DS2 is now 10 days old but doesn’t have a name - Otto or Rafe

[Newdadadvice]

Hi All,
Our DS2 is now 10 days old and we haven’t been able to make a final decision on names! We’re looking for something that isn’t stupidly popular but also not too far off the beaten track. Our two final options are Otto and Rafe.

If it matters we’re based in SE England near London and surname is Carroll.

I’d welcome any opinions on either name - as we can’t pick between the two!

Otto

I was recently having to research why my son had a line along his perineum where his brother doesn’t. It’s called a Raphe and that’s really put me off the name! Plus I much prefer Otto anyway. Congratulations!

I prefer Otto but Rafe goes better with your surname I think

I know that Rafe is becoming more common but it always looks made up to me.

Rafe is how posh people pronounce Ralph (growing up, I only ever heard the Ralf pronunciation) so I always wonder if the name Rafe originated with some non-posh people hearing the posh pronunciation and assuming that the name was spelled phonetically.

Otto is great if you're a medieval German king. Not so sure about it for a current UK name.

I love them both, but would go for Otto.

I prefer Otto. Something about Rafe always jars. Makes it look like you just don’t know how to spell Ralph (as in Fiennes).

Against the grain I think Otto Carroll is much better than Rafe Carroll. I like Leo Carroll the best though!

I do sort of agree with the others than 10 days in if one isn't sticking I'd go back to the drawing board.

Congratulations

@KirstenBlest

You can't pick because neither is right.

How about Darrell or Pharrell, or William.

Darrell Carroll Or Pharrell Carroll

LOL.

Better hope the lad can pronounce his Rs

Otis
Oscar
Reuben
Rex
Leon

Not keen on Rafe rhyming with Safe.

How about Rafferty? Mason? Leonnard?

Neither but if it must be one of them, go for Otto. Rafe is very jarring and unattractive when written.

Leo Carroll would be lovely! Or Rafael as other people are suggesting.

Ooh Leo is nice and works well

Otto Carroll is sooo cute.

I would throw out the criteria and go for James.

Such a classic, elegant name.

@SummerHouse

I would throw out the criteria and go for James.

Such a classic, elegant name.

For various reasons this isn’t an option, but thank you!

@SionnachRua

Neither but if it must be one of them, go for Otto. Rafe is very jarring and unattractive when written.

Leo Carroll would be lovely! Or Rafael as other people are suggesting.

Thanks! My wife isn’t keen on Leo as a first name due to how common it is now (solid top 10)

I agree with other comments about going back to the drawing board.

Our daughter arrived yesterday morning and I wasn't ready to go with my chosen name. It's a bit of marmite name. In the afternoon, the midwife came to register her, we only have three days to do it where we live and we'd only just made the decision. We ended up choosing a name that wasn't even on the list. It feels right though. It's more mainstream which seems to suit us better.

After annoying my husband for nine months about it, it was resolved in ten minutes. Whoops.

Love Rafe but not keen on Rafe Otto.

I do like Rafe Leo though with your surname.

Congratulations on the baby btw 🎉

I'd go with Rafe Otto Carroll (ROC) and then just call him Rocky 😃

Thanks! My wife isn’t keen on Leo as a first name due to how common it is now (solid top 10)

Ah that's a shame but understandable. A short name (like Otto, Rafe or Leo) would go well with Carroll...maybe time to go back to the drawing board? I'm sure people here could help with a list.

I thought you had a puppy.....gawfs

Otto and Rafe are quite trendy names, do you like Arlo? That is being used a lot now too.

Rafe is lovely.

Rafe Sebastian Carroll.
Rafe Nathaniel Carroll.

I couldn't use Otto because I speak with glottal stops and it doesn't sound good in my accent. Not sure what your local accent is but something to bear in mind.

Rafe is lovely.