Boy Name Dilemma, very different styles

[Nahtyomama]

I fully recognize these names are completely different styles, popularity, heritage, etc. Big brother is Isaac Andrew. M
Thoughts??

1. Malcolm- nn Mac (initials will also be Mac). Husband loves this name and it’s really been growing on me, especially the nickname Mac when little. We love that it’s underused but not unfamiliar, and feel it is a strong name that will be great on an adult. We like that he wouldn’t be one of 5 in his class growing up. Also we are both Scottish and like that it’s a Scottish heritage name. BUT.... is it too “out there”? It’s a polarizing name that some people love and some people absolutely hate. The only people I’ve run it by were my parents who both hated it so now it’s making me nervous that the world isn’t ready for this name to revive in 2021.

1. Benjamin- yes, super popular, and he would almost certainly be one of several in his class growing up. Even so, we’ve both always really liked this name and three syllables flows well with our short 2-syllable last name. We don’t know anyone personally with this name.

Other names we’ve discussed:

1. Samuel- good classic name but just kind of “blah” to me.
2. Graham- also Scottish, don’t know anyone with this name. Both husband and I like but not sold on.
3. Liam- yes, extremely popular but this has been a favorite name of mine since childhood and I’m wondering if I can get over the extreme popularity or if that ruins it entirely.
4. Simon- just seems dorky or not “us”, but husband likes it.

I like them all except Liam (I don't think of it being particularly popular? I don't know any, maybe it depends on the area). Nothing wrong with Liam, I just don't like names ending in an am sound (Miriam etc).

Malcolm and Benjamin are my favourites from your list.

Malcolm and Graham seem old fashioned to me.

I like Liam and Samuel.

Out of the names, Samuel goes best with Isaac,

If you chose a Mac name, then you have a Zac (Isaac =Zak) and Mac.

Benjamin is a classic name but I wouldn’t say it’s super popular. There aren’t any in either of my children’s year groups. The more
common boy names in both groups are not ones that you may expect!

My Dad was Malcolm known as Mac. My 21 year old has it as a middle name, not sure he ever admits to it though!! I love Mac as a nn.

My favourite on your list is Samuel, but my son is called Samuel Isaac so I'm biased.
Benjamin - I like it, sounds good with Isaac
Simon - I really don't like, although I know a lovely 17yr old, it just does nothing for me
Liam - I considered this for Sam but I got vetoed, still quite like it
Malcolm - I've surprised myself by quite liking it, especially the nn mac

Oh and Graham is is quite 70/80's to me and doesn't go with Isaac

Graeme is nicer than Graham.

Love Mack !

@SoapboxFox I was going to say this too, for little boys it’s almost unheard of now. I’d be surprised if there was more than one in a class.

Benjamin and Samuel work perfectly with Isaac imo - same well known Biblical feel and all with similar levels of popularity in Scotland (my fave is definitely Samuel as I like the friendly feel of "Sam", but both are nice).

Liam isn't my taste and it is a slightly different style to Isaac (as it feels more a nn) but it somehow works with Isaac to me - I think it's because they are both short and 2 syllable. As Liam is not yet top 30 in Scotland, you may still well find he is the only one is his class, so I wouldn't let popularity put you off.

Malcolm, Graham and Simon are all a bit dated now for me (especially as Isaac sounds more contemporary somehow) - but would make lovely middle names. I do quite like Malcolm (very kingly!) and understand the love for "Mac" but he could end up "Mal" instead.

Malcolm is a fantastic name. I've never heard of Mac as a nickname for it though. Top name. It's my favourite out of your list.

I really don't like the name Malcolm even though I live in Scotland a know a few 30-something Malcolms (although they're usually Malcies)

Benjamin and Samuel are good solid names. Simon is pretty underused so has a freshness to it.

Hate the name Graham. It feels like every third Scottish man between the ages of 30 and 60 is called Graham. Sounds so dreary to me.

I like Mac though so would find another Mac name.

I like your names but just going to throw in Malachi to be shortened to Mac as an alternative. I think Malcolm or Benjamin work well too and I also only know one Benji.

I have a teen Benjamin so that's my choice. I don't think it's that popular of a name. I have a friend with a son Benjamin and there was one other in primary with mine. That's it. Mine is Ben, my friend's is Benjie.

Malcolm to me is a bit of a Nigel or Derek name. Graham is a bit Kevin. Benjamin and Samuel are good. I like Liam but I’m not sure if it goes with Isaac (which is a fab name btw)

How about Magnus nn Mac?

1. Malcolm- nn Mac

Fine.

1. Benjamin- yes, super popular, and he would almost certainly be one of several in his class growing up. Even so, we’ve both always really liked this name and three syllables flows well with our short 2-syllable last name. We don’t know anyone personally with this name.

Fine, will be Ben

1. Samuel- good classic name

Fine

1. Graham

Fine. Isn't it Graeme in scotland?

1. Liam- yes, extremely popular but this has been a favorite name of mine since childhood and I’m wondering if I can get over the extreme popularity or if that ruins it entirely.

Nice enough name but too naughty boy's name

1. Simon

Fine.. nn Sam?

If you're going Scottish kingly, how about Duncan? Or Robert?

Benjamin or Samuel for me. Especially with Isaac. They work better and are the nicest names. Really don’t like any of the others

I like Malcolm but think the child may not. I called my child Kenneth 32 years ago and he hated it as a child- he told his pals his name was Christopher for years!!! What about a more modern name for the nn Mac? Makensie? McKensie?

P.s it was fine we moved to a more Celtic area and he grew into the name Kenny!