Name Help: A Brother Name for Rocco

 

Abbie and Robin are expecting their second baby very soon and need help finalising his name. 

Abbie writes: "although I think we have settled on a first name for him we are REALLY struggling with a middle name/names.

Our first born is named Rocco Winston and so we want a name that complements this for our second son. We love the name Rocco as it is a little different but not commonly used and so we are thinking of calling his brother Oz (Ozzie). We also like Raffa, Rio, Sid, Moby, Ziggy…and are still open to suggestions here…??

 

We chose Rocco's middle name, Winston, as it was his nickname for bump while we were expecting. Robin, my husband, wanted it for a first name, but found it a little too formal for a baby. I do love it as a middle name though and as a nod to Churchill…perhaps something similar for round 2?

 

Robin is a huge fan of the stoic philosophers and is very keen on using "Seneca" but I think it sounds like a cleaning product and am not a fan. Are there any philosopher names that are more friendly? I've had a search but haven't found any I love!! The only one I vaguely like is Aurelius… as  in Marcus Aurelius..but I'm not sold on it. 

 

I also like the idea of using family names for middle names. My maternal grandfather was called Tighe Sterling and paternal grandfather Henry Fredrick…but Robin isn't very excited about any of these…

 

We'd be very happy with a formal sounding name, along the lines of Winston, with a historical/philosophical meaning, We just haven't found a name we like the sound of…."

 

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First Name alternatives to Ozzie: 

It seems like you've got a solid list and are pretty happy with Ozzie, but as you've asked, here are some other suggestions that might appeal. 

Abe
Artie
Asa
Axel
Buddy
Buster
Dougie
Enzo
Ezio
Kit
Lenny
Mack
Moss
Nate
Otis
Paddy
Rafe
Ringo
Rudy
Shiloh
Sol
Sonny
Vinny
Woody
Zeb (Zebby)
Zeke

 

Stoic Philosophers:

If a nod to Stoic philosophy is important to you, here are a few options that I feel could work both as middle names in their own right and capturing a Stoic heritage:

Lucius – If Seneca is an important figure in particular, how about using his praenomen - Lucius? Lucius is a formal, elegant name but with a dash of whimsy just like Winston. 

Zenon – Zeno of Citium was the founder of Stoicism. Zeno is the anglicised form: his name in Greek was actually Zenon which feels more formal and cultivated. 

Ariston – Aristo of Chios was another influential early Stoic philosopher. As with Zeno, Aristo was actually Ariston in Greek - a name which feels both ancient and modern at the same time and means "the best, the greatest" which is pretty darn cool. 

Rufus – Perfectly matching Winston's quirky and adorably fusty style, Rufus also makes a nod to Stoic philosophers Musonius Rufus and Publius Rutilius Rufus. 

Rhodes – A sleek and tailored name which matches Winston's heritage as both a place name and surname turned first name. While there are no Stoic philosophers called Rhodes, the island of Rhodes was one of the key centres of stoicism in the ancient world -- famous for producing notable Stoic philosophers such as Panaetius, Hecato and Geminus. 

Theon – Theon of Alexandria was a Stoic philosopher and mathematician. His name feels fresh thanks to its similarity to popular Theo and Theodore yet also retains some of its ancient gravitas. 

Aratus / Arius – Aratus of Soli and Arius Didymus were both Stoic philosophers. While both names are uncommon, they both feel sophisticated and stylish. 

 

Other Middle Name Options:

Henrik – I'm a big fan of honouring family in names, even if it is subtly done. If neither Henry or Fredrick feel right, how about combining the sounds to get Henrik -- which is actually a variant form of Henry itself. Henrik has bags of history and substance yet also has a quirky charm like Winston. 

Friedrich – Another way of honouring Henry Fredrick is to use the German form of Frederick. Bonus: Friedrich Nietzsche was a notable and influential philosopher. 

Bertrand – Extending out from the Stoics to other philosophers, Bertrand is not only a name which fits Winston for style and era, it has the added bonus of being born by British philosopher Bertrand Russell (1872-1970). Equally, you could use Russell to the same effect. 

Franklin – Another name which matches Winston in style, and is also reminiscent of Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), who was not only a statesman like Churchill but also an inventor, scientist and philosopher.

 

 

Of these options, I think the following make fantastic, complimenatry and meaningful pairings:

Rocco Winston and Ozzie Henrik
Rocco Winston and Ozzie Rufus
Rocco Winston and Ozzie Rhodes
Rocco Winston and Ozzie Bertrand

 

I hope this has been of use. Best wishes for finding the perfect name for your son.