Who Will He Be?
July 14, 2009 9:00 PM Subscribe
Help me name my child.
The ultimate AskMF Q? Maybe. All I know is: While I understand that naming is ultimately a personal act, I do not feel that the name must somehow come from me. (After all, my wife and I met online, so...)
The specs: We're due November 1. It's a boy. And boys are much more difficult to name than girls, for some reason. One wants a special name, but not so special that it'll mean a punch in the face at the playground (my wife and I have started categorizing name options into 1-punch, 2-punch, and 3-punch categories).
I can tell you that names like 'Noah,' 'Elijah,' and 'Roland,' while they may sound nice, are too soft for my boy. I'm shooting for something with the same depth of those names, but with an edge to it that will serve him well in times in urgency. Extra points if the name rhymes with the 'Moe' in 'Moses,' which would chyme with the last name, without being too overwhelming. All suggestions welcome, esp from those parents who had boy names stored up, and never had a chance to use them. Deep thanks in advance.
The ultimate AskMF Q? Maybe. All I know is: While I understand that naming is ultimately a personal act, I do not feel that the name must somehow come from me. (After all, my wife and I met online, so...)
The specs: We're due November 1. It's a boy. And boys are much more difficult to name than girls, for some reason. One wants a special name, but not so special that it'll mean a punch in the face at the playground (my wife and I have started categorizing name options into 1-punch, 2-punch, and 3-punch categories).
I can tell you that names like 'Noah,' 'Elijah,' and 'Roland,' while they may sound nice, are too soft for my boy. I'm shooting for something with the same depth of those names, but with an edge to it that will serve him well in times in urgency. Extra points if the name rhymes with the 'Moe' in 'Moses,' which would chyme with the last name, without being too overwhelming. All suggestions welcome, esp from those parents who had boy names stored up, and never had a chance to use them. Deep thanks in advance.
Bruno
Shame about the recent movie but that will pass and be forgotten. Bruno is a strong name in my book and may have the necessary rhyme.
Morgan
Angus
Anton
Felix
Lazlo
Good luck. And congratulations!
posted by Kerasia at 9:06 PM on July 14, 2009
Shame about the recent movie but that will pass and be forgotten. Bruno is a strong name in my book and may have the necessary rhyme.
Morgan
Angus
Anton
Felix
Lazlo
Good luck. And congratulations!
posted by Kerasia at 9:06 PM on July 14, 2009
Atticus
posted by Ostara at 9:07 PM on July 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by Ostara at 9:07 PM on July 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
Rowan, has the sound you want and some folkloric associations with protection from evil.
posted by Abiezer at 9:08 PM on July 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by Abiezer at 9:08 PM on July 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
Bo, Carlo, Massimo, Flavio, Julio, Mario, Bruno, Marco, Giorgio, Valentino, Stefano, Domenico, Paolo, Rodrigo, Fernando, Pietro, Lorenzo, Pablo, Antonio, Federico, Eduardo, Dino, Enrico
posted by infinitewindow at 9:10 PM on July 14, 2009
posted by infinitewindow at 9:10 PM on July 14, 2009
Jonah has the "Moe" rhyme in the first syllable. Dude tells a bunch of sailors to throw him off a ship in storm-ravaged sea (to save the rest of the sea-farers) and then gets swallowed by a whale - not exactly a softie.
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 9:10 PM on July 14, 2009 [2 favorites]
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 9:10 PM on July 14, 2009 [2 favorites]
Or Max, as in "The night Max wore his wolf suit, and made mischief of one kind, or another.."
posted by lottie at 9:12 PM on July 14, 2009
posted by lottie at 9:12 PM on July 14, 2009
Oh god and also:
2nding Pablo (you can call him Pablito when he's little which is so cute)
Pedro
Ernesto (Ernie!!)
Alberto (Bert!!)
posted by crinklebat at 9:17 PM on July 14, 2009
2nding Pablo (you can call him Pablito when he's little which is so cute)
Pedro
Ernesto (Ernie!!)
Alberto (Bert!!)
posted by crinklebat at 9:17 PM on July 14, 2009
Zebulon
Colm
Jasper
Also, Rowan is so nice, I named my daughter that.
My son's name that we finally picked is Jareth.
posted by Balisong at 9:18 PM on July 14, 2009
Colm
Jasper
Also, Rowan is so nice, I named my daughter that.
My son's name that we finally picked is Jareth.
posted by Balisong at 9:18 PM on July 14, 2009
The name I loved that my husband vetoed was Karsten. Nice strong German name. What about Tor? Leo? I second the Rowan suggestion.
Oh, and congrats! :)
posted by raintea at 9:19 PM on July 14, 2009
Oh, and congrats! :)
posted by raintea at 9:19 PM on July 14, 2009
Probably a more restricted list than you're looking for, but my boy's name was suggested here...
posted by oceanmorning at 9:23 PM on July 14, 2009
posted by oceanmorning at 9:23 PM on July 14, 2009
Thor.
posted by Silvertree at 9:33 PM on July 14, 2009
posted by Silvertree at 9:33 PM on July 14, 2009
Aaron.
