Naming baby who may be born prematurely

[ActonBell]

We’re at a very high risk of premature birth for various reasons. We’re taking it day by day, week by week, at the moment and haven’t reached that crucial 24 week mark yet.

But I know that whatever happens this beautiful baby will need a name. DH isn’t in a place where he can talk about it yet but I keep turning it over in my mind. I’m worried we may not have a lot of time to find the right name if little one arrives very early.

This is my list for boys at the moment. I find boys names so hard. We already have a DS who has a classic and popular (top 20) name. There are also loads of boys in our family so if there’s a classic name missing from the list below, it’s because we already have a relative with that name and can’t use it again (Peter, Nicholas, Oliver, James, etc. are all out).

Surname begins with a hard ‘c’ sound so I’m not sure that Luke or Isaac work very well but they’re still on the list.

What do people think? I want to find this little one the most beautiful name. They are so loved already.

Theodore
Arthur
Rowan
Luke
Gabriel
Toby/Tobin
Charles (nn Charlie)
Rory
Robin
Isaac
Rufus
Reuben
Seth
Ivan
Alfred (maybe nn Fred)
Aidan
Zachary

He should certainly have a meaningful name. Gabriel means God is my strength.
I love Toby Robin, Rueben, Aiden.

Rory Luke Ivan Seth and Isaac are just about okay.
I don't like Rowan but it's far from the worse name in the world.
I like Theo but not Theodore.
I have an irrational hatred of Charlie Alfred and Arthur.
Is he definitely going to be a boy or do you already have a girls name chosen.

Also don't like Rufus. Zachary is okay

I’d go for Theodore, which could be shortened to Theo or Teddy.

I wouldn’t use Isaac or Luke if your surname starts with a hard ‘c’. Luca or Lucas instead?

Thanks. It’s really helpful to be able to put these out there as I can’t discuss with anyone else at the moment.
Pretty sure it’s a boy as we had a sneak peak at one of our many, many scans but we’ll have confirmation next week.

You have a really lovely list, my favourites are Zachary, Gabriel and Theodore. Suggestion is Raphael, it means “God heals”. Raphael is the patron saint of doctors and nurses amongst others. Wishing you all the best.

I really love Robin. They’re such sweet looking creatures, but very cheeky and plucky.

I also like Rory, Arthur and Theodore from your list.

If DD had been a boy, she would have been Jasper.

I hope little one can stay in for as long as possible.

I love Gabriel, and feel dots suggestion of Raphael is beautiful also. Sending you and little one love and strength.

As soon as saw Gabriel it really jumped out at me. Beautiful name with a beautiful meaning.

Gabriel or Arthur

Every other baby seems to be called Rueben or Theo at the moment! I like them both a lot but I think the popularity would put me off.
I like everything else on your list except Gabriel, it’s too feminine for me and I don’t like Gabe as a nn.

Benedict means blessing.

Love Theodore, Teddy or Theo fir short x

Theodore would be lovely, it means a gift from God which seems fitting. I also have such a soft spot for Seth - wanted to name one of my sons Seth but people where I live would say Seff and that would enrage me. All the names on your list are nice though, you really can’t go wrong. Hope everything is well for you and you reach that 24 weeks safely.

Theo does seem to be very popular at the minute.
DS was going to be Rory but it didn’t suit him.

Gabriel is one of the front runners for me. I’m not sure how well it works in real life as opposed to in my head. Some family friends have a teenage Gabriel but otherwise I’ve not come across one.

Unfortunately we already have a Raphael in the family and relatives have dogs called Wilfred and Jasper, so those are out!
I like Benedict but I don’t really like Ben and DH’s cousin is Ben so that might not work.

Old school but I love David - means beloved in Hebrew

Another vote for Gabriel. Hope he/she stays put a while yet OP .

Nathan... a gift from god
Which i am sure this little one will be.

I like Nathan. I’m going to add that to the list.

David is my boss, so that feels weird for some reason! Lovely meaning though.

I really like the idea of a name that means gift/love/strength/life. We lost baby no 2 in January and now we’re hoping and praying to get to where we need to be with this pregnancy.

Another vote for Gabriel, beautiful name.
Hope all goes well Op💐

Matthew is lovely and means gift from god.

I too love Gabriel and whilst it has increased in popularity I only know two younger children with the name.

Really hope your baby stays and grows until they can meet you with strength

Aaron, Asher, Nathanial all mean miracle

Adam is life

Jonathan, Matthew, Mikah all mean gift

All the best

I absolutely love Rowan, and I've known it used for both boy and girl. Same for Robin. Both such beautiful names for either sex.

Gabriel, Reuben, Rufus and Seth are all beautiful.
I also like the suggestion of Rafael.
Nathaniel and Barnaby would be my suggestions.

Reuben or Rory I love! Hope he stays where he is for as long as possible x