Theodore

[duchesse]

Never thought I'd start a thread in baby names, but here goes...

I have a dilemma: 16 years ago when we were expecting our first child, our boys' names were Benedict or Theodore. In the end, he didn't look like a Theodore when he was born. Now we're expecting another, and still like Theodore, but it seems in teh intervening 16 years to have become really popular, thanks to Theo Walcott I presume. (who is a lovely lad and supports breastfeeding so he gets my vote any time)

The other three children all have relatively unusual names and have only ever met one or two others of their kind, which they mostly think is a good thing. What I'm worried about is that if we call Bump Theodore, he'll be one of two or three in any class he's in. I don't even know if he's a boy yet, but I have a feeling, you know?

So, Theodore, too "popular" or not?

I have a Theodore (Theo) who is turning 5 this month. When we chose it, everyone commented on what a fantastic name it is, and how unusual. It was outside the top 100 when we picked it - but it's now around number 50. I don't regret it, but it is becoming very popular, although I hope we're slightly ahead of the curve......!

We are in T Wells, and there are one or two of them around, although I think in his school he's unique, but there is now another Theo in his swimming class. So it's definitely gained a lot of popularity - whether that's down to Theo Walcott (who appeared on the scene after we'd picked it), or the Wessexes using it as a middle name for their son, I don't know - I'd rather think of it as being the latter than the former, being a royalist rugby fan .

We've done the same with DS2 who is turning 1 next month - he's called Rufus - and again, that was rare when we picked it, but now I can't seem to turn around without hearing it.

(Your other names are lovely - they were all on my list - just not on DH's!)

meerkat- my 11 yr old nephew is Rufus! My sister will be gutted if it becomes popular.

Duchesse - me too!!!!

I was gutted when we moved and joined the NCT coffee group, to find that 8 months after my Rufus was born, a new lady joined the group with a 6 week old....Rufus. ARGH!

Just have to console myself that she also has impeccable taste

how about Rasputin as a very uncommon name?

thumbwitch- actually I was thinking of Attila. Or possibly Vlad. Not decided yet.

oooh I lurve Vlad - what a great idea!

Ghengis!!! There'd be no shortening that!

That's the best one yet (except for the dog in Eastenders being called that, of course - mind you, if your DH comes out covered in shaggy hair then you've got yourself a winner!)

Theodore was one of my three..... (but I chose something else) I know one Theo in ds's year

duchesse my cat was Genghis we called him Genghy!

Otter, was your cat into pillaging and taking over other people's gardens? Nuts about the possible shortening. Back to the drawing board then.

Thaddeus has the same feel now that Theodore had 16 yrs ago. I know a 4 yr old Thaddy. Love the name. Bit tired of Theos. It's ok. Would prefer the more classic Leo over trendier theo.

When our son was born 12 years ago we called him Tudor, the Welsh derivative of Theodore. We called him the nickname Toddy when he was little, but now he prefers Todd. He may prefer Tudor when he's older. Theodore and Tudor both mean gift from God, which he is, of course.