Gareth.
Vaughn.
That's all I got. Congratulations!
(Just, please, for the love of Odin, don't take a common name and spell it "creatively." IMHO, no one thinks that "Mykkal" is unique. {shudder})
posted by liquado at 9:35 PM on July 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
Gareth.
Vaughn.
That's all I got. Congratulations!
(Just, please, for the love of Odin, don't take a common name and spell it "creatively." IMHO, no one thinks that "Mykkal" is unique. {shudder})
posted by liquado at 9:35 PM on July 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
Giovanni
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 9:35 PM on July 14, 2009
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 9:35 PM on July 14, 2009
Every suggestion so far has been at least a two puncher if not a three, Rowan?
Just go for a classic name like Max, Karl, Henry, George, Lou, Kent, Len, Jacob, Abe.
Do not name him after a place, no kid needs to grow up named Brooklyn or Paris.
posted by BobbyDigital at 9:50 PM on July 14, 2009
Just go for a classic name like Max, Karl, Henry, George, Lou, Kent, Len, Jacob, Abe.
Do not name him after a place, no kid needs to grow up named Brooklyn or Paris.
posted by BobbyDigital at 9:50 PM on July 14, 2009
+1 Giovanni or
Johnny (of course)
Hunter
Forest
Josiah (Josie)
Billy (William)
Trey
Roberto
Jeb
posted by JohnnyGunn at 9:52 PM on July 14, 2009
Johnny (of course)
Hunter
Forest
Josiah (Josie)
Billy (William)
Trey
Roberto
Jeb
posted by JohnnyGunn at 9:52 PM on July 14, 2009
So I'm not going to give you suggestions - I'll give your our rules / name heuristics.
1) it should have an unambiguous spelling (no Cathy/Kathy)
2) it should be spelled pretty much phonetically (no Ryder)
3) no accents (not that big a deal) (sorry João)
3) it should be common enough that it's not a two-punch name but uncommon enough that there aren't going to be three kids in the class with the same name. Avoid these names.
4) have a favourite ethnic/national/whatever background. Maybe - this is just something to help narrow all the choices. For example, Popular Italian Baby Names. This site has lots of countries.
If you go through all that the list starts to get short and then you can go by feel.
posted by GuyZero at 9:52 PM on July 14, 2009 [6 favorites]
1) it should have an unambiguous spelling (no Cathy/Kathy)
2) it should be spelled pretty much phonetically (no Ryder)
3) no accents (not that big a deal) (sorry João)
3) it should be common enough that it's not a two-punch name but uncommon enough that there aren't going to be three kids in the class with the same name. Avoid these names.
4) have a favourite ethnic/national/whatever background. Maybe - this is just something to help narrow all the choices. For example, Popular Italian Baby Names. This site has lots of countries.
If you go through all that the list starts to get short and then you can go by feel.
posted by GuyZero at 9:52 PM on July 14, 2009 [6 favorites]
I think names that are last names sound strong, like Grant. Names with a K sound or hard C sound feel strong (Jake); also names with a T sound (Brett) seem pretty strong feel edgier.
posted by gt2 at 9:56 PM on July 14, 2009
posted by gt2 at 9:56 PM on July 14, 2009
no kid needs to grow up named Brooklyn or Paris.
Oh yeah:
5) no places
6) no pet names - someone told us once that our son had "a dog's name". I would have maybe been sort of chastened except their kid was named "Buddy" or something like that. They totally gave their kid a dog name.
7) no multi-form/easily-nick-named names: I knew a kid whose birth certificate read "Bobby". Teachers would always assume it was a nickname and make his report cards out to "Robert". Nope. Just Bobby.
8) No gender-ambiguous names. Pat may be perfectly fine for a boy from from Kilkenney but Saturday Night Live ruined it for the rest of us.
posted by GuyZero at 9:57 PM on July 14, 2009 [5 favorites]
Oh yeah:
5) no places
6) no pet names - someone told us once that our son had "a dog's name". I would have maybe been sort of chastened except their kid was named "Buddy" or something like that. They totally gave their kid a dog name.
7) no multi-form/easily-nick-named names: I knew a kid whose birth certificate read "Bobby". Teachers would always assume it was a nickname and make his report cards out to "Robert". Nope. Just Bobby.
8) No gender-ambiguous names. Pat may be perfectly fine for a boy from from Kilkenney but Saturday Night Live ruined it for the rest of us.
posted by GuyZero at 9:57 PM on July 14, 2009 [5 favorites]
Joseph. It rhymes (Joe), and in my book it has zero punches. Probably misses on the "edge" criteria though, which is why you should make his name "Goliath". Joseph Goliath .
Names we stored up but never used: Joshua, Fletcher, Nathan/Nathanial/Nate,
posted by true at 9:58 PM on July 14, 2009
Names we stored up but never used: Joshua, Fletcher, Nathan/Nathanial/Nate,
posted by true at 9:58 PM on July 14, 2009
Alcibiades. Coolest motherfucker in history. Call him Al.
