Laura and Brian are in search of a boys' name for their impending arrival, a brother for their son Owen David.
They have a short one syllable surname which is also a common noun, so are looking for a name with two syllables or more which is not a also a noun. The middle name will be Charles, and Brian does not want a name which can be shortened. They don't want a top 10 name, but don't want something completely unusual either.
Their list:
Colby -- Laura loves but is a brand of cheese.
Emmett
Callum
Cordell
Anderson
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What strikes me about your list is the interesting mix of fashionable Celtic heritage choices and tailored surname picks, all with a modern, fresh sound. In this list I have tried to combine the best of both worlds for you:
Ellis – A medieval form of Elijah which now has surname-style. It also, like Owen, has Welsh pedigree having been used commonly there for centuries.
Corby / Corben – In a similar vein to Colby is Corby, a surname derived from an Old Norse place name meaning Kori's settlement. Alternatively there is Corben, from a French surname which was derived from corbeau "raven."
Tiernan – An anglicised form of the medieval Irish Tighearnán, meaning "little lord." Both ancient and modern sounding at the same time, with surname pedigree to boot.
Cormac – A name of Irish myth and legend, and borne by medieval kings. It either means "raven" or "charioteer."
Coran – Like Cormac, Coran, or Corran, is a medieval Irish heritage choice with a modern sound and tailored surname style.
Lachlan – A sleek and dapper Scottish name with links to the Vikings. Accessible yet not too common.
Beckett – Cool surname with both saintly and literary links.
Miller – Forget Taylor and Mason, Miller is a fresh occupational surname which is just as fashionable.
Conall – A legendary Irish name derived from *kwon "hound" or *kuno "high" and *walo "prince, chief."
Fletcher – A dapper surname which echoes memories of medieval archers. Stylish but not too common.
Griffin – The English vernacular form (and later surname) of the Welsh name Gruffudd (Griffith), which, like Owen, has long links to Welsh royalty.
Caelan / Callan – Caelan is a revived Old Irish form of Caolán meaning "slender."
Lorcan – An ancient Irish name with a modern sound meaning "fierce little one."
Nolan – The anglicised form of the Irish surname Ó Nualláin which has been used in England for centuries but sounds much fresher.
Kendrick – A surname which is simultaneously English, Welsh and Scottish all in one. Accessible, familiar and yet unexpected at the same time.
Fintan – An Irish staple with links to mythology. Yes, Finn could be used as a nickname, but having known some little Fintans, it's amazing how easily Fintan stands on its own without being shortened.
Galen – An ancient Greek name meaning "calm," which was borne by a famous Roman physician. Despite its age, it still feels fresh and current.
Calahan – An anglicised and surname form of Cellachán, an ancient Irish name, borne by medieval kings.
I hope this has been of use. Please keep in touch.
