Do you think Gabriel sounds ok with this surname?

[Ondine]

Surname is Darling. I'm slightly concerned the combination might sound a bit flowery?

But I can't find anything I like as much as Gabriel.

Also middle name would begin with O so intials would be GOD. Is it all a bit too OTT?

Gabriel Darling... hmmm, I have to be honest, he sounds a bit like a caberet artiste...

It needs a little more 'rugby' or something.

Patrick
Marcus
Fergus

They're all strong names.

Does the middle name absolutely have to be Oran or could you pick another Irish name instead for the middle name? I think Gabriel is a great name, but ime it always gets shortened to Gabe, and that doesn't sound as flowery as Gabriel Darling. If you're insisting on Gabriel, then it's a bit much. You wouldn't have to go as far as Hannibal or Attila to find a stronger name, but honest-to-god names that are not flowery abound.

I've been racking my brains for a name that balances the surname but I still like. I know John sounds good, but just can't go for it!

I do like the name Ronan and could possibly go for that as a middle name. Or grudgingly the first name?

Any views on Ronan? Is it a vast improvement on Gabriel with the surname?

I really like Ronan as either a first or middle name. It doesn't come across as 'flowery', imo. And I don't think you'll bump into one on every playground.

I like it, and I think that if you love it it would be a shame to use anything else.

Gabriel I mean, Ronan is yuck!

go for it its your baby your choice

Much as it hurts me to say it (I love the name Gabriel), I think Gabriel Darling is A Step Too Far.

Ronan is O.K.

I agree with Maggie about Patrick

Another favourite of mine is Asa. What do think ?

Asa Darling

There are a good few other Irish names that are easy to pronounce, that would take the floral sting out of Darling. Sean, Brendan, Connor, etc... and I agree with Maggie too about Patrick and Fergus.

Patrick has been nabbed by a cousin but it does go great, it was DH first choice too on a list of 3 suggestions of Patrick, Glen and Glynn . I knew a odd Fergus once which as put me off that name.

I hadn't thought of Asa, I liked Ada for a girl and it has the same rhythm. A. Darling is a sweet signature as well.

Sean goes really well, it's quite a tough name, which is a good thing with a wet surname. DH also likes!

Thanks everyone for the input.