Tamerlane. Another bad SOB. Call him Tam.
posted by nicwolff at 9:59 PM on July 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
Tamerlane. Another bad SOB. Call him Tam.
posted by nicwolff at 9:59 PM on July 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
You can have the name that we had to discard when we had a girl: Roscoe. Such an awesome name.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 10:01 PM on July 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by otherwordlyglow at 10:01 PM on July 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
I'm a super traditionalist with boy's names, and so like names like William, Stephen, Matthew, Phillip, etc. the best.
That said, how about Owen, Conrad, or Mahlon.
posted by gudrun at 10:04 PM on July 14, 2009
That said, how about Owen, Conrad, or Mahlon.
posted by gudrun at 10:04 PM on July 14, 2009
Best answer: Nolan
Logan
Brock
Hudson
Shane
Samson
Clint
Burton
posted by Squee at 10:28 PM on July 14, 2009
Logan
Brock
Hudson
Shane
Samson
Clint
Burton
posted by Squee at 10:28 PM on July 14, 2009
I agree with the "Max" suggestion. You can't go wrong with Max.
Or, "Harvey". I know it doesn't have the rhyme you're looking for, but I've always thought Harvey was one of the cooler male names.
posted by Dreamcast at 10:34 PM on July 14, 2009
Or, "Harvey". I know it doesn't have the rhyme you're looking for, but I've always thought Harvey was one of the cooler male names.
posted by Dreamcast at 10:34 PM on July 14, 2009
Roman
Leo
Theo
Hugo
Marko
Charley
Magnus
Viktor
posted by the littlest brussels sprout at 10:34 PM on July 14, 2009
Leo
Theo
Hugo
Marko
Charley
Magnus
Viktor
posted by the littlest brussels sprout at 10:34 PM on July 14, 2009
17 years ago we named our son Zane.
How it was chosen:
It is a single syllable name and sounds good being shouted out the back door.
Congrats! It's a boy!
You will be yelling his name A LOT
Consider single syllable names.
No regrets so far.
posted by will wait 4 tanjents at 10:35 PM on July 14, 2009
How it was chosen:
It is a single syllable name and sounds good being shouted out the back door.
Congrats! It's a boy!
You will be yelling his name A LOT
Consider single syllable names.
No regrets so far.
posted by will wait 4 tanjents at 10:35 PM on July 14, 2009
Isn't the obvious Joe, rhymes with Moe, as in Joseph? Neither Joe nor Joseph is a soft name. Only E-o-seph (Russian pronunciation) has any chance of being light in the least bit.
I've always wanted to name a boy so I can use all the names I named my stuffed animals as a kid:
Max (Maxwell Smart, Max Fischer of RUSHMORE, Homer Simpson's alternate name: Max Powers)
George (Just love that name. Such a grown up guy name)
Alex
James/Jim
I named my daughter after my best friend (first name modified) and my favorite Aunt. I feel like it should pay homage to someone I look up to at least, so I'd take that into account.
I'm very proud that my name (which I actually hate) came from a cool place (a character in a decent book by a great author). If my parents "just liked it", the fact that I dislike my name might actually irk me.
posted by Gucky at 10:36 PM on July 14, 2009
I've always wanted to name a boy so I can use all the names I named my stuffed animals as a kid:
Max (Maxwell Smart, Max Fischer of RUSHMORE, Homer Simpson's alternate name: Max Powers)
George (Just love that name. Such a grown up guy name)
Alex
James/Jim
I named my daughter after my best friend (first name modified) and my favorite Aunt. I feel like it should pay homage to someone I look up to at least, so I'd take that into account.
I'm very proud that my name (which I actually hate) came from a cool place (a character in a decent book by a great author). If my parents "just liked it", the fact that I dislike my name might actually irk me.
posted by Gucky at 10:36 PM on July 14, 2009
My fiancee and I have name conversations all the time even though we're not expecting.
The name Enoch came up.
I happen to think it is a really badass name. Sadly, it has been ruled out.
So please, name your son Enoch. For me.
posted by Deathalicious at 10:55 PM on July 14, 2009
The name Enoch came up.
I happen to think it is a really badass name. Sadly, it has been ruled out.
So please, name your son Enoch. For me.
posted by Deathalicious at 10:55 PM on July 14, 2009
My youngest nephew's middle name is Koufax (after Sandy Koufax), which I think is pretty awesome.
Other suggestions that might fit your criteria:
- Joseph/Joe
- Jack/Jackson
- Nicholas/Nick (my middle nephew's first name)
- Wilder (middle nephew's middle name, after Billy Wilder)
I also like the names Ulysses, Finn, and Weller. My boyfriend informs me that I will be disallowed from naming any male children that might come along, however.
posted by scody at 11:17 PM on July 14, 2009
Other suggestions that might fit your criteria:
- Joseph/Joe
- Jack/Jackson
- Nicholas/Nick (my middle nephew's first name)
- Wilder (middle nephew's middle name, after Billy Wilder)
I also like the names Ulysses, Finn, and Weller. My boyfriend informs me that I will be disallowed from naming any male children that might come along, however.
