Karen and Julien are expecting their second son, a brother for Théodore Donald Georges.
Karen writes:
"Now we know we're having a boy, we're quite stuck for names. Théodore was the only name we could agree on for our first! We both like Odin, and Leopold... But I'm a bit worried about shouting the name Leopold at soft play if I'm honest! We'd shorten to Leo, but then fear everyone will think we have boys called Theo and Leo (maybe that's not that bad! In any case, we don't plan to shorten Théodore's name, but if we did it would be to Ted or Teddy). I do like the idea of a Teddy and a Leo...We will probably give this baby our fathers' names as middle names, so William Louis.
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At first it seems that you both have very different styles, but as I've delved into the top rankings and currently trending names in France, and see how the likes of Nathan, Evan and Liam sit alongside Antoine, Baptiste and Sacha as the most popular names, I feel that there is plenty of scope to find a name that feels right for you both.
Bilingual Choices:
Gabriel – For me, the ultimate complimentary name to Theodore is Gabriel. Both are classic, genteel yet down-to-earth and affable. It also has the added bonus of being used in both France and Britain. It is currently more popular in France.
Arthur – Another gentlemanly name which makes a great compliment for Theodore.
Alban / Albin – Alban was the first British martyr so has a long history of use here even though it is now rare in use. Alban is also used in France, where it is more common but not popular (typically ranking between #100-#150 in France each year). Of a similar ilk is Albin, the name of a 6th century Breton saint.
Lorenzo – An Italian and Spanish form of Laurence that has been in France's top 100 since 2003. If you like Leo but are unsure of Leopold, how about using Leo as a nickname for Lorenzo?
Hugo – A stylish and affable choice both sides of the Channel.
Raphael – A dashing Biblical name with pan-European appeal.
Elliott – A name that ranks in both the British and French top 100 lists but not super popular. It shares the same gentlemanly feel as Aubrey and the modern appeal of Logan.
Nolan – A Gaelic name which is more common in France than Britain. It's a known but uncommon choice here, but shares a similar sound to Nathan and Logan.
Cross-over Names:
Loan / Lohan – Both Loan and the spelling variant Lohan can be found in France's top 200, meaning both are known but neither are wildly popular. Loan/Lohan is a form of the Breton name Elouan (from eu "good" and lou "light"), born by a 7th century saint. Lohan also has just as much Scottish pedigree, being a Scottish surname which is a variant of Logan.
Ewen – Ewen is used in Scotland as a spelling variant of Ewan/Euan. It is also a Breton name, used in France, meaning "good friend."
Usable British:
Everett – A genial and dashing name that feels distinguished yet down-to-earth.
Bennett – The medieval English form of Benedict which feels fresh and refined today.
August – A paired-down form of Augustus, most commonly found in Germany and similar to the French Auguste.
Ronan – A Gaelic name which ranks in the top 400 on both sides of the Channel. Familiar but not common.
Phineas – Quirky and dapper, much like Leopold. Phineas is an uncommon but stylish Biblical name.
Usable French:
Matteo / Matheo – Both the Italian Matteo and its French form Mathéo rank within France's top 100. It's uncommon in Britain but highly stylish.
Clement – A fashionable choice for French parents, ranking in the top 30. Here it a a cute grandpa name. Rare but ripe for revival.
Corentin – A striking Breton name meaning "hurricane" that has been used sicne the 5th century. The French pronunciation stresses the first syllable. However, the Cornish cognate, Corentyn, stresses the second (ka-REN-tin).
Maxime / Maxence – Both Maxime and Maxence make very dapper and dashing Max- names (all of which I always think compliment the Theo- names marvelously) that wear well outside of France.
I hope this has been of use. Best wishes with the name hunting.
