Sarah and her husband are stuck on a name for baby #3. They are already parents to the beautifully named Barnaby William and Harriet Eliza.
Sarah writes:
"We shorten both names and use nicknames and full names interchangeably so it's very important the name is a full name which can potentially be shortened. We originally agreed on Theodore shortened to Ted, but now my husband isn't sure and I'm doubting if this is becoming too popular. We tend to like old fashioned names but open to suggestions. Other names I like are Jago, Hugo and Rufus but my husband has said no to these!"
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What lovely names your children have! I can see why getting another great name is important for you.
First, a few words of support for Theodore, which I think is a perfect compliment for your set of names. It's a lovely, historic classic that has never been too popular, and shares a similar sturdy vintage elegance to Barnaby and Harriet.
On the positive side, Theodore is currently #45 which means that less than 0.2% of all babies born in 2015 in England and Wales were names Theodore. You'd have to get over 500 babies together for just one of them to be named Theodore.
Popularity certainly isn't what is was twenty or even ten years ago as parents look ever more for diversity. Even the #1 names only account for 1% of births. As a teacher, I do get repeated names in every class I teach, but it's always very random, purely chance, and doesn't reflect the names which are in the top ten when they were born. (I currently have two boys called Reece in my class, and it was only #82 when they were born. And I've only ever come across one other in a decade of teaching).
The downside is that Teddy is #42 and steeply rising and Ted alone is #150. Plus, there are boys named Edward (#26) who are going by Ted/Teddy as a nickname. So, you certainly will come across a Theodore, Ted or Teddy "just Teddy" or two in some form or other, but it won't be like Jack in the 90s.
But, just in case Theodore just doesn't feel right, here are a few other suggestions:
Edmund – If it's Ted you like, another way to get there is underused but equally gentlemanly Edmund. Ned would also make for a stylish nickname.
Gabriel – Classic, genteel yet down-to-earth and affable. Gabriel is #65 but on a steady plateau.
Angus – Can a name be serious and sweet at the same time? I think so. Barnaby strikes me as fitting that criteria, and so does Angus. Bonus for Angus is it lends itself perfectly to the happy nickname Gus, a perfect alternative to Ted.
Fergus – Another way to get to Gus, and in a similar vibe to Rufus, is Gaelic Fergus with the fantastic meaning of "man of vigour."
August(us) – Thinking of Gus makes me think of the stately Augustus and it's short form August both of which work well in your set.
Wilfred – Nicknames Will, Fred or Wilf at your disposal, and a great literary heritage from the hero of Ivanhoe to poet Wilfred Owen.
Maxwell – A stylish and affable choice that is familiar but not common. Maximilian and Maxim are also worth considering.
Rupert – Dashing and suave with a friendly twist, Rupert makes a great alternative to Rufus. Rue and Rhett would work as nicknames.
Elliott – A dashing name that began life as a medieval diminutive form of Elias. Eli and Leo could work as nicknames.
Everett – A genial and dashing name that feels distinguished yet down-to-earth. Rhett is the most obvious nickname, but you could also push for Vere.
Benedict – A distinguished name with history galore and an updated namesake in dashing Mr Cumberbatch. Ben is an obvious nickname but Ned works equally well.
Tobias – Like Barnaby, Tobias has its roots in the Bible, and is just as dashing and affable.
Phineas – Quirky and dapper. Phineas is an uncommon but stylish Biblical name with nickname Finn (Phin) built in.
Rafferty – A slick and sprightly surname-turned-first name which is fashionable but not trendy. Raffy, Rafe and Rhett all work as nicknames.
I hope this has been of use. Best wishes with the name hunting.
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