My first thought: I think both "Alexander" and "Benjamin" are going to be given NN's among family and in school.
That being said, Alexander would be my choice, and I would immediately begin calling him Alex as a NN (because I like Alex better, but would want to give him the option of Alexander later in life). I also like the NN Al. I don't care for the NN Xander, but it is another option. While I think "Benjamin" is a solid name, and "Ben" is a fine NN, I really dislike "Benny," and I think it might be unavoidable.
@BumpasaurusRex yeah! I can't put my finger on why I wouldn't use Xander myself, but I wouldn't mind if my son was Alexander and someone called him that. It's a weird gray area NN for me, I guess.
Are you me? My DS is James and we were STRONGLY considering Benjamin John if this one was a boy, haha. Obviously, I think you have great taste in names.
DH has a thing for monosyllabic names, so he preferred Ben as a nn, while I was leaning more toward Benji. I don't think I've ever known a Benjamin IRL that went by the nn Benny, so you could probably nip that in the bud pretty easily.
Both are great, strong names (we actually considered both for our DS and this current little one), but I would pick Benjamin. Love the nicknames Ben or Benji.
Fur daughter: 02/2011 Human sons: 11/2015 & 05/2017 *formerly kayemjay*
Re: Help Us Decide!
That being said, Alexander would be my choice, and I would immediately begin calling him Alex as a NN (because I like Alex better, but would want to give him the option of Alexander later in life). I also like the NN Al. I don't care for the NN Xander, but it is another option. While I think "Benjamin" is a solid name, and "Ben" is a fine NN, I really dislike "Benny," and I think it might be unavoidable.
Big Bro 7/14/13
Little Bro 2/6/17
George (3)
I know a lot of Benjamins and I've never heard one called Benny. I can't imagine that becoming problematic if they go by Ben.
Both are solid classic names. You can't go wrong.
I also like all of the nn options- AJ, Alex, Lex, Xander that Alexander has.
Honestly though, you can't go wrong with either
Baby #2 Due 3/7/20
DH has a thing for monosyllabic names, so he preferred Ben as a nn, while I was leaning more toward Benji. I don't think I've ever known a Benjamin IRL that went by the nn Benny, so you could probably nip that in the bud pretty easily.
Alexander John sounds very nice, as well. However, I think Benjamin flows a little better with James
Human sons: 11/2015 & 05/2017
*formerly kayemjay*
DD1 born 5/24/10.
Missed M/C at 14 wks Feb 2012.
DD2 born 5/14/13.
Missed M/C at 9 wks July 2015.
Big Bro 7/14/13
Little Bro 2/6/17
Red (30) & DH (30) m. 08'
IVF #2 Roman Carter 8/3/16 (40+6)
5 frozen embryos