HELP us decide what to "call" our son!

colson1742

Okay ladies, this is my first discussion post and I REALLY need some opinions! So 1st off my husband is Greek and is the 1st born son in his immediate family and their tradition is that the 1st born son has to name his first born son after the father and grandfather. So our sons legal name WILL BE 'Michael Alexander Kefaloukos' (Michael is the grandfathers first name, Alexander being my husbands first name and they each go by mike and Alex). Now here comes the catch- since I don't have a choice with a name here I have to work with what I've been given and I am not one to be fond of common names what so ever! I'm trying to think of a name we can use on a daily basis for him that works based on his legal name and although they may be a stretch I really like a few on them. Until this point we had decided to call him "Xander" (short for Alexander and the X makes a Z sound). I felt like that was my only option that I somewhat liked but I would never name my child that just because. Now please stay with me here I know this is long I just feel I need to finish explaining.
My daughter is 5 1/2 and she has a different father and I got to name her what I wanted. My plan before she was born was to name her "Mylie Izabella" and call her "Izzy". The "izzy" part fell through and it didn't stick so I guess that's also why I worry about "Xander" plus I don't LOVE IT.
OK so here are my options here I would like your opinions and feel free to comment too to further explain if you wish. His initials will
Be MAK. We could call him "Mak" (Mack) or my new favorite is Max but that's a stretch and this is how I got that Michael AleXander (the M-A-X). Or if your opinion is just to keep it simple that's fine that's why I'm asking. I'm thinking about down the road too when he's in school how will it affect writing his name and such. Thanks so much for taking the time.

taliaronchi

I love Xander as a nickname for Alexander. Different and cool. I don't see why it wouldn't stick if this is what u tell people his name is and introduce him as. Mak is also really cool. I totally get wanting a different name so your kid is not in a sea of Mikes. Although I'm not sure that name is all that common anymore anyway. At least with babies. All are really strong names. You can't go wrong either way. Good luck!

Tnpeach

I like Mike. Grandpa will get a kick out of mini Mike. Plus, with Michael as his first name, he will be getting it a lot anyway.

Xath

I really like Xander, but if you're not set on it, here are a few other options for the names you have:

Michael:  Mick, Cale, Micha, Mitch, Cal, Mishka, Miha, Mika, Mickey

Alexander: Lex, Xan, Ander, Sander, Andy, Axel, Xandy, Ali, Al

spacepotatoes

I kind of feel like you're overthinking it. I'd say keep it simple. Once he's here, I think nicknames will come naturally and you'll see what suits his personality and what you're comfortable with too. When he's old enough to start writing his own name, he may have his own preferences at that point. I think it's too soon to be worrying about that, especially since his actual name isn't anything off the wall.

spinsoffresonance

I voted Michael, but I think Mak would work as well. There's a boy in DD's class who goes by his initials CAM. That being said it sounds like you don't really like the name. I think Michael Alexander is a great name but if you don't like it you don't have to use it. Tradition or not, he's your child too and you have to be on board with his name. Just tell DH you don't like it and move on to something you can both agree on.
If you don't want to completely ditch the tradition, use Michael or Alexander or Michael-Alexander as a middle name and find a new first name.

deanna1313

I can't vote! My friends husband is greek and did the same name tradition. My stepfather and brother are both Michael Alexander and my husband is Michael James so we are naming the baby after my husband. I am not a fan of common names either, but I like the tradition so I'm doing it and fine with it. I have trouble calling the baby Michael it reminds me of too many family members. I like your nicknames, but maybe Max the best. Is the family going to freak out if you don't call him Michael?
We might try Mikey or MJ, but definitely Michael. I can't get used to any if it, honestly.

sisterjanet

Nicknames I regularly use for Benjamin: Smoochy, Kitten, Bunny, Benja-minja, sweetie pie, Moj (and my sister calls him Jammy or Jamming so often my parents have started to do that) (and most of my family-in-law calls him Ben or Benny). 

Nicknames I planned to use ahead of time: _______ (none; no planning of that kind happened)

Basically, I agree with PPs that you're overthinking.  If you're having fun daydreaming about nicknames go right ahead, but don't put time and effort into worrying about this.  Nicknames just happen.

lauralou3x3

I love Xander. But that could be because that's my dogs name. I just love how different it is! Esp short for Alexander.

Kaylee524

I voted Xander, but I'm probably biased because I'm a Buffy/anything Joss Whedon fan.

daisyemerson

As someone who hated growing up with a nickname (loved my nickname, hated my long pretentious official name), think of your son's ease of explanation to every single teacher, friend, college, job application, or official paperwork, dr's office, and just about everybody for the rest of his life. Michael/mike/Mikey is so natural that it won't be an issue but trying to get teachers to understand and remember a totally different name than what is on their roster is a pain!!! (As just an example).
I understand and respect the tradition, but I think it really sucks that you have to name your kid something you don't like and are now searching for a totally different sounding nickname to call him instead. I feel like that defeats the tradition and you should just pick a name that you like.
I don't mean that to be bitchy in any way and I'm sorry if it comes out that way, my intent was sympathetic

Hooper88

I love Xander, but I'm biased...that's what I am naming my son

colson1742

Thanks for all the input I appreciate it all. And to answer a few questions people had, yes my husbands name is actually "mihalis" but that's only his legal Greek name since he was born there. He moved here when he was a baby and his legal name here is Michael Alexander (BTW I literally just learned that a few days ago I had ok idea he had a different legal name there!)
And yes I sort of feel like me wanting to call him something different does kind of defeat the purpose of the tradition and i do feel like I should get more of a say and not HAVE to stick with the tradition if I don't like the names but I respect the tradition and my husband is very strong willed and I know he will not budge on it. I'm lucky he's accepted "Xander". And I totally didn't expect his mother to go for it either but she actually says she loves it.
I understand it does seem like I'm making this more complicated than it has to be but I want to find something to call him for good bc I honestly would rather relatives not refer to him as Michael and I've also been trying to figure out a name decal to put on the wall in his nursery.
I'm glad so many of you like the name Xander- it helps me like it more again. I do like the name Max too but I don't think the hubby will go for it. Oh well. All I know is there is no changing the tradition of his legal name but I guess I can just call him what I want. Thanks for all the opinions!

colson1742

I guess I was too young for Buffy. I mean I knew the show but never watched it so I didn't even know about this Xander character but AWESOME! I'm glad so many people are in favor of the name makes me feel much better