I can't find a name we love...

[iprefercatstohumans]

I feel as though I've read every thread, website, book etc etc etc, but I just cannot find the perfect name.

For boys, we like classic known names (possibly with a little twist) that aren't really popular. I like Alexander but that is too popular so would probably be used for a middle name. However, we have recently discussed using Xander or Sacha in the alternative. DH thinks of Sacha as sounding quite feminine though.

I want to avoid any cutesy names for a boy. We like Elliot but unsure of popularity, DH isn't in love with that and neither am I to be honest. Others I like the sound of, to give you an idea, are Edward (too popular though), Felix, Monty, Wilbur, Joseph, Jesse (a friends sister has used this though so I feel like I've pushed it aside already).

For girls, we have a similar taste to boys names on the whole. A known name but not too feminine sounding; strong and bold but still smart sounding. So, we have considered Dorothy and Clara so far but again, not at all sold. Also we have reservations about the ever growing popularity of Clara. Finding girls names the hardest. I think we are happy to go more unusual with girl names.

Surname is Carter if that helps with ideas/ the sound of the full name. Would be grateful for any views on the above names and more suggestions to help us find the ones! ⭐️

Magnus for a boy
Magna for a girl

I like Clara.

For a boy I really like the suggestions of Dominic and Quentin. They both sound good with Carter too!

Some really good names here OP. All three of my kids names mentioned. We wanted not too popular, with many nn/derivations. (DH a teacher!)

On which point, it's fine saying YOU will stick to a particular name, just be aware your child may have other ideas. Ds 1 is known by pretty much everyone by his abbreviated name. Dd chooses one version of her name at home, one at school, another at dance, another with friends. Ds2 loves being the only one in school with his name, even though we still call him his childhood nickname at home.

Kids eh?

LOVE Clara Carter.

For a boy how about Rowan, Reuben or Silas?

FWIW I’m also a fan of Peter and Edward, lovely and underused names

Thanks all.

@MikeUniformMike Magnus is such an awesome name! I love that. Not sure it's quite our style but I'm going to write it down to think about.

I also love Angus but DH isn't massively keen.

@oldstripeyNEWname1 Such a good point! Kids will be kids and they'll decide themselves. I definitely love a name for shortening options that they may prefer. I will forever be that mother who only calls them by their full name haha!

@MrsCrosbyNRTB thanks for the Clara love, I'm obsessed with it! I really like Reuben and Rowan but I think they're a bit 2020 for us. I adore Peter too.