3 different boys names to choose from... which do you prefer...

[MrsFish]

DS2 is due to arrive end of september, we have three names in the running, which do people prefer?

Benjamin (mainly to be called Ben)

Max (no longer version as don't like maximus or maximillian or maxwell but like Max)

Zachary (Zack) DH not overly keen but I like it as don't know anyone called it

What do you think?

I've got a Benjamin (shortened to Ben), so I'm biased!

Zach seems to be becoming more common - we know several 3yos with that name, so I wouldn't choose it because it is unusual (we made that mistake with ds2 and now his name is becoming rather common, though I doubt it will be in say 5 years time, so everyone will be able to tell his age). Also for whatever reasons people can't seem to spell it - it becomes Zack, Zak or even Jack!

Out of Max or Ben I would choose Ben.

There is an old adage in choosing names that you should consider the name in each of the following contexts:
"Can X come out and play"
"X, I love you"
"Shall we give X the job/promotion?"
Of those 3, the third is probably the most interesting because it depends on your aspirations for your son (whether you see him as arty or in a suit say).

Looking back I've really screwed up poor ds2. Ds1 got 3 good names (for the world of business), whereas I'm not sure that ds2 will ever get CEO status with any of his 3 names. I assume it is too late to change them...

Zach was 93rd in the top 100 boys names registered in 2006 (Benjamin was 11, Max was 29, Ben was 38)

there are 3 boys called Max in dd's class -it is VERY popular

Popular or........common?

Thanks for that Ladymuck, is very interesting

I like the fact that with Benjamin it can be shortened to Ben, so no real need for a nickname when he is at school, also Benjamin is still nice and at least he can decide how he prefers to be called when he is older. With Max because I don't like any of the longer versions, he is a bit stuck if he wants to change it... Zachary... still like it as have not heard of any others in my area, but it is maybe not going to be a forerunner as DH isn't convinced

Sam and Ben go well as brothers don't they... I think my mind may be made up

Zachary.

Max is the 6th most popular dogs name

ben

I have a Max. He doesn't have a pony, but we do know several dogs and other boys with the same name. It's popular.

But so is Ben. I like Benedict, and know some one who shortens that to Ned.

I like Zack and only know one (my Godson) but think it may be soon rocketing up the popoular list to join Max and Ben.

I think Ben is more classic, Zack will be a very fashionable 'of the moment' name, not sure where Max fits into that?

Basically I like them all

Benjamin

Its on my shortlist too

Hi Mrs F . All 3 names are great. My fave is Max, it's on my shortlist too, but shortened from Maxim. Zack is also on our list. (Ben we can't have because it's already in the family). Although I like Max best, I have to agree that Ben goes the best with Sam.

I have a db called Ben, and two dn's called Max and Zachary! (Zach for short). Max is short for Maximilian

I like them all tbh, though Max less than the other two.

Ben for me.

Ben. Always thought I'd end up with a Ben but I didn't. Still, there's life in the old dog yet

Max for me

Although he will almost certainly become Mad Max

Max
Zach
Ben (way too common round here)

Ben. Maybe one day we will also have a Ben...

Max. Would have been on our shortlist for DS, but tis our dog's name.
My nephew is Zack, which I am rather fond of.

Max

Zack is a great name.
Don't think you can go wrong with Ben.
Heard of a few Maxs over the last few years but still think of it as a dogs name.