Timeless and elegant names - Liam or Reuben?

[SweetMeadow]

Hello, this is my first post but I’m an avid Mumsnet post reader!

I’m feeling quite stuck about deciding on names for our little boy arriving imminently!

I am really keen on a timeless and elegant name and so far, I’m only seriously considering either Reuben Oisín or Liam Oisín. Oisín would be the only middle name and I have always loved that name. I also want a name that’s not too popular - probably asking for a lot here!

I’m Irish but live in the UK. My daughter is Rosa.

Do you have a preference for those names and do you think they meet the criteria of timeless and elegant?!

Thank you so much for any thoughts!

Lots of horrible comments about Liam - it's a beautiful name and my son fits it perfectly as he is gorgeous too

@PegasusReturns

Liam is generally considered “common”.

If you care about the perceptions of others then it’s probably best avoided if you’re looking for timeless and classic

No it's not. Maybe in your circle but not in most.

I think that Liam was popular a while ago. I know several in their early 30's, late 20's.
Most names go in cycles of popularity..

Interesting how differently people perceive the name Liam. I wonder if there is a bit of subtle (or not so subtle?) racism against the Irish that means the name has been seen negatively as a "working class" name in England.

Not trying to start a bun fight, just wondering out loud.

@NameChange30

Interesting how differently people perceive the name Liam. I wonder if there is a bit of subtle (or not so subtle?) racism against the Irish that means the name has been seen negatively as a "working class" name in England.

Not trying to start a bun fight, just wondering out loud.

I was wondering that but it I couldn't think of other Irish names that are perceived that way.

I know two Liams, and both are the sweetest, gentle, super-bright boys, from very middle-class families.

Can someone tell me how Oisin is pronounced please? My friend (whose partner is Irish) has a son called Oran which I think is lovely.

I think Liam is the polar opposite of ‘timeless and elegant’.
Reuben is okay. Ruby for short, but better than Liam. Not brilliant though.

I can’t think of many elegant boys names.
Miles, Giles, Rupert.

Liam Neeson is far more famous than Liam Gallagher, anyway.

@MairzyDoats The one I know is 'oh-sheen'. Such a fab name.

@winniesanderson thank you - I do like that!

Both lovely names and I do think they are classic.
Reuben isn't as common as everyone thinks, people do mispell it a lot but tend to pronounce it right.

Liam is not elegant even if it is timeless. I’m a teacher and wouldn’t associate it with naughtiness but basically all the Liam’s I have taught have faded in my memory as they were not especially outgoing or standout in any way.

Reuben - it isn’t really my taste either and I think it will date given the popularity of it and similar names. But of the two choices I probably prefer it,

I can't really see how Liam could be described as 'elegant'. It's a nice, short, ordinary, everyday name.

It's like asking if Liz is elegant. No it's not. Elizabeth is.

Reuben is quite elegant, yes. Timeless in a way but also possibly quite fashionable now.

@Pandypuff

Rosa and Reuben sound gorgeous together too 🥰

I agree.

Elegant boys' names. Well, elegant names are generally long, delicate and flowing, so:

Raphael
Gabriel
Tobias
Nathaniel

Though also:
Hugh
Miles

No it's not. Maybe in your circle but not in most

Nonsense. This thread is testament to that. In U.K. Liam is def considered to be common. Ask any teacher.

I was wondering that but it I couldn't think of other Irish names that are perceived that way

I think you’re right it’s anti Irish sentiment. There are many middle class Shane’s, Sean’s and Eoghan’s (Owen) in private schools in ireland. I’d be amazed if you could find more than a handful in English fee paying schools.

Reuben was on our very short boys' name list. I really like it.

I also like Liam but I think it's less unusual than Reuben. In the UK and Ireland.

I don’t think Reuben and Rosa go together at all. Reuben is an Old Testament, basically Jewish name. Rosa is a Latinate name from Romance languages. Rosa is timeless, Reuben isn’t - it’s rooted in a certain time, more or less.

@PegasusReturns

No it's not. Maybe in your circle but not in most

Nonsense. This thread is testament to that. In U.K. Liam is def considered to be common. Ask any teacher.

I was wondering that but it I couldn't think of other Irish names that are perceived that way

I think you’re right it’s anti Irish sentiment. There are many middle class Shane’s, Sean’s and Eoghan’s (Owen) in private schools in ireland. I’d be amazed if you could find more than a handful in English fee paying schools.

Being as my Liam has been the only one in the school the whole time he's been there I think they'll agree with me

People who judge on name alone are just judgmental twats. End of Story

Reuben is very popular. Liam isn't, but not as nice.

I like both names OP.

Reuben's a Spanish name to me. But also biblical.

Liam is cute. I don't find it "council estate" at all. I find it very lovely Irish name 💚

How about:

Lachlan
Sylvan
Isaac
Zachary
Felix
Oscar
Milo
Otis
Indigo
Albie
Theo
Sonny
Cosmo
Raphael

Being as my Liam has been the only one in the school the whole time he's been there I think they'll agree with me

Who will agree with you about what

People who judge on name alone are just judgmental twats. End of Story

You’re conflating issues. No one is talking about judging people based on a name. They’re talking about judging the name itself. And of course people make judgements. Its human nature. You can rail against it but you won’t stop it.

I’m sure your Liam is very nice, but people are going to view him differently to how they’d view a Harry or Barry or Carry. All different names, all different connotations.

@LaTomatina

Such a pet peeve of mine when English people assume Liam is just some sort of modern shortening of William.

Yes!!!! And act pearl-clutchy about the "class" of certain names. Says more about the person saying it than the quality of the name, in my opinion. Stick to names you like. Chances are, your child is not going to be a different class to you, regardless of the name you choose...

This!

I think they are both nice names.