Katie is expecting another boy to join big brother Barnabas "Barney".
Katie writes: "We like more unusual but traditional names- as a general rule biblical or historical rulers would be a good starting point. However my husband and I come from quite large families and lots of the more common traditional boys names have been taken. We also have lots of Jo- names in the family so names like Jonah (which I love) are out as is Theodore.
Barney's names are all family names, and we would like to continue to include some family names in there this time too. The only family name that we both like as a first name is Frederick, but can't really have Barney and Fred without looking like family Flintstone!!!
We would also like to avoid another -ey/ -ie ending name as we don't think it would sound too good with Barney.
At the moment we are leaning towards Benedict, probably known as Ben, maybe Ned or maybe the safer William (Will). I keep coming back to Alexander but not sure if this one feels like an Alexander.
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Benedict is a fantastic name. Dapper and saintly yet also quirky like Barnabas, and I adore the nickname Ned.
Alexander is also a name which I, too, often come back to. Perhaps a few alternative nickname options beyond Alex might help such as Xander, Alec/Alick, Sandor or Lex. Alternatively, the Scottish form of Alexander -- Alistair/Alastair has the same regal flair with heaps of quirky charm.
Wilfred – If Frederick is off the cards, how about the Old English saintly Wilfred which shares Frederick's element of friþ "peace"? Wilf makes for a great non-Fred nickname.
Dominic– Just like Benedict, Dominic is a distinguished choice borne by saints and popes. It's perfectly classic, but much less common than Alexander, Frederick and William.
Edmund – A distinguished name of Anglo-Saxon kings and saints for which Ned or Ted can be used as nicknames.
Laurence – A stately Roman name which now feels solid and homely -- particularly with the potential nicknames Lance or Laurie.
Magnus – From the Latin for "great," Magnus has a long history as a kingly name in Scandinavia where it was imported to Scotland and took root in Britain. Mac or Gus make for great nicknames.
Raphael – A stylish Biblical name borne by one of the archangels. Sleek Rafe or cute Raffi can be used as nicknames.
Christopher / Christian – Both Christopher and Christian are long-standing classic British names that aren't too common currently. More importantly, both of them make great longer forms for genial Kit.
Augustