Arguments about Italian baby boy name

[yarrow89]

I'm English and my partner Italian. We're keeping the Italian surname, and my OH wants to have an Italian first name to match. These are his criteria:

• 2 syllables, potentially 3 if it's not too obvious
• Max 6 letters
• Italian and not 'old fashioned sounding'
• That he doesn't know anyone with that name
• That there's no one famous with that name
• That it works in both English and Italian

..... So that leaves like 3 names in the world, all of which he's vetoed. The only name he likes is Luca and my best friend (whose husband is Spanish) has decided to name her baby, due 2 weeks before mine, Lucas. My friend said she would probably change the name if we named it the same and I know she would be upset, so I really don't want to call it that. My alternative names Alessio, Rocco, Elio, Leo and Matteo have all been vetoed. What the hell do I do, he hates everything but doesn't come up with alternatives. We're arguing about it and it's getting me down.

I think he’s going to have to start bending in some of his criteria. 6 letters seems a really arbitrary rule.

Most Italian names work pretty well in English, I’d say.

Alonso, Orlando, Elisio, Lorenzo, Marco, Nino, Sergio, Rafael

God he's a fussy one! How about Nico?

How about Enzo.

BTW, your DP sounds charming

"he hates everything" Oh dear!
"but doesn't come up with alternatives" - then it's just hot air and noise isn't it.
He shouldn't be winding you up like this.

Just tell him to save arguments your not going to talk about names any more. You'll tell him what you've decided when your registering the birth and he can call the baby Figlio until then.

grannies

It's not just you partners decision, is it?

Sorry to be blunt, but you do get a say.

First name that works in both languages?
Something you like too?
British first name when Italian last name?

Oops. Gianni.

I'd be raging. You're the one whose pregnant and giving birth to it. Its a 50/50 decision.

If you like Italian names then go for it. Not sure if it's even Italian but I love Francis. Also like Nico. Love Santino (Sonny for short).

I like all your suggestions, you choose the one you love the most.

Say you're not naming him Luca.

Give him three choices, if he 'hates them' then you will pick one.

And repeat.

Don't bend on this OP, you'll regret not naming him something you like!

(I absolutely adored Elio by the way)

A family member called her son vincenzo or vinnie for short i kinda like it

How about Marco?

If he doesn’t like anything just pick a name you like. I think he’s probably made all these rules up and is being so awkward to try and push you into picking the name he likes, Luca.

Also, what’s your criteria? Why does he get to set a bunch of rules and you then need to find a name to fit these that he likes? You should both be finding and suggesting names you like, not you presenting names for him to reject.

Alessandro?

He sounds delightful.

Give the baby a first name of any origin and let him pick a middle name.

Luca and Lucas are two different names as Luca is Italian for Luke.
It's also about the most common name for Italian babies at the moment so he probably won't like that either! And if he says he knows nobody called Luca he's either a) not Italian b) lying.
Of the names YOU like: none are old fashioned except for Leo (which would be short for Leonardo- so won't pass his 6 letter rule)
A lot of the names suggested upthread are nicknames for fairly old fashioned (yet classical) names (Gianni-Giovanni- generally only used these days in honour of Grandad etc, Nico- Nicola, fairly regional- southern Italy, where St Nicola is revered or Domenico) Nino-Gaetano (named after Grandad for sure)
What has he suggested thus far?

Random italian boys names i can think of are Tony/Antonio, Lorenzo, Luigi, Mario, Donato, Dominic, Felice and Orlando

Should be a joint decision. If you are not married you can name the baby what you like. I would suggest his choice for middle name and a good first name that works in both languages and cultures.

Good choice of OH btw. he sounds like a prick.

Cesare is my favourite because it’s fun to say as it rolls off the tongue (chezz ah ray) but I’m odd like that.

Luca and Lucas are different enough to be fine. But essentially, you’re the one pushing a bowling ball out of your nethers so your DH should get a sense of perspective and go with what you choose now he’s expressed his parameters.

I know soooo many little boys named Luca including fully British families.

I’d go for Nicola nickname Nico or just Nico.

@redbuttons 😂😂 that typo was great!

OP, I think he shouldn't have the power of veto if he won't make any suggestions. You choose a name you like and he can just like it or say what he wants instead.

I have a fabulous Scottish/ italian friend called Armando. That appeal?