Thanks for all the feedback so far! @kswiger06 no, I haven't seen the movie rat race. But yes, Owen is pretty popular and I'm not sure I'm thrilled about that, but I still like it better than 99% of my husband's other picks! And we haven't got a set middle name either! I'd love to honor my grandpa (Raymond) but it doesn't reallt flow nicely with any of our contenders. It sounds like a mouthful too with our 3 syllable last name.
@jlellis603 Wyatt is a nice choice. Wasn't it you that said your family didn't like your name? I think my DH likes it though due to Wyatt Earp!
@homemake Noah is my last biblical name that makes the cut, but I'm not sure. I think its pretty popular too. I loved Elijah, Simon or Silas but DH hated them!
Oscar the grouch could be an issue, but it's not the worst thing kids could say, right?
@FreshBakedBrownies actually we haven't told our families yet! My mom guessed actually, out of the blue, but she likes it. We are about 99% sure that is what we are using but I think my fiancé wants to wait until he's born and make sure it fits him first. We are going with a family middle name, that I really don't care for, maybe that's what you were thinking of! I don't know if it sounds more girly, but maybe you could try Ray for a middle name? I know people tend to do the Rae thing with girls but it could be an option with a long last name!
@FreshBakedBrownies, Noah would fit the biblical name theme! It's cute! We also have the biblical name theme going. We have Elijah, Asher, and baby will be Abigail.
@FreshBakedBrownies I love all of your names! However, Owen and Noah are REALLY popular these days, so if your prefer your kid not be one of three with the same name in his class growing up, I'd go with Wyatt or Oscar. Oscar was on our shortlist, actually. But really, they're all great names!
@FreshBakedBrownies, Noah would fit the biblical name theme! It's cute! We also have the biblical name theme going. We have Elijah, Asher, and baby will be Abigail.
I would've loved to use Elijah but my husband said he really didn't like it and vetoed it. I cut some of his favorites too though (nope, I'm not naming my baby Axel!)
Abigail was our daughter's name, so I obviously love your choice.
@FreshBakedBrownies I love all of your names! However, Owen and Noah are REALLY popular these days, so if your prefer your kid not be one of three with the same name in his class growing up, I'd go with Wyatt or Oscar. Oscar was on our shortlist, actually. But really, they're all great names!
I think that's my issue with Owen and Noah. I really like them better than Wyatt and Oscar, but prefer a name that's less common. Did you already share the name you picked?
@FreshBakedBrownies our guy will be Theodore Harold. Isaac was actually a contender for middle name, but Harold is a family name that H really wants to use. Theodore is gaining in popularity - currently 99th according to the SSA up from 116th or something last year, but we figure it would likely be a while before it's TOO popular, if it ever gets there. Plus there are a number of nickname options he can choose from. I plan to call him Theodore when he is young so that he doesn't feel stuck with a single nickname before he can pick one for himself, but we'll see how that goes. I have a feeling that as a baby, he'll be called Teddy mostly.
We have only told two people IRL (my BFF and my MIL) because we don't really want our families' and friends' opinions, plus it's fun to have a secret.
@FreshBakedBrownies we're still undecided. I don't think H will commit 100% until he's out. Boy names are so tough! I really like all of your names but as a traditionalist I think Oscar and Noah are my favorites.
We're leaning about 80% towards Samuel. I would lock it in today if H would consent! Other options include Noah here as well, plus Colin. I'm trying to keep Maxwell, nn Max, in the running, but H just isn't having it beyond polite nods and smiles. Nathan is also occasionally discussed, but we keep coming back to Samuel. We're less concerned with popularity than with timelessness and ease of spelling/pronunciation.
@Xstatic3333 love your name choices! And I agree to an extent about popularity vs. timelessness/ease of spelling/pronunciation - with the exception that I wanted to avoid names in the top-10, or names trending to be in the top-10 within a couple of years... That's why I like Theodore - it's not ridiculously popular, but it's a well-known, traditional name that is easy to spell and pronounce. I'm sure my kid will run into other Theodores/Theos/Teddys in school, but he probably won't be one of three in his class every year (hopefully).
@Xstatic3333 I'm gpad someone else isn't 100% decided yet either! Although I like Samuel! We wouldn't use it due to a close friend's son Samuel. I also know a baby Samson and think that's cute too.
Theodore is a nice classic name @madamerwin. And family names for a middle name are great when they flow nicely like yours does!
We had decided then dh came home from deployment and we undecided so I think we changed the first name from Hannah to Emma. I figure we just need to really wait till baby is here to decide for certain.
