Jade and Adam are expecting their third son, a brother for Ralph David and Felix Paul.
Jade: “We both absolutely love the names Ralph and Felix and I would love a name which fits with them. Both the boys have their Grandads' names as middle names.
My Grandad was Anatole so this would possibly be used as a middle name as I don't like it enough for a first name or possibly James or John, (which are also names commonly used in the family).
I would like a name that isn't too popular, and quite old fashioned but one which would work well now. Probably only one or two syllables due to our long surname.
I love how both Ralph and Felix are old names but sound really good now and not too old fashioned if you get what I mean....something with the same sort of feel would be perfect. I have a lot of friends who have recently had boys and used quite old fashioned and popular names so my choices are even smaller. Arthur, Albert, Arlo, Atticus, Edward and Gus are all out."
Their list:
Walter – “We both really love but it's been met with a lot of dislike mainly among family and I worry it's still a bit too old fashioned, in not a cool way.......and he might get picked on....but I do love it!”
Henry – They love but it has been used by family and friends and they feel it is too common.
Toby – Ralph wants the baby to be called this but Jade doesn’t like it. She quite likes Tobias but can't see him being called that.
Nathaniel – Jade loves but Adam has vetoed it.
Sebastian – They like but worry it would be shortened to Sebby or Seb and also both of these names are probably too long to go with surname.
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With two fabulously chosen names already, I can see why it might be hard to match the same perfection a third time round. Fortunately, dapper vintage revivals such as Ralph and Felix are in vogue and on the rise. The problem is also just that: these old fashioned revivals are fashionable at the moment, which also means that they are popular.
There are several names which I think fit your criteria such as Oscar, Stanley, Hugo, Miles, Jasper, Alfred, Rupert -- but most are either too popular, or ones I imagine you have already considered.
My inspiration for these suggestions comes from 19th century records -- a period when Ralph and Felix were enjoying a heyday -- to find an appropriate uncommon-yet-ready-to-be-revived brother name.
Alick – A Victorian gentleman which sounds distinctly cool in 2016. Alick is a variant spelling of Alec, but one that feels more substantial to me as a stand alone given name.
Hector – An ancient Trojan hero and a chivalrous medieval staple. Hector has the same quirkiness yet comfortable historical grounding as Felix and Ralph.
Silas – A sleek and stylish classical choice from the New Testament which feels dapper and distinctive.
Bertram – Like Ralph and Felix, Bertram is a stalwart medieval favourite which was revived by the Victorians.
Wilfred – Hot on the heels of familiar classic William is amiable Wilfred, which continues the same subtle 'f' sound in both Ralph and Felix.
Lionel – A knightly, leonine name with ancient pedigree and a sweet fusty charm.
Ewart – Back in the 19th century, the surname Ewart -- derived from a medieval form of Edward -- came into use thanks to Prime Minister William Ewart Galdstone. Today it sounds dashing and established.
Amos – Ranking only #730, Amos is beginning to make its modest mark, having spent most of the 21st century outside the top 1000. It's easily accessible, fresh sounding yet ancient.
Cedric – A literary sensation which immediately invokes the image of a chivalrous knight. It became an overnight sensation in the 1880s
Virgil – Virgil is a quirky, vintage name that almost everyone is familiar with, yet is uncommonly come by. The Thunderbird association is what most may think of -- but that's a pretty cool association! It pretty much launched the name Scott, afterall.
Vernon – Another quirky V name is the aristocratic surname Vernon which harkens back to the Normans. Vernon Kay gives this a modern image.
Willis – In searching for an alternative to Walter, my mind first went to Wallace, but this seems even more fusty than Walter itself. Similar Willis, however, strikes a perfect balance. It has just the same Victorian vibe (it was never common but always in good use in the 19th century) but also feels quite modern.
Colin – A modern classic with both medieval English and Scottish and Irish routes. Colin is familiarly comfortable with a sweet retro vibe. It's well known but also unexpected.
Quentin – An urbane Roman descendant which has a quirky and distinctive vibe.
Blaine – An ancient Gaelic name, born by a 6th century Scottish saint. Blaine is both ancient and modern sounding at the same time.
Edmund – Edward has already been used, but how about equally regal Anglo-Saxon brother-form Edmund? It's just as well known yet far less common. The added bonus is that Ned and Ted/Teddy can also be used as nicknames.
Edwin– An even further retro twist on Edward is affably fusty Edwin which feels perfect for a revival.
I hope this has been of use. Please keep in touch.