Current list,

[BlueJeanBabeh]

We are going back and forth over so many names and styles, just can't decide. I have put our current list below for your views and perhaps suggestions. We are looking for something strong, not popular, not flowery but packs a punch and is a little alternative to the normal names we all see and hear so much.

Boys:
Edward (this is the most popular name on our boys list. We like it as we don't know of any Edwards in our area despite the stats)
Joss
Guy
Frank
Clark
Drew (found on another MN list and loved)

Girls:
Frances
Claudia
Vita (loved when I first heard this but not entirely sure)
Lois
Andra
Della (another MN find)

I really love Guy. And Edward. But Guy is more unusual, so I prefer it.

Frances is top for me. It’s a great, strong name. Claudia and Vita are also very good.

@daisypond I'm so glad someone else likes Guy too, it hasnt had the best feedback.

I love Frances, only reservation is the nn Fran, I wouldn't mind Frace..

I love Claudia and Vita too! Claudia is DH's favourite from the list.

Discussed with DH and reduced list to

Frances
Claudia
Lois
Vita

Edward
Drew
Guy

Others suggested that we like and will consider
Farrah
Hester

Edwin
Sidney
Chester

Of course always grateful for some more suggestions and thoughts. I've read a million and one baby name lists but I never find the ones that you guys suggest! Thanks all x

Edward and Claudia or Hester.

Absolutely no to any 'surnames as names'!

Girls name order: Lois, Hester, Claudia, Frances, Farrah, Vita (too much like Rita imo)
Boys names order: Edward, Guy, Chester, Drew, Edwin, Sidney (sad Clark has gone)
Glad you are making some progress it's soooo hard!!

Thanks @TheExterminatingAngel

@mylittleavalon I'm sad Clark has gone but DH doesn't think it sounds great with our surname, which I agree with having thought about it a bit more.

Edward, Guy and Drew are my favourites. DH likes the others, I find Chester a little bit pet-like that's my reservation with that name.

I see what you mean about Vita/Rita, I just find it really refreshing. Maybe it's just because I haven't heard it before!

You're right, it's really really hard. I'd like to be more sure of what we love but aside from the names we have, nothing else is really leaping out at us... I'm sure we'll get there ...... one day lol! With the help of MN of course!! 💪🏼

I really like some of your list, mainly the ones others don't seem to!

Specifically, I adore Joss for a boy- it's on my list (the husband isn't on board yet but I'm working on him). I actually find it more masculine than Jesse, though I like that too. I can picture it working on a kid/adult of every age. I see you've ruled it out now, so I'll throw my hat in for Guy - I know a very cool one.

For girls, I like Frances (one of the most perfect girls' names ever, imo), Lois (a mid-century gem and so underused), and, in your updated list, Hester. Just gorgeous. I also want to like Vita but in my North American accent, I can't pronounce it properly (not that that matters to you).

Thank you @elfran great to have another positive response! X

Where I’m from, Frances would get the nickname Fra or Francie (never Fran). I really like it! Fan of Claudia too, never met one but it’s a beautiful name.

Edward is a great name from your list, with plenty of less formal options to use too. I like Drew too, but only if shortened from Andrew rather than a name on its own (just my taste).

Based on your list, some possible suggestions: Eleanor, Anna, Robert, Nicholas?

Boys:
Edward (this is the most popular name on our boys list. We like it as we don't know of any Edwards in our area despite the stats)-❌ no but like the variations of it like edmund
Joss-❔
Guy
Frank-✔️
Clark-❔
Drew (found on another MN list and loved)-✔️

Girls:
Frances-❔ neutral about it
Claudia-✔️ love unique
Vita (loved when I first heard this but not entirely sure)-❌
Lois-❌
Andra-❌ no but like andrea
Della (another MN find)-✔️ love because that was on my list I had posted on here as a family name 😂

Vita! Oh what a great name I’ve never heard it and am now adding to my list