posted by scody at 11:17 PM on July 14, 2009
My husband wants to name our son (if we have one) Legion. I actually like it, and I could call him Lee if I wanted to.
posted by sporaticgenius at 11:21 PM on July 14, 2009
posted by sporaticgenius at 11:21 PM on July 14, 2009
We named our son Django (silent d) after French Jazz great Django Reinhardt. Unfortunately, the first co-worker my husband told was a real doofus he couldn't stand and said "oh, you named your son after a character in the latest Star Wars film?" We hadn't seen Lucas' abomination so we had no idea if we just named the kid the noughties equivalent of Jabba the Hut. We changed his name that night (to an awesome one that is on the freakanomics list published years after his birth) but I still love the name Django, even if it is considered hipster.
posted by saucysault at 11:23 PM on July 14, 2009
posted by saucysault at 11:23 PM on July 14, 2009
Oh, and adding the "o" sound to the end of the name immediately softens the name, just look at the list of tough boy names, the only "o" sounds are Bo and Moe. If you do go with Max, at least lengthen it out to Maximilian and show him The Black Hole to give him someone truly badass to imitate.
posted by saucysault at 11:42 PM on July 14, 2009
posted by saucysault at 11:42 PM on July 14, 2009
Logan. No one's gonna punch a kid who might have adamantium claws.
posted by BitterOldPunk at 11:59 PM on July 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by BitterOldPunk at 11:59 PM on July 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
One vote against Jacob/Jake. It's an okay name, but I keep hearing about how it's also the most popular boy's name the last few years (but I can't picture a bunch of Jakes running around outnumbering Mikes and Matts and Marks, just like I can't picture a bunch of girls named "Madison" running around).
And don't pick a name that the other kids will easily be able to make fun of. It'll save your kid a lot of grief. When you narrow it down to a few, ask friends and relatives to rate the mockability of the names, the younger the better.
posted by TheSecretDecoderRing at 12:16 AM on July 15, 2009
And don't pick a name that the other kids will easily be able to make fun of. It'll save your kid a lot of grief. When you narrow it down to a few, ask friends and relatives to rate the mockability of the names, the younger the better.
posted by TheSecretDecoderRing at 12:16 AM on July 15, 2009
I would stay away from anything that even comes close to rhyming with your last name, actually. Having a name like, for example "Moe Banjo" is going to cause the kid a lot more grief than "David Banjo". If you're trying to avoid mocking along with the punches, lose the rhyming idea. I second names like Grant and Garrett. and Tyler. Anything with a T at the beginning or the end is a good choice for a "tough", good-for-scolding name.
posted by kro at 12:24 AM on July 15, 2009
posted by kro at 12:24 AM on July 15, 2009
We named our only son Jude, 13 years ago. Strong, one syllable, has a only a few cultural associations (Lennon, Hardy, new testament epistle; Jude Law nowadays I guess). Not too trendy (at least, my son's never run across another Jude in his peer group).
Congrats!... and I agree, boys' names are hard.
There is a cool tool here, btw, if you want to look at the popularity of US names at different times in history.
Good luck to you.
posted by torticat at 1:57 AM on July 15, 2009
Congrats!... and I agree, boys' names are hard.
There is a cool tool here, btw, if you want to look at the popularity of US names at different times in history.
Good luck to you.
posted by torticat at 1:57 AM on July 15, 2009
And don't pick a name that the other kids will easily be able to make fun of.
You are underestimating the creativity of other children.
posted by rokusan at 2:08 AM on July 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
You are underestimating the creativity of other children.
posted by rokusan at 2:08 AM on July 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
Wyatt. Cowboy names rock.
posted by pearlybob at 2:15 AM on July 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by pearlybob at 2:15 AM on July 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
Second Logan, which is an absolutely bad-ass name. For the love of god, stay away from Rowan. (And Sam. I know about 3 girl Sams and ... no guy Sams.)
If possible, stay away from very obvious and unique celebrity names, or names that reference pop culture in some way. Kids will pick up on it, and it will annoy the crap out of your son.
Congrats!
posted by Phire at 2:15 AM on July 15, 2009
If possible, stay away from very obvious and unique celebrity names, or names that reference pop culture in some way. Kids will pick up on it, and it will annoy the crap out of your son.
Congrats!
posted by Phire at 2:15 AM on July 15, 2009
Oliver?
posted by aint broke at 2:33 AM on July 15, 2009
posted by aint broke at 2:33 AM on July 15, 2009
Joe is good.
