Marlon or James?

[coldsandinsleepingbags]

DS due soon and have really struggled with finding a boy's name that we feel at all drawn to. Generally feel that boy names fall into the category of very popular or traditional (which isn't generally our bag) or a bit too 'out there' and obscure (also not our bag). Struggle to find any names in the middle ground. Found it really easy coming up with options in the middle ground when naming our DD!

After a good few months of looking at every name list and generator online we've got two on our shortlist... Kind of feel one from each category I mentioned above - James (nn J) or Marlon (nn Marley).

I'd like to have at least a couple options on our list and make a final decision once he's born.

I know names are obviously such a personal thing but would love to hear some first impression thoughts on both/either!

I like James and J but am too scared to use it myself because I loathe Jamie.

I like Marlon too and don't find it downmarket. It makes me think of Marlon Brando who I used to crush on.

Marlon - Brando
James is nice, but the recent Britney Spears documentary where Jamie's her villainous dad has slightly tainted the name for me. Still, I vastly prefer it to Marlon.

percheron67 I'm American, so your comment's ugly to me. I wish you would refrain from the anti-Americanisms.

James: Jimmy is a lovely and these days seldom used variation too.

James - always been my favourite ever name. Suits all ages and all walks of life. Not a fan of it being shortened though. Not sure why you'd shorten an already short name.

Marlon - again I like it and wouldn't want it shortened

Marlon is awful. James is classic. Shorten to Jim or Jamie if you must.

James is lovely. Marlon sounds like a fish.

James is classic.

Marlon is so dopey sounding - sorry!

James is a fine name.
Marlon i do not like. sounds rather a feminine name to me, or american.

Marlon reminds me of The Perishers character :

Marlon is amiable but he is not very bright. This has not dampened his ambitions; he is enthusiastic and often tries his hand at inventing. The fact that most of his inventions – fire, the wheel, the horse and cart and so forth – had already been invented did not deter him, because he felt he was slowly catching up.

Both? Marlon James is a fantastic writer!

James!

James / Jim are good names. Marlon and Marley are naff. Sorry.
Traditional person here though

Marlon is not down market, my West Indian partner, said it is a name used in the Carribean quite alot.
The Marlon I know is University educated, and in a very high powered responsible job.
I prefer Marlon to James, as the latter is a used alot more. It is your choice but do not be put of the name because of other peoples view, it your choice.

James is lovely nn Jamie or Jim
Marley is nice but not so keen on marlon.