Which do you like best - Alexander (Xan), Samuel (Sam) or William (Will)?

[IamnotwhouthinkIam]

So I tend to like classic names and I think I've narrowed it down to one of these three for DS. I'm not too worried about popularity (each were given to 5 babies or less out of about 800 in my area last year) - but I keep changing my mind about which I like the sound of the most. Any views/tell me your fave of the three, please?

Samuel/Sam is the nicest by far!

Alexander (Alex).

Xan is dreadful!

Samuel. Always liked that.
Really don't like the name William.

Sam - love
Will - good name
Alexander - really dislike, so harsh.

Thanks again for everyones help. I'm leaning towards Will(iam) or Sam(uel) now as "Alex" doesn't sound as good with our surname (even though Alexander somehow works well) and "Xan" might be too unusual for many people. I've still got a while to decide though so I'll keep saying the different names aloud/to my bump - perhaps one will eventually feel more natural than the others!

William (Will) is my favourite. I just think it's a lovely name with an obvious shortening which I also like.

I used to love Alexander, but I've never liked Xander. I do know a little Xander, (full name Alexander), though, and I don't think he's had any problems with it.

Samuel (Sam) is nice enough but a bit meh for some reason. It's somehow has a more modern vibe to me than William does, so depends what you like really.

All great names.

OP, be aware that you don't get to dictate the nicknames. One of my DC is Bumble. This bears no relation to her first name (a long and beautiful and unusual name) or her surname, but that's how she's known. I have long given up, and also call her Bumble.

These things find their own level. I think the main thing is to give a child a name that you like, and that isn't going to attract ridicule. After that, you have to leave them to it.

Sam is the best short version.

Samuel, William and Alexander all really nice

Don't like Xan