Joseph has been a top 10 or 20 name forever, so there would be a couple other Joes in his class here and there, but just enough so that he doesn't feel weird, and Joe and Joey and Joseph are real names that you and he aren't going to be embarrassed about when everyone else is sick to death of the coming clone army of Aidens and Bradens and Cadens.
posted by pracowity at 2:50 AM on July 15, 2009
Joseph has been a top 10 or 20 name forever, so there would be a couple other Joes in his class here and there, but just enough so that he doesn't feel weird, and Joe and Joey and Joseph are real names that you and he aren't going to be embarrassed about when everyone else is sick to death of the coming clone army of Aidens and Bradens and Cadens.
posted by pracowity at 2:50 AM on July 15, 2009
My first name actually is Roman, and it has served me pretty well. It's unique but not strange, and that, along with a good personality of course, can really make you stand out in desirable situations like job/school interviews and meetings with the opposite sex. Plus I never once got punched on the playground.
posted by Roman Graves at 2:54 AM on July 15, 2009
posted by Roman Graves at 2:54 AM on July 15, 2009
I have a nephew named Max. Somedays his middle name is Cute, others it's Whinger. It's awesome. Someday it will be Danger. This will help him make friends, friends who are girls. Also, there is a spy named Max.
I like Logan, too, but be aware that there is a berry named after it.
posted by Jilder at 2:56 AM on July 15, 2009
I like Logan, too, but be aware that there is a berry named after it.
posted by Jilder at 2:56 AM on July 15, 2009
We're flying blind here. Names have a rhythm to them, especially when you say all three together. How many syllables does your last name have? You said it rhymes with "Moses", does it start with an M?
Good luck, my wife and I just had a boy and agonized over boys' names for months. There's a LOT more variety and choice with girls' names. Good luck!
Oh, and I always liked the name Maxwell/Max. Very cool and pretty rare.
posted by zardoz at 2:58 AM on July 15, 2009
Good luck, my wife and I just had a boy and agonized over boys' names for months. There's a LOT more variety and choice with girls' names. Good luck!
Oh, and I always liked the name Maxwell/Max. Very cool and pretty rare.
posted by zardoz at 2:58 AM on July 15, 2009
Three fantastic names in my family:
Toby
Jay
Arno
Two of those have been given to girls, but that makes them even more awesome.
posted by ellenaim at 3:29 AM on July 15, 2009
Toby
Jay
Arno
Two of those have been given to girls, but that makes them even more awesome.
posted by ellenaim at 3:29 AM on July 15, 2009
Dante, that's the name you are looking for. Literary + tough. When's the last time you met someone named Dante that was weak. Never, that's when. Plus he'll be named after an amazing poet. The name's got it all.
posted by milarepa at 3:44 AM on July 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by milarepa at 3:44 AM on July 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
I really like all the people I know named Bruno.
One of them is a 9-year-old James Bond expert who skateboards with his dad and gets a rise out of being sent on "spy missions" at big gatherings.
Laszlo is also cool, and is the Hungarian form of Ladislav, "worshipper of/one-who-gives-glory to the god of Love (Lada)."
posted by mdonley at 3:54 AM on July 15, 2009
One of them is a 9-year-old James Bond expert who skateboards with his dad and gets a rise out of being sent on "spy missions" at big gatherings.
Laszlo is also cool, and is the Hungarian form of Ladislav, "worshipper of/one-who-gives-glory to the god of Love (Lada)."
posted by mdonley at 3:54 AM on July 15, 2009
Every suggestion so far has been at least a two puncher if not a three, Rowan?
For what it's worth, my name is Rowan and I've never been punched for it. An author signing a book once said
"Ah, named for the Rowan tree. Have you seen one? They have lovely berries, and the birds love them". We chatted idly for a minute or two, and as I left he said "I hope the birds love you too, Rowan".
So you get clever jokes made by authors AND you don't get punches .
posted by twirlypen at 4:05 AM on July 15, 2009
For what it's worth, my name is Rowan and I've never been punched for it. An author signing a book once said
"Ah, named for the Rowan tree. Have you seen one? They have lovely berries, and the birds love them". We chatted idly for a minute or two, and as I left he said "I hope the birds love you too, Rowan".
So you get clever jokes made by authors AND you don't get punches .
posted by twirlypen at 4:05 AM on July 15, 2009
joseph. he can be a joseph, joe, joey. for a middle name, maybe something like stephen, which gives him even more options in case he wants to reinvent himself when he goes off to college or something.
posted by rmd1023 at 4:16 AM on July 15, 2009
posted by rmd1023 at 4:16 AM on July 15, 2009
Obviously, I think Joseph wins here.
But I like Owen a lot.
posted by SkylitDrawl at 4:50 AM on July 15, 2009
But I like Owen a lot.
posted by SkylitDrawl at 4:50 AM on July 15, 2009
I'd pick a name that would have been popular during my parents' or grandparents' time. Arthur, Martin, Frank, David, John, Lawrence, something like that, if you want a robust name. A lot of the names on this list so far strike me as "trendy", special snowflakey sort of names. And it seems, these days, your kid is more likely to be just one in a crowd of Joshuas or Logans than he would be if he were a Frank.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 4:58 AM on July 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 4:58 AM on July 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
What about:
Jack
Clint
Or name him whatever and just teach him to introduce himself Bond, James Bond...
posted by getmetoSF at 5:25 AM on July 15, 2009
Jack
Clint
Or name him whatever and just teach him to introduce himself Bond, James Bond...
posted by getmetoSF at 5:25 AM on July 15, 2009
Logan is good. How about Wolfgang or Karl as well? Congrats! :)
posted by Hanuman1960 at 5:32 AM on July 15, 2009
posted by Hanuman1960 at 5:32 AM on July 15, 2009
Marlo
posted by emilyd22222 at 5:33 AM on July 15, 2009
posted by emilyd22222 at 5:33 AM on July 15, 2009
Errol.
posted by blaneyphoto at 5:39 AM on July 15, 2009
posted by blaneyphoto at 5:39 AM on July 15, 2009
All the Rowans I know here in the US are (pagan) women. I know there are British dudes with the name, but it's not my first association — and when I do remember that it's a British men's name, the first guy I think of is Mr. Bean. Anyway, I'm guessing its punchworthiness varies between continents.
