DH loves the name Jacob, i like it, but don't want something too popular. is it too popular? We also like Samuel which is less popular...we have been back and forth lots...any suggestions between these names or new ones??
Jacob is actually my favorite boy's name, but I have the same concern.... It is extremely popular. I do like Samuel, too. Nice and classic but not quite as popular as Jacob.
My DH wants the name Jacob as well, but I have big concerns over its popularity. Not only was it the #1 name on the SSA website for 2007, but also for like the ten years running before that!! I do like the name, but I really worry about there being five other kids in his class with the same name. We haven't decided for sure yet which name we will be using, but Jacob is still in the running. If it is your favorite too though, then I say go for it and forget about popularity!
I like the name too, but it is popular... It is #1 right now. Whether that's too popular for you to use it - only you can decide. Will it bother you that there could be 3 other Jacobs in his class? Or will you be okay with it because you love the name?
I personally do not think it is too popular...my brother named his 7 month old son Jakob and my first thought was that it wasn't a popular name but an older, classic name...I love it...
I love the name, in fact, my nephew is Jakob. But, my husband is also a Matthew and he said it's so annoying dealing with 20 other Matt/Matthews a day for his job and in general having the same name as so many others. That might be along the same line for Jacob.
Clearly, Samuel is better! Actually, funny thing is, we are considering Jacob for baby #3 if it's a boy.. but, b/c of the popularity, I might opt for Jack instead (love it as much, but a little less common).
Personally, I wouldn't use any of the names in the top 5 (let alone #1) in the SSA top 10 as a first name, because I had 3-4 girls plus myself in every class with my name and I hated it. If this is a concern for you, go with Samuel. If it is not a concern for you, go with Jacob.
Married in 2008 - DD born in 2010 - EDD 6.15.2012!
I love the name Jacob/Jake! However, I just couldn't use it bc of how popular it is (think Matthew and Michael of late 70s early 80s lol). It's a shame I tell you! Anyway, I do like Samuel/Sam and I don't think you can go wrong with that name It's definitely good for a kid and an adult.
Re: Boy name...too popular?
I think Jacob is a good, classic, boy's name. I like it better than Samuel, but both are good names.
I like the name Jacob, but I don't care for the nn Jake.
I prefer Samuel. Less popular & Sam/Sammy are good nn, IMO.