Alice and her husband are expecting a son soon, a brother for daughters Eliza and Beatrix. Having gone through numerous name books and websites, the only name they can agree on is William.
Alice writes: "I do like the name but it just doesn't feel special enough. I love my girls names and we have so compliments on them and I just feel William is a bit dull in comparison and as it is a top 10 name he will always have others in his class. Our surname is long and unusual and starts with a W as well, I think the two W's sound good together but we have had some negative comments about this. What do you think?"
Alice's List:
Felix - Alice's absolute favourite for years but husband hates it.
Wilfred
Rufus
William
Dominic
Rex
Max
Benjamin
Cassius
Tobias
Arthur - like but can't have because of family member.
All were vetoed by her husband except Max and Benjamin but they know quite a few children with those names.
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William – Girls' names are more transitory. We like our girls to be fashionable, pretty and hip. But, in general, we prefer our boys names to be more solid and reassuring. William is undoubtedly a classic: by it's definition "something of lasting worth or with a timeless quality". Fashions come and fashions go with names and very few weather the storm and remain strong favourites for every generation. William has. It's one of Britain's most successful names -- and it's little wonder. It is an everyday man -- not too hard or too soft. It's current, gentlemanly, and is so versatile that it works in all strata of society.
Inspirational namesakes are numerous, from kings and saints, to poets and playwrights -- or swashbuckling heartthrobs like Orlando Bloom's Will Turner. Will, Wills, Bill, Billy, Liam and Bilo can all be used as a nickname to give William an extra dimension.
A top ten name is no longer what it used to be. Even Oliver, the number #1 name for boys in England and Wales in 2014, was only given to 1.86% of all boys born that year. Indeed a mere 1.15% of boys were named William. That means we're looking at one boy in every hundred with the name William. So, in a whole school of three hundred or so pupils...maybe two or three Williams over all. In a class of 30? You might get two in one class, but that would be pure chance. As a primary teacher I get repeated names in every class I've ever taught -- but never the same name. Last year it was Adam, Emily and Sam that was repeated, this year I have none with those names, but I do have two Jacobs and two Olivias. In eight years of teaching I've had one class with two Williams, but none of my other classes have had even one. It's all pretty random really.
I find William has a pleasing melody with your surname. Alliterative names can actually be strikingly pleasant with the right combination, such as Piper Perabo, Robert Redford, Veronica Varekova and Billy Boyd.
Fashionable Classics:
Other fashionable choices with William's classic edge may be worth considering:
Alexander – Once borne by Scottish kings, Alexander is a stately ancient Greek name, meaning "defender of men," made famous by Alexander the Great. Alex, Alec, Lex, Xander, Sander(s) and Anders would all make great nicknames.
Daniel – A balanced and homely biblical classic and favourite in Britain since the Middle Ages.
Edward – Edward has the same gentlemanly feel as Arthur and Wilfred but with more longevity. Teddy and Ned are both fashionable nicknames.
Sebastian – A solid Roman staple now back in fashion. Sebastian is a stylish Late Roman relic associated with the patron of soldiers and athletes. Seb and Baz can be both used as nicknames
Owen – A heroic Welsh staple, borne by Arthurian knights, kings and saints. It's been in use for over a millennium and is still stylish.
Leo – A sleek and stylish Latin name that's solid and accessible.
Theo – Short and chic Theo has plenty of history and a down-to-earth style.
Former Fashionables with cool nicknames:
If your husband is looking for something established, how about choosing a classic, former top 100 choice, with a stylish nickname option. They have the advantage of being familiar yet unexpected.
Christopher – An artistic perennial favourite for centuries that is now down below the top 100. If you are looking for a historic traditional name that's underused, Christopher is worth a second glance, especially with stylish nickname Kit.
Jonathan – A solid yet gentlemanly biblical choice which lends itself to the cool nickname Nate.
Nicholas – A stately ancient Greek name which has been a favourite since the Middle Ages. Nick is the go-to diminutive, but there is also Nico or Cole.
Malcolm – An urban Scottish surname with kingly routes. Mac, or even Max, make for cool nicknames.
Familiar Outliers:
There are some names that are both familiar but uncommon and underused which may be the perfect middle ground:
Nathaniel – A smooth and stylish biblical name with cool in-built nickname Nate.
Miles – Miles, or Myles, are the stylish Norman forms of the Germanic Milo, thought to mean "beloved, dear, gracious."
Evan – Like Owen, Evan is a longstanding Celtic staple with links to classic John.
Ewan – What Evan is to Wales, Ewan is to Scotland; both forms of John, but far more fashionable.
Declan – A saintly Gaelic choice which is both interesting and familiar.
Harris – Harry is friendly and extremely popular in Britain; this makes Scottish Harris familiar, yet underused.
Fraser – A Celtic surname that has long been used as a stylish, sturdy first name.
Gregor – The Scottish form of Gregory is sleeker and edgier than its English counterpart, especially with Grey as a nickname.
I hope this has been of help. Best wishes in making the final decision.