Cody's a long-o name that hasn't been mentioned yet. The interwebs tell me he would share it with a professional wrestler and some kinda outdoor survivalist guy.
Frankly, though, I kinda agree with PhoBWan. I have a common name that's been common for centuries. It never bothered me when I shared it with classmates or whatever. Whereas all of the Samanthas, Melissas, Jessicas and Jennifers I knew (name that decade!) were annoyed as all hell about it. As far as I can tell, the problem isn't having a common name — it's being a living embodiment of a bygone trend. Y'ask me, Joe's the right choice.
posted by nebulawindphone at 5:44 AM on July 15, 2009
Cody's a long-o name that hasn't been mentioned yet. The interwebs tell me he would share it with a professional wrestler and some kinda outdoor survivalist guy.
Frankly, though, I kinda agree with PhoBWan. I have a common name that's been common for centuries. It never bothered me when I shared it with classmates or whatever. Whereas all of the Samanthas, Melissas, Jessicas and Jennifers I knew (name that decade!) were annoyed as all hell about it. As far as I can tell, the problem isn't having a common name — it's being a living embodiment of a bygone trend. Y'ask me, Joe's the right choice.
posted by nebulawindphone at 5:44 AM on July 15, 2009
Dominic.
posted by jamesonandwater at 5:55 AM on July 15, 2009
posted by jamesonandwater at 5:55 AM on July 15, 2009
Owen's a great name.
Agreed with everyone to stay away from the Brayden/Caden/Raden army of names.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 6:29 AM on July 15, 2009
Agreed with everyone to stay away from the Brayden/Caden/Raden army of names.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 6:29 AM on July 15, 2009
Silas
posted by sickinthehead at 7:23 AM on July 15, 2009
posted by sickinthehead at 7:23 AM on July 15, 2009
Jameson (Jamie)
Jackson (Jack)
Jefferson (Jeff)
Tomas (Tom)
Alexander (Alex)
Andrew (Drew)
Craig
posted by yawper at 7:24 AM on July 15, 2009
Jackson (Jack)
Jefferson (Jeff)
Tomas (Tom)
Alexander (Alex)
Andrew (Drew)
Craig
posted by yawper at 7:24 AM on July 15, 2009
Going on the Max line of thought...just yesterday it occurred to me that Maxwell would be an excellent name. Other than that, Nathaniel's always been one of my favorites for a boy.
posted by miratime at 7:24 AM on July 15, 2009
posted by miratime at 7:24 AM on July 15, 2009
Noah seems like a pretty tough name, but maybe I've watched too much Heroes.
If you want a name that's taunt-proof, than you're probably going to be eventually disappointed. The best you can do is a classic name as PhoBWanKenobi (who clearly is good at coming up with names!) mentioned. The more I look around, the more I see these trendy names. So-called classic names seem to be less common.
posted by RikiTikiTavi at 7:27 AM on July 15, 2009
If you want a name that's taunt-proof, than you're probably going to be eventually disappointed. The best you can do is a classic name as PhoBWanKenobi (who clearly is good at coming up with names!) mentioned. The more I look around, the more I see these trendy names. So-called classic names seem to be less common.
posted by RikiTikiTavi at 7:27 AM on July 15, 2009
I love English baby naming threads.
I like some nerdy names, like Arthur and Walter. I also like the names Jack, Jonathan, and Joshua. Also, Leo and Pablo.
I would stay away from those names that are extremely popular, like Madison, etc. that sound fancy (like what roomthreeseventeen said about the whole "Brayden/Caden/Raden." It's getting ridiculous.)
Don't name him Tripp or Trig or Track.
posted by anniecat at 7:34 AM on July 15, 2009
I like some nerdy names, like Arthur and Walter. I also like the names Jack, Jonathan, and Joshua. Also, Leo and Pablo.
I would stay away from those names that are extremely popular, like Madison, etc. that sound fancy (like what roomthreeseventeen said about the whole "Brayden/Caden/Raden." It's getting ridiculous.)
Don't name him Tripp or Trig or Track.
posted by anniecat at 7:34 AM on July 15, 2009
Barkevious!
Seriouisly, my wife and I have a theory that the wackier a boy's name, the more likely that they will get involved in athletic activities and excel in them. It serves as a defense against schoolyard taunting (would you make fum of someone who could throw you 20 feet using one hand?), and a means to make themselves more acceptable. This is also why you hear a lot of strange names among professional athletes.
