Zen or Axl boys name

[Lanicholla]

So we due in few weeks and picking a name is so Freaking hard! After name discussions, we have agreed on Axl or Zen (I know it's not everyone's cup of tea). We already have a boy Kai 😍
Is there any more short unusual unique names out there?

Axl makes me think of Axl Rose from Guns n' Roses.

Or a car axel.

This. Cross Zen off your list, it’s like calling a child ‘mellow’ - they would get very teased. This isn’t just about choosing a sound you like, to make you look cool to your friends 🙄 it’s a gift you’re giving your child to wear for life.

Axel is ok. Axl is pretentious and would get mispelt for life.

Lex? Ash? Rhys?

Kai is common and overused too

I really like Zen. It’s not that out there in this day and age, and it’ll become his name rather the word ‘zen’ very quickly.

You could have Zen as a nickname for a longer name?

I mean people are suggesting some horrific babes on here! Dax?! Come on. Go with your own tastes.

@Lanicholla I didn’t know that but definitely read this comment before you name your kid Axl.

Axel if you must. Axl is ridiculous.

Thank you ! Yes other name just doesn't sound right to me either.
Rex is a dogs name , knew couple. (I love dogs btw)
Dax sounds like ducks
Knox will be teased by knocking on a head and so on..
We well aware that Axl Rose is name is short for and original is Axel, but I dislike the fact that it might be mispronounced as Alex. Axl looks more original and it's won't be that much relevance in few years

Someone mentioned Kai is overused , but 8 years ago it wasn't that popular name and definitely wasn't used that much as now. Let's say it's still not a traditional name...

I agree with all the posters saying Zen is not a name to saddle a child with...

Axel is fine, Axl not so much!

I think you can get carried away with trying to choose a name that's underused and exciting - my friend spent months trying to find a name like that and, due to lots of people trying to do the same, has ended up with 3 little girls in her daughters primary school class with the same name...

Just choose a name you love, wether or not it's unusual depends entirely on factors beyond your control!

@Lanicholla , I think Kai is an 'english' spelling of a Welsh name, Cai. Cai is fairly popular in Wales

That's interesting!! We are in Ireland and know 2 boys one spelled Khai and another one is Kye

I have an Axel, just spotted you were concerned about being misunderstood as 'Alex', I can't honestly say we have never had that issue at all, so I wouldn't worry, also Axel would be easier for the child in terms of learning to spell the name and also others pronoucning the name, especially now it's phonics sounds in schools.

I've also not met/heard of locally another Axel, since my son was born (he's now in school) so I don't think popularity should be a worry.

@LaLaLouella totally agree , and we just try hard to agree on something we both like. I suppose untraditional is more what we looking for rather than super unique

Both awful but if you must saddle your child with one then spell Axel correctly! Who on earth is going to mistake it for Alex? People who are partially sighted? People who can’t hear correctly?

I’m afraid in your quest to be original I’d have to say your names are try-hard and I’d immediately think of someone who lives on Sheriff Street!

My Dad’s friend is called Zen. He’s Canadian and very successful lawyer, so I don’t think the name has harmed him!!

@AnotherAnother1 that's actually reading other threads in here I had that impression, not that I know any of Axls or Axels at all..

@Lanicholla yes there’s a good reason you don’t know any children called Axl or Axel…..

I met a little boy named Vann once. I thought it was sweet

Zayn pronounced as Zen. It's a name used by Pakistani families where I work.

Please don[t call ´him axl or zen, I know I will be judged by this but as someone who works with children, just by looking at a name list your children have already been judged. Yes it is horrible but sadly that is life. Think about your kids as adults and the kind of careers they might pursue and the kind of names an adult male might like to have. Its not just about you wanting to sound cool calling out a name in the playground, its about how the child will be perceived throughout its entire life. I am sorry that I sound awful and snobby but I am just trying to be realistic (and would say the same statement to many of the name suggestions on here). I always think, ask yourself why you want a different or out there name. Is it because you want it to say something about you or do you want it to reflect on your child when they are an adult.

Don't apologise. You are entirely correct. This is how the world works and kids with stupid names do get judged.

And the same names come up again and again on certain lists!!!

What are you thoughts for a middle name? aka the fallback option.

Axl (Axel, however you want to spell it) is such an overused name. My nephew each have one in their class at school.

Both bloody awful.

Neither.

So many short normal names - Dex, Max, Sam, Ted, Kit, Leo,

Start again. Don't subject your child to a lifetime of being sniggered at!

So untraditional and fairly snappy?

Kit
Ash
Clark
Kent
Lex (slight Superman theme there!)
Cooper
Ray
Roman