19/12/2019 16:51

If you like Otis how about Otto? Casper?

PlantPotting · 19/12/2019 16:52

Not a massive fan of the name Calvin as it just reminds me of pants and the name means “bald” 🤣

IckleBear · 19/12/2019 16:55

Nathan and Calvin are cute together.
How about Silas?

Original poster
smeerf · 19/12/2019 17:06

@PlantPotting Nathan is more common a name than I would have chosen if it was solely down to me. The shortlist was Orson and Nathan and DP chose Nathan. So I have final say this time.

Having said that we haven't met any other Nathans and position 102 is higher than I though it was

OP posts:
Grufallosfriends · 19/12/2019 17:46

I love Orson!

BonBon411 · 19/12/2019 18:18

Love the name Calvin!

Peachbubble · 19/12/2019 19:22

I prefer Calvin to Otis.

MrsMoastyToasty · 19/12/2019 19:26

Not keen on Otis. It's the name of the company that makes elevators.

Astronica · 20/12/2019 04:12

I really dislike Calvin. It feels quite religious to me. And I don't like it next to Nathan - both 2 syllables and ending in n seems kind of samey and dull. I like Otis and think it works well for Nathan's brother. If you like Cal I'm choose something else to get the short form ie Callum.

daisypond · 20/12/2019 06:24

I much prefer Calvin to Otis. But the in/an ending is a bit samey with Nathan.

Cbeebiesrehab · 20/12/2019 15:22

Prefer the name Otis but think Calvin goes better with Nathan.

123Dancewithme · 22/12/2019 23:11

Calvin goes better with Nathan

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