I will say that it's actually a bad idea to have the first and last names rhyme. That might be worth more "punches" than anything.
Anyway, Barack has gotten popular as a boy's name lately. Go figure. You could also use the Hebrew pronunciation/romanization, "Baruch".
Others:
Declan
Tristan
Trevor
Broderick
Bryce
posted by Citrus at 7:40 AM on July 15, 2009
Seriouisly, my wife and I have a theory that the wackier a boy's name, the more likely that they will get involved in athletic activities and excel in them. It serves as a defense against schoolyard taunting (would you make fum of someone who could throw you 20 feet using one hand?), and a means to make themselves more acceptable. This is also why you hear a lot of strange names among professional athletes.
I will say that it's actually a bad idea to have the first and last names rhyme. That might be worth more "punches" than anything.
Anyway, Barack has gotten popular as a boy's name lately. Go figure. You could also use the Hebrew pronunciation/romanization, "Baruch".
Others:
Declan
Tristan
Trevor
Broderick
Bryce
posted by Citrus at 7:40 AM on July 15, 2009
@Anniecat: Actually, naming a child "Raiden" would be awesome. Otherwise, I agree with your point. :)
posted by Citrus at 7:41 AM on July 15, 2009
posted by Citrus at 7:41 AM on July 15, 2009
William: traditional, strong, and flexible enough to take any number of nicknames later on. (He will, of course, be called "Bill" by every salesman, huckster, and stranger until he dies. Which beats then Roberts who get "Bob," though.)
And I have to admit, my hands would be sore from punching so many of the names I see on this page.
We have four kids (two boys, two girls) and naming really is a tough thing. Do you go for a family name or not? Trendy or classic? Ethnic or neutral? Something literary (which will please you briefly but brand him The Son Of A Dork forever) or, worse, something from a TV show or movie? What about an alternative spelling? *shudder* (Don't do it!) A name you can easliy shorten to a nickname or one more immutable?
Also, congratulations!!
posted by wenestvedt at 7:45 AM on July 15, 2009
And I have to admit, my hands would be sore from punching so many of the names I see on this page.
We have four kids (two boys, two girls) and naming really is a tough thing. Do you go for a family name or not? Trendy or classic? Ethnic or neutral? Something literary (which will please you briefly but brand him The Son Of A Dork forever) or, worse, something from a TV show or movie? What about an alternative spelling? *shudder* (Don't do it!) A name you can easliy shorten to a nickname or one more immutable?
Also, congratulations!!
posted by wenestvedt at 7:45 AM on July 15, 2009
We named our twin sons Peter (means rock) and Andrew (means strong and manly). Two substantial names that worked out well on the playground. (There was some teasing about Peter for a year, but that went away).
posted by RussHy at 8:17 AM on July 15, 2009
posted by RussHy at 8:17 AM on July 15, 2009
Name him after a man of the cloth. Call him Amos Moses.
He'll be able to trap the biggest, meanest alligator and just use one hand.
posted by lampoil at 8:19 AM on July 15, 2009
He'll be able to trap the biggest, meanest alligator and just use one hand.
posted by lampoil at 8:19 AM on July 15, 2009
There is only one truly great boy's name.
It is Rufus.
That's right.
posted by A Terrible Llama at 8:36 AM on July 15, 2009
It is Rufus.
That's right.
posted by A Terrible Llama at 8:36 AM on July 15, 2009
Some of these names might be a little much, so consider hitching them to a more traditional first name, as in "John Crowe Ransom":
Absolom
Clovis
Godard
Leonidas
Lothar
Osred
Saxo
Scipio
posted by Iridic at 8:40 AM on July 15, 2009
Absolom
Clovis
Godard
Leonidas
Lothar
Osred
Saxo
Scipio
posted by Iridic at 8:40 AM on July 15, 2009
My soon-to-be-born (tomorrow!) nephew's middle names are Aurelius & Doyle. Two pretty strong names!
posted by TurquoiseZebra at 9:22 AM on July 15, 2009
posted by TurquoiseZebra at 9:22 AM on July 15, 2009
Caleb
Arthur
Elvis
Mordecai
Thelonious ("the esoteric appeal is worth the beatings!")
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 9:38 AM on July 15, 2009
Arthur
Elvis
Mordecai
Thelonious ("the esoteric appeal is worth the beatings!")
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 9:38 AM on July 15, 2009
We took a different approach in that we brought a list of maybe 10 names of different themes to the hospital. When our son was born, we tried out maybe 5, w/each name lasting a morning or afternoon.
After getting to know him a bit, even after only 2 1/2 days, it was incredibly obvious which one of those 5 was the right name. The winner wasn't an early favorite, and wouldn't have been the winner had we simply settled on the name prior.
I'm also of the opinion that the best names have some character, but not so much that a child can't put his or her own stamp on it. The kid's got to own that name, eventually.
BTW: we frequent playgrounds in San Francisco which, as a town, tends to have kid names that START at 3-punches.
posted by NoRelationToLea at 9:40 AM on July 15, 2009
After getting to know him a bit, even after only 2 1/2 days, it was incredibly obvious which one of those 5 was the right name. The winner wasn't an early favorite, and wouldn't have been the winner had we simply settled on the name prior.
