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

You have excellent taste.

What about Guy?

You are brave enough!

Felix isn't that out there.

Felix is definitely not out there. I've known Felixes throughout my life of different ages and nationalities. I think it's very versatile. Lovely meaning too.

@ActonBell my little boy is called Felix and I absolutely love his name! I always thought of Felix the cat or Uncle Felix from Spy kids (showing my age 😂) before I had him, but now that name is just him and I love it! I call him Flicks or Fe for short. It's name meaning is also lucky ✨♥️ Hes 4 and so far I've only known one other Felix but I have heard of a few Phoenix's about ☺️

You could always agree his middle name upfront so he has a name straight away if this worries you, then add his first name on once you've been able to spend time with him.

If you want a similar feel to Gabriel, what about Sebastian, Quentin or Tristan? I loved all four when pregnant but my spoil sport DH didn't like them.

I've got everything crossed for you that he bucks the odds and has a good long time left inside yet x

It’s not on your list, but it’s not on your already used by family list either @ActonBell- what about Stephen? It’s lovely, it’s classic and it literally means “honour”.

My other immediate thought was Edward nn Ted, which I think you might like with the Bronte connection.

Hey OP, it must be really stressful. I spent the whole 9 months worrying about something happening and I was not high risk for anything. I think it's quite natural to focus on what you can control (name choice) rather than what you can't, and also naming the baby probably makes him feel more real, and as a result "safer" ?

Anyway, I personally quite like Ivan. The russian nickname (Vanya) is quite cute.

I also like Zachary.

Not on your list, how about Ben, Lukas, Asher, Melvyn, Axel, Constantine, Dominic ?

If you feel aventurous I've been liking Arkady lately.

Charles