We have not decided yet! Right now the only solid contender we have is Nathaniel John. My husband had wanted Norman as the middle name, but I have talked him into John to honor my grandpa, who I loved so much.
Married - 7/29/06 Ben and Maggie - 4/10/09 Mia - 6/16/11 Surprise! due 2/23/17
@MLRocha we're in a similar place (and also team green). We've got it narrowed down to a couple favorites for both outcomes, then I waver and want to start over because it seems weird to me to have just one name picked out before meeting the baby. I'm awful at this
Here's an odd question, has anyone that has decided on their names yet found that since making your decision you've seen or heard that name like EVERYWHERE? If my DH and I have a girl her name is going to be Abigail. In the past month I've seen that name all over the place, heard it numerous times, and I don't know why but it almost has me second guessing my choice. I think it's just nerves because I really love the name, I just didn't think it was as common right now I thought it had lost a little popularity over the years. Lol
We're still undecided too. We have a long list of 8 or so and we haven't taken any names off the list. But I'm not crazy about any of them. I'm actually very happy this thread is active again lol.
DS1 is Harlan and DS2 is Micah. We're looking for names that aren't used very often but aren't overly "unique" either. But most of the names we came up with are a little more popular than our first two.
We have: Vincent, Weston, Braxton, Luke, Brayden, Eli, Ashton, and Oliver.
I feel like it's alot harder to come up with a short list this time and names that I absolutely love.
We're still undecided too. We have a long list of 8 or so and we haven't taken any names off the list. But I'm not crazy about any of them. I'm actually very happy this thread is active again lol.
DS1 is Harlan and DS2 is Micah. We're looking for names that aren't used very often but are overly "unique" either. But most of the names we came up with are a little more popular than our first two.
We have: Vincent, Weston, Braxton, Luke, Brayden, Eli, Ashton, and Oliver.
I feel like it's alot harder to come up with a short list this time and names that I absolutely love.
I love Luke! It's out for us because of a one syllable last name.
We are team green and have a girl name chosen, but are having a tough time deciding on a boy name. We like classic names but my husband doesn't want one of the super popular ones (William, James). Some contenders:
Jerome Jeremy Geoffrey Jason
I'd love to hear some reactions to Jerome especially - it isn't very common.
@becks13 that's an example of a cognitive bias called the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon, also known as the Frequency Illusion. Basically what's happening is that your brain has reprogrammed itself to notice instances of the name more easily now that it's significant in your life. It's the same thing that happens when you notice cars that look just like yours in every parking lot, or someone wearing a shirt you also own.
@AliJorgensen29 I love Weston and Luke! I know a lot of Wesley's now so Weston is a nice change. I tried to throw Luca (Luke-uh) out but my fiancé wasn't having it
@BeckS13 I haven't noticed it with the name we picked (Ridley) but when my SIL announced our nephew was going to be named Finley I'd never heard that name before that I remember and it suddenly was popping up everywhere. I notice it with other things too, like if I learn a new word suddenly it feels like everyone uses that word.
Me: 33 | DH: 34 Married: October, 19, 2015 EDD 2/22/17 DS1 born on 3/2/17 EDD 3/8/20 DS2 born on 3/10/20 EDD 11/24/23 (Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)
Here's an odd question, has anyone that has decided on their names yet found that since making your decision you've seen or heard that name like EVERYWHERE? If my DH and I have a girl her name is going to be Abigail. In the past month I've seen that name all over the place, heard it numerous times, and I don't know why but it almost has me second guessing my choice. I think it's just nerves because I really love the name, I just didn't think it was as common right now I thought it had lost a little popularity over the years. Lol
Well despite the fact that we are also naming our baby girl Abigail, I really only noticed it more so in teenagers. I haven't noticed a lot of babies or younger girls with the name
@AliJorgensen29 with your other boy names already, I like the way Ashton, or Weston sound with them!!
@jlellis603 the only time I've ever heard the name Luca was with my sister. Her kids names end with "a" she has Isabella and Koda. Koda took me forever to get used to, but when she got pregnant with number 3 she had either Arianna for a girl or Luca for a boy. I was so relieved she had a girl haha.
@BeckS13 while we were debating between William and Austin, we saw both names all over the place. My husband kept pointing out all the Austin's on road names, movies, stores, crazy places and he kept saying it was because it was "meant to be" lol... then I started seeing William places and when I pointed it out to my husband, he said he was seeing it too but was hoping I didn't notice so that way I'd just cave in to Austin haha
We still have some major work to do... Especially since middle name discussions haven't even been started.