I'm also of the opinion that the best names have some character, but not so much that a child can't put his or her own stamp on it. The kid's got to own that name, eventually.
BTW: we frequent playgrounds in San Francisco which, as a town, tends to have kid names that START at 3-punches.
posted by NoRelationToLea at 9:40 AM on July 15, 2009
Hector
posted by molybdenumblue at 9:40 AM on July 15, 2009
posted by molybdenumblue at 9:40 AM on July 15, 2009
I like Robert as it works in both of Canada's official languages. Not Bob or Bobby, but Robert.
Then there's the old Scottish stand-bys: Ian, Gordon, Duncan, Angus, Andrew. Not a wimp in the lot.
Just don't call the kid Randolph which gets shortened to Randy.
posted by x46 at 9:50 AM on July 15, 2009
Then there's the old Scottish stand-bys: Ian, Gordon, Duncan, Angus, Andrew. Not a wimp in the lot.
Just don't call the kid Randolph which gets shortened to Randy.
posted by x46 at 9:50 AM on July 15, 2009
I love my boys' names, but I'm only going to suggest one of them - Miles. I think Linus is at best a one-punch name, and Oliver "too soft" for your manly lad.
posted by pyjammy at 10:28 AM on July 15, 2009
posted by pyjammy at 10:28 AM on July 15, 2009
one name I considered for a baby boy was Linden, which is related to my mother's maiden name. Does one of your parent's names lend itself to a first name?
posted by vespabelle at 10:50 AM on July 15, 2009
posted by vespabelle at 10:50 AM on July 15, 2009
Response by poster: These are all marvelous. I thank you all. Me and the lady must now consult.
posted by It ain't over yet at 11:25 AM on July 15, 2009
posted by It ain't over yet at 11:25 AM on July 15, 2009
I have never seen a :
Bruce
Bryce
Trent or
Mitchell
Take any sh*t from other kids on the playground...
posted by WeekendJen at 11:51 AM on July 15, 2009
Bruce
Bryce
Trent or
Mitchell
Take any sh*t from other kids on the playground...
posted by WeekendJen at 11:51 AM on July 15, 2009
Cole?
I also really like Oliver, Harvey, Calvin and Søren.
posted by triggerfinger at 1:03 PM on July 15, 2009
I also really like Oliver, Harvey, Calvin and Søren.
posted by triggerfinger at 1:03 PM on July 15, 2009
Tongue in cheek, but make sure none of these names are on this list.
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 1:05 PM on July 15, 2009
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 1:05 PM on July 15, 2009
I have never seen a :
Bruce
...
Take any sh*t from other kids on the playground...
Nor in the philosophy department.
posted by Kerasia at 9:13 PM on July 15, 2009
Bruce
...
Take any sh*t from other kids on the playground...
Nor in the philosophy department.
posted by Kerasia at 9:13 PM on July 15, 2009
And don't pick a name that the other kids will easily be able to make fun of.
---
You are underestimating the creativity of other children.
Some names are much, much easier to mock than others, and are done with more frequency. And if a kid's gonna make a stretch to mock a name like Nate or Jake, the teasee could probably do the same to the teaser, and both kids would know it's pointless before it even starts.
But "Darcy" or "Elvis"? I kinda doubt those would've been easy names to live with during any of our childhoods. Assuming Nintendo's still in business in ten years, "Mario" probably wouldn't evade any punches on the playground ("Where's Luigi? Haw haw!"). And I'm sure the current host of the Tonight Show would relentlessly try to dissuade the OP from naming his kid "Conan."
I dunno how a kid would make fun of "Rowan" though, unless they're big "Laugh In" fans.
It'd be interesting to see if there are any articles (or "This American Life" stories) on what the kids of today think of their own names.
posted by TheSecretDecoderRing at 11:26 PM on July 15, 2009
---
You are underestimating the creativity of other children.
Some names are much, much easier to mock than others, and are done with more frequency. And if a kid's gonna make a stretch to mock a name like Nate or Jake, the teasee could probably do the same to the teaser, and both kids would know it's pointless before it even starts.
But "Darcy" or "Elvis"? I kinda doubt those would've been easy names to live with during any of our childhoods. Assuming Nintendo's still in business in ten years, "Mario" probably wouldn't evade any punches on the playground ("Where's Luigi? Haw haw!"). And I'm sure the current host of the Tonight Show would relentlessly try to dissuade the OP from naming his kid "Conan."
I dunno how a kid would make fun of "Rowan" though, unless they're big "Laugh In" fans.
It'd be interesting to see if there are any articles (or "This American Life" stories) on what the kids of today think of their own names.
posted by TheSecretDecoderRing at 11:26 PM on July 15, 2009
I hope you'll update us when you've made your choice!
posted by otherwordlyglow at 11:03 AM on July 16, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by otherwordlyglow at 11:03 AM on July 16, 2009 [1 favorite]
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Jacob - Jake
posted by metahawk at 9:04 PM on July 14, 2009