Stanley Samuel - or Samuel Stanley ?

[ThisElatedZebra]

We know we want to use both names but are torn on which goes first. Advice? Thank you

These were 2 of our final 4 names so I love both. If you're using one as a middle name it really doesn't matter, just choose the one you prefer as a first name. We decided against any names in the top 100 in the end so it ruled Samuel out. Stanley is becoming fat more popular now.
It's funny how everyone on here seems to hate Stanley yet when people ask his name they all tell you how lovely it is! I know if I don't like a name I just don't comment on it.

Agree.

Prefer Stanley
Samuel is boring and overused

It probably depends on whether you know a little Stanley or not - once you do, the “old man” associations change and it sounds fresh and friendly. As it’s less popular than other vintage names, like Arthur, Alfred / Alfie etc, it hasn’t quite lost its old man image with many yet, but it will over time. I love it!

Stanley is just horrible. I wouldn't use it at all. Samuel is fine.

Depends which first name you prefer, because it will be said about a million times more than the middle name ever will be. Is one of them a name you can’t live without? Put that one first.

I personally really don’t like Stanley and Samuel is pretty dull but inoffensive.

I like both names. Just choose the one you actually want him to ge called...middle names aren't used for much

Consider the shortened forms. He'll be Sam or Stan Surname not Samuel Stanley/Stanley Samuel. Either is fine.
Stanley isn't unusual for a little boy, but would be for a now 25 yr old.
Babies called Samuel in England & Wales since 1996
Babies called Stanley in England & Wales since 1996

I agree with this. Otherwise your son will have a horrible tongue twister for a name.

I'm another one who isn't a fan of Stanley - although Stan is even worse. I'm not a huge fan of Samuel either but Sam is very inoffensive so i'd definitely go with that first.

I like both separately but I don't think they work together in either combination unfortunately. Samuel Stanley is marginally better but not great.

Samuel Stanley. Samuel is an international classic that has only occasionally dropped out of the UK Top 100 - so is pretty timeless and should stand your son in good stead (plus the diminutive Sam sounds so friendly imo!).

Nothing wrong with Stanley as such but it is quite trendy in the UK and is likely to date more - most Stanley’s/Stan’s either elderly or quite young (you don’t tend to meet ones of all ages).It’s also not as internationally used compared to Samuel if that matters.

Sam Stan.
If I were male I would not want to be named Stanley.

I really dislike Stanley or Stan.

Sam is ok but there are far nicer names.

Stanley Samuel

Lovely name.

I would say Stanley is much more up to date than Samuel.

Sam Stan. It’s flows better. The first ‘t’ breaks the flow

love Samuel

Stamuel.

Samuel 100%. Stanley is a name that should have stayed in times gone by along with Nigel and Dennis.

Samley

I like both names & would have used them for DSs, but our surname begins with Sh, so didn't sound good. I think Stanley Samuel flows better. Stanley was my Grandfather's name and he was an amazing man, so I have none of the negative connotations PPs appear to have. I think it sounds as good today as Frederick/Freddie, Alfred/Alfie, Arthur/Artie etc