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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Naming baby who may be born prematurely

83 replies

ActonBell · 28/07/2021 22:11

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

OP posts:
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Blueroses99 · 29/07/2021 21:44

My DD was born at 24 weeks and we knew she was likely to come very early so it was important to us to name her before she arrived. We knew we were having a girl so I got a book of 40,000 baby names and started reading. As soon as I saw her name in the book, I knew it was perfect. So she had a name when she came into the world and through her NICU journey, she was never ‘Baby [Surname]’.

Good luck with everything.

In terms of names, I love Matthew - gift from God.

Ozberry · 29/07/2021 21:45

Toby is my absolute favourite. Hope he gives you as long as possible to decide x

DinosaurDiana · 29/07/2021 21:46

I like Ruben.

CrouchEndTiger12 · 29/07/2021 21:46

Luke is lovely.

Patron St of artists, physicians and surgeons. Luke was a doctor. Hard C surname isn't a disaster.

I like Mark too. St Marks symbol was a winged lion.

AvaCallanach · 29/07/2021 22:01

Owen isn't on your list, but it means warrior which is fitting.

paddlingon · 29/07/2021 22:03

Theodore (Teddy/Ted/Theo) is my favorite.

I also like Gabriel (Gabe)

But I'm sure whatever name you choose will be lovely for your baby.

I hope they stay where they should for a while longer. ( dd spent time in scbu when she appeared early, it is v scary but she is all good now as a stroppy teen)

WildCherryBlossom · 30/07/2021 07:59

It's a very good list. My favourites are Gabriel, Robin and Isaac (but accept that Isaac C- might not flow so well. Gabriel is one of my all time favourite boys names, but Robin is very lovely. It's classic but so seldom used which makes it feel quite special. Best of luck with your pregnancy OP. I hope everything goes smoothly..

Original poster
ActonBell · 30/07/2021 08:31

Thanks for all the feedback. DH did bring it up yesterday and he likes Isaac but I’m not 100% on it, especially with our surname. He doesn’t like Robin unfortunately.

I’m having a big wobble about all of it today. I think I’m channelling my anxiety about the whole pregnancy into the name as if finding the right name will make things turn out right. I know that’s not the case really of course.

On all our scans this one is such an active, dramatic wriggler whereas his brother was quite chilled most of the time. I get this strong sense of personality from that, like he’s going to be a bundle of energy.

OP posts:
MrsGilly1 · 30/07/2021 08:33

Hi,

Lovely list xx

I like Toby xx

Have you thought of the names Milo and Oscar meaning Warriors?

I also like the name Ori which means my light xx

Sawyersfishbiscuits · 30/07/2021 08:52

I love Gabriel, it would be my DC4 if that ship hadn't thankfully sailed!

Like PP it jumped out at me.

Mrs08 · 30/07/2021 09:07

Toby

From "tobias" meaning "God is good".

My ds2 name as he was a much wanted child after losses.

Wishing you all the best xx

Original poster
ActonBell · 30/07/2021 18:23

The only thing about Gabriel is that I worry about teasing in the future. It could be a difficult name to carry off.

DH also like Seth, Alexander (though we have one in the family) and Daniel. Tobias/Toby might be the middle name.

OP posts:
paddlingon · 30/07/2021 19:00

The Gabriel I know in ds' class is always called Gabe, no issues with his name.

Katefoster · 30/07/2021 20:51

I love Gabriel. I actually put it on my list earlier this week. The Gabriel in my school was the most popular boy and never got bullied. I know one other who has never been teased for his name.

november90 · 30/07/2021 22:34

I love Robin. My little boys middle name is Robin and I chose that name because of the little Robin birds in our local park. One time I was thinking of my Nanna who has passed away and this Robin kept flying in front of me where I was walking. Every time I go to the park I think of my Nanna and the little Robin appears. I just think it's such a peaceful and precious name ♥️
My eldest is Called Felix which means Lucky and my youngest is Marley.
I how you find your special name and best of luck with your pregnancy and family 🥰

ZoyaTheDestroyer · 02/08/2021 11:31

Please don't discount Gabriel because you're concerned about bullying. Children bully each other for many many reasons but names are rarely amongst them, and 'gay' is no longer the playground insult that it was in the 90s.

As an alternative may I suggest the fellow archangel Michael?

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 02/08/2021 12:36

20 years ago Gabriel might have been a brave or risky name. However it’s certainly not now. It’s very popular and mainstream now.
Not only that but I’ve never known anyone be teased for their name.

woodfort · 02/08/2021 13:34

I love the name Gabriel.

He would presumably just go by Gabe at school.

Original poster
ActonBell · 03/08/2021 16:19

DH has really thought about it and he just doesn’t love Gabriel.
I have really thought about it and I just don’t love Toby.

I could cry. I know it will be fine in the end but I’m obviously trying to manage my anxiety by thinking about the things we can control and I thought if we could fix on a name it would help.

Oh well. We’ll just have to wait and see how we feel further down the line.

OP posts:
Awwlookatmybabyspider · 03/08/2021 16:43

He might actually name himself when he’s here. Sometimes babies are born with their name written all over them.

Tigger85 · 03/08/2021 16:46

I'm biased because I have a Theodore, it means gift. I have two suggestions for you that are not on your list, Ethan which means strong and Felix which means luck.

Original poster
ActonBell · 03/08/2021 17:02

@Awwlookatmybabyspider

He might actually name himself when he’s here. Sometimes babies are born with their name written all over them.
That’s exactly what happened with our first DS. He arrived with a name - it was really magical. I hope the same happens this time! I’m just worried I won’t get to see him after he’s born if it’s very early and then he’ll go off to special care without a name. It’s silly but I feel really emotional about it.
OP posts:
SunshineCake · 03/08/2021 17:04

I hope your fears don't come to pass

I like Gabriel.

Original poster
ActonBell · 03/08/2021 17:05

@Tigger85

I'm biased because I have a Theodore, it means gift. I have two suggestions for you that are not on your list, Ethan which means strong and Felix which means luck.
We both like Theodore a lot but we’re a bit worried that it’s so popular at the moment he’ll be one of 4 in his class and that it might feel like a very 2020s name in the future. We’re probably overthinking it.

Neither of us are sold on Ethan. I like Felix but I’m not sure we’re brave enough.

OP posts:
user1471560845 · 03/08/2021 17:37

Lucas? A lovely name and a quick google says it means bringer of light x