Also, for Clara, I want it to be pronounced in a way that I think would require correcting people for the rest of her life. Is that a terrible thing? Last name already needs to be corrected about half the time people say it.
@MLRocha I like Colton, and Chase, followed by Connor, and Quentin for boys. And girls I really like Claire, Piper, and Quinn!!
How would you want Clara pronounced? I've only heard it as Claire-uh but on a related note, in highschool there was a girl named Hannah... but it was pronounced H-on-uh. She had to correct everyone until everyone got it down. And our last name is never pronounced correctly either, in fact when you girls see my username you probably say it wrong in your head lol... I just started using my first name when asked for my last name (Pizza orders/reservations/holds/) lol
@MLRocha I like Colton, and Chase, followed by Connor, and Quentin for boys. And girls I really like Claire, Piper, and Quinn!!
How would you want Clara pronounced? I've only heard it as Claire-uh but on a related note, in highschool there was a girl named Hannah... but it was pronounced H-on-uh. She had to correct everyone until everyone got it down. And our last name is never pronounced correctly either, in fact when you girls see my username you probably say it wrong in your head lol... I just started using my first name when asked for my last name (Pizza orders/reservations/holds/) lol
Now I need to know how you pronounce your last name .
@homemake it's pronounced with the iger in Tiger... but with the Sw... so Sw-iger it always seemed pretty basic to me, so im always stunned by the number of people who incorrectly pronounce it, but we are often called... Swigger, Swagger, Swinger, Swiggert.... even when I spell it out or correct people they still just say it wrong. Most common is Swigger, like Swig-ger lol
@homemake it's pronounced with the iger in Tiger... but with the Sw... so Sw-iger it always seemed pretty basic to me, so im always stunned by the number of people who incorrectly pronounce it, but we are often called... Swigger, Swagger, Swinger, Swiggert.... even when I spell it out or correct people they still just say it wrong. Most common is Swigger, like Swig-ger lol
Ok, I'm glad I pronounce it right in my head!
@MLRocha I'm also curious how you want Clara pronounced - I've only ever heard it pronounced Claire-uh.
@homemake it's pronounced with the iger in Tiger... but with the Sw... so Sw-iger it always seemed pretty basic to me, so im always stunned by the number of people who incorrectly pronounce it, but we are often called... Swigger, Swagger, Swinger, Swiggert.... even when I spell it out or correct people they still just say it wrong. Most common is Swigger, like Swig-ger lol
I always said it swee-ger but the way it's actually pronounced would have been my second guess.
@homemake it's pronounced with the iger in Tiger... but with the Sw... so Sw-iger it always seemed pretty basic to me, so im always stunned by the number of people who incorrectly pronounce it, but we are often called... Swigger, Swagger, Swinger, Swiggert.... even when I spell it out or correct people they still just say it wrong. Most common is Swigger, like Swig-ger lol
I always said it swee-ger but the way it's actually pronounced would have been my second guess.
@MLRocha for your boys list I love Desmond (my husband vetoed it) and I like Chase (but can't help but think "Chase is on the case!" from Paw Patrol, popular kids character).
For your girls list I like Amelia and Clara, but like others have said, only if it's pronounced Claire-uh.
@homemake it's pronounced with the iger in Tiger... but with the Sw... so Sw-iger it always seemed pretty basic to me, so im always stunned by the number of people who incorrectly pronounce it, but we are often called... Swigger, Swagger, Swinger, Swiggert.... even when I spell it out or correct people they still just say it wrong. Most common is Swigger, like Swig-ger lol
I always said it swee-ger but the way it's actually pronounced would have been my second guess.
Ditto!!
@MLRocha I would also say Claire-uh but I'm guessing you prefer Clah-ruh? Personally, I think I'd pick another if that's the case to avoid the lifetime of correction unless it's far and away your fav.
@MLRocha I would pronounce Clara - Clah-ruh. I think it's beautiful either way! Amelia and Caitlyn are also faves from your list for girls.
As for name pronunciation, I don't think you're necessarily signing up for a lifetime of correction. Unless you want Clara pronounced some totally wild variation, like, Clay-ray or Peter.
I pronounce Clara as Clah-ruh as well, but I think the difference between the two pronunciations mentioned are people's accents and/or where they're from.
@madamerwin I love Theodore! We were actually close to decided on using it when a family friend did a few months ago. The downside of not sharing name ideas! Samuel definitely could risk Top 10 in a few years, but I'm comfortable with the risk. At this point we've got to pick something!
