Help! Leo, Nico or Raphael?

[Belen82]

That’s it really, very much stuck on baby boys name. Leo was always the front runner but has lost a bit of its charm as it seems to have become very popular. Nico only came to us recently, less common but short and punchy like Leo… but I really dislike the name Nicholas and don't want people to think it’s short for that… also as we haven’t had it on the list for long not sure if it’s a ‘trendy’ name that won’t be great in a decade or so… Raphael I believe is a classic and very international (we are an Aus / euro family), not unheard of but not super popular… but quite long (his brothers name is just one syllable).

Keen to hear thoughts on this. We live in Australia.

Thanks everyone, really helpful to hear a range of views. Seems like Leo is a clear winner, Raphael second and Nico not so much. Has given me much to ponder !

Leo.

The other two are pretentious.

Leo is by far my favourite. I know one in particular whom I am rather fond of 💙😊The rise in popularity of the name is a bit of a bugbear; I knew none and never really heard it when I chose it, then within months I knew tons and heard it everywhere.

But I like the others too and I wouldn't say they are pretentious names. I know a little Nico (pronounced Nee-ko) and it has never occurred to anyone that he's actually a Nicholas.

Raphael is beautiful and could be shortened to Rafe which is funky and better then Raff.

God I’m usually really fussy but I like all those names!
Ds20 has a friend called Nico. Such a cool name. I’ve never considered it to be short for anything. I think his mum is Spanish or Italian maybe.
Leo is lovely.
We have a Raphael in the family and as someone else said it’s cute as it is or shortened to Rapha.

Leo for me
Raphael 2nd but a bit of a mouthful and not that easy to shorten, Raph I guess.
Nico I'm not keen on with an English accent

Leo. Don't like the others.

Ok ladies, Nico has been eliminated. In Australia this will inevitably be shortened to ‘Nick’ regardless.

So down to Leo & Raphael. My husband feels like Leo is a bit of a soft name whereas our other son has a strong masculine name. I know a small handful of Leo’s so it’s not wow original. But safe bet. But also wondering if it will become like the Bradley / Simon / Timothy of the 90s in terms of being trendy right now.

Raphael is a strong masculine name but seems to be a name people love or hate (as validated by these comments), much less common, and I’m also wondering if it’s a bit of a mouthful next to a brother with one syllable name. Definitely more of a timeless / classic one though.

Sooo tricky and so hard being close to the finish line and so unsure! I welcome more thoughts opinions and comments. Helping so much xx

Honestly, I feel Raphael is on the cusp of masculine but Raph and Raphe do not count as masculine at all, in my book. Reeks of parent trying to be hip to me. It's just an opinion tho and I may be in the minority.

My eldest is Leo
Always loved the name, it was fairly uncommon back then. He is 15 now

Raphael.

Leo or nico!

raphael is a bit of a mouthful

Still Raphael!