Nicola and her husband are expecting their first child in May and are struggling to narrow down boys names. Their girl name is sorted -- they've settled on the lovely Bethany Primrose.
Ideally they would like a name that:
- Is not an unusual or 'celebrity' name.
- Can be shortened with a nickname. They think names like Charlie and Alfie are nice enough, but would want a name with a distinguishable nickname.
- Is cute for a baby but will grow well into adulthood.
- Has a down-to-earth vibe.
Their list:
Barney
Quite a challenge here, Nicola, but I do think you have a great list to go from already. Of the four, I think Oliver and Jacob fit your criteria perfectly on all counts. Jakey is cute for a baby, Jake is cool for a teenager and Jacob is a proffesional. Callum also has a great Celtic-heritage vibe which works well across different ages.
Suggestions:
Joshua -- With the easy-going nickname Josh, Joshua is down-to-earth and homely. Adorable for a little boy and perfectly manly for an adult.
James -- In hundreds of years, James has never gone out of style. In fact, it is the most consistent boys name of all in Britain. And yet, despite this, it doesn't feel overused. Perhaps because its steady use means it has avoided the same highs and lows of "trendy" names. Jamie is a cool and happy nickname that works effortlessly. Or, for a bit more daring, Jim and Jimmy are options.
Daniel -- Much like James, Daniel is a steady classic which doesn't feel overused. Danny is cute for a nickname, while Dan is plain cool.
Matthew -- Here is another ageless staple which feels adorable for a boy with the sturdy nickname Matt for adulthood. Of the same ilk is Samuel "Sam".
Lucas -- Lucas is slightly rarefied but it does feel rather sweet on a child. With Luke as a nickname, the name moves easily into grown-up cool.
Harrison -- A name that feels quite modern, with easy potential for the nickname Harry, and yet it has been in the top 100 in England and Wales since the 90s, making it a staple that will wear well on any adult in 20-30 years. Scottish favourite Harris is also worth considering.
Nathan -- Biblical Nathan has become quite a modern classic. It has a cheeky-chappy vibe about it, with potential for the slick nickname Nate, which was traditionally used for the related name Nathaniel -- another choice worth considering for a softer sound in childhood.
Miles -- Miles, or Myles, is perfectly adorable for a little boy, yet manages to sound fuss-free and no-nonsense on an adult. As far as nicknames go, Milo is one that many are opting for these days, especially as The Tweenies fades into distant memory.
Finlay -- In the same vein as Callum is equally sweet Finlay (or Finley if you prefer). Both the obvious nickname Finn, and the less common Flynn are hip heartthrobs in the making.
Declan -- Another Celtic-staple that feels quite familiar is Declan, with its straightforward nickname Dec.
Theo -- For me, Theo perfectly fits the criteria of a name that is cute for a baby but strong on an adult. A nickname here isn't as obvious but you can be a bit creative. You could either go for Theodore "Theo," or Theo with Ted/Teddy as a nickname.
Zachary -- A sweet gentle biblical choice which is made stronger by swift nickname Zack.
Edward -- I feel its a bit of a gamble to add this to the list, as I know you are wanting to avoid a name that might have hints of pretension, but Edward has quite a makeover in recent years, permeating through all areas of society. Consequently, it now feels perfectly contemporary and is attracting many parents who are attracted to sweet vintage choices like Harvey, Teddy and Stanley. As far as nicknames go, you are spoiled for choice from Ted, Teddy, Ned and Eddy. For the ultimate adult cool, though, you can't go wrong with Ed (as Mr Shearan proves).
Dominic-- Dominic has a smart, friendly feel to it. I'm possibly biased as the few Dominics I've ever taught have all been adorable, popular and clever boys. It grows well, with most going by the fuss-free Dom by the time they get to their teens.
Off the beaten track:
Asher -- Like Jacob, Asher is a homely, gentle Biblical choice that sneaking under the radar in the top 400. The nickname Ash moves Asher from sweet and friendly to cool-dude on the playground.
Archer -- Archer was practically unheard of a decade ago, but it's slick surname-style has been gaining it more attention of late. It's still uncommon at #407 -- and it's unlikely it will be in the top 20 in the next 30 years -- but it is becoming more recognisable and familiar. Cool Archer renders itself nicely to the nickname Archie.
Caleb -- Biblical Caleb feels quite obscure, and yet it's actually been in the top 100 since 2010. In terms of nicknames both Cabe and Cal work well.
If you are willing to forgo a nickname, here a few names that fit the cute-on-a-child-strong-on-an-adult criteria:
Joel, Leo, Kai, Rowan, Owen, Rhys, Blake and Max.
I hope these suggestions are helpful. Please keep us updated!