Re: Names
@kswiger06 no, I haven't seen the movie rat race. But yes, Owen is pretty popular and I'm not sure I'm thrilled about that, but I still like it better than 99% of my husband's other picks!
And we haven't got a set middle name either! I'd love to honor my grandpa (Raymond) but it doesn't reallt flow nicely with any of our contenders. It sounds like a mouthful too with our 3 syllable last name.
@jlellis603 Wyatt is a nice choice. Wasn't it you that said your family didn't like your name? I think my DH likes it though due to Wyatt Earp!
@homemake Noah is my last biblical name that makes the cut, but I'm not sure. I think its pretty popular too. I loved Elijah, Simon or Silas but DH hated them!
Oscar the grouch could be an issue, but it's not the worst thing kids could say, right?
Abigail was our daughter's name, so I obviously love your choice.
Did you already share the name you picked?
We have only told two people IRL (my BFF and my MIL) because we don't really want our families' and friends' opinions, plus it's fun to have a secret.
We're leaning about 80% towards Samuel. I would lock it in today if H would consent! Other options include Noah here as well, plus Colin. I'm trying to keep Maxwell, nn Max, in the running, but H just isn't having it beyond polite nods and smiles. Nathan is also occasionally discussed, but we keep coming back to Samuel. We're less concerned with popularity than with timelessness and ease of spelling/pronunciation.
Theodore is a nice classic name @madamerwin. And family names for a middle name are great when they flow nicely like yours does!
Ben and Maggie - 4/10/09
Mia - 6/16/11
Surprise! due 2/23/17
DS1 is Harlan and DS2 is Micah. We're looking for names that aren't used very often but aren't overly "unique" either. But most of the names we came up with are a little more popular than our first two.
We have: Vincent, Weston, Braxton, Luke, Brayden, Eli, Ashton, and Oliver.
I feel like it's alot harder to come up with a short list this time and names that I absolutely love.
Jerome
Jeremy
Geoffrey
Jason
I'd love to hear some reactions to Jerome especially - it isn't very common.
Brains are awesome and also weird!
Married: October, 19, 2015
EDD 2/22/17
EDD 3/8/20
EDD 11/24/23
(Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)
@jlellis603 the only time I've ever heard the name Luca was with my sister. Her kids names end with "a" she has Isabella and Koda. Koda took me forever to get used to, but when she got pregnant with number 3 she had either Arianna for a girl or Luca for a boy. I was so relieved she had a girl haha.
@BeckS13 while we were debating between William and Austin, we saw both names all over the place. My husband kept pointing out all the Austin's on road names, movies, stores, crazy places and he kept saying it was because it was "meant to be" lol... then I started seeing William places and when I pointed it out to my husband, he said he was seeing it too but was hoping I didn't notice so that way I'd just cave in to Austin haha
Haha I think that's where i got it from! It wasn't like a top choice or anything but I like Luke and that was a nice little spin off when I heard it!
Boys: Connor, Colton, Chase, Sawyer, Caiden, Kade, Cason, Doak, Desmond, Quentin
Girls: Amelia, Claire, Piper, Clara, Quinn, Madison, Caitlyn, Blake, Wynn, Pepper
We still have some major work to do... Especially since middle name discussions haven't even been started.
Also, for Clara, I want it to be pronounced in a way that I think would require correcting people for the rest of her life. Is that a terrible thing? Last name already needs to be corrected about half the time people say it.
Thoughts?
How would you want Clara pronounced? I've only heard it as Claire-uh but on a related note, in highschool there was a girl named Hannah... but it was pronounced H-on-uh. She had to correct everyone until everyone got it down. And our last name is never pronounced correctly either, in fact when you girls see my username you probably say it wrong in your head lol... I just started using my first name when asked for my last name (Pizza orders/reservations/holds/) lol
@MLRocha I'm also curious how you want Clara pronounced - I've only ever heard it pronounced Claire-uh.
For your girls list I like Amelia and Clara, but like others have said, only if it's pronounced Claire-uh.
And then I googled.
So thank you for teaching me something new today
@MLRocha I would also say Claire-uh but I'm guessing you prefer Clah-ruh? Personally, I think I'd pick another if that's the case to avoid the lifetime of correction unless it's far and away your fav.
As for name pronunciation, I don't think you're necessarily signing up for a lifetime of correction. Unless you want Clara pronounced some totally wild variation, like, Clay-ray or Peter.
Me: 37 - H: 39
TTC#1: 01/2016
BFP: 06/18/2016 - EDD: 02/20/2017 - Born: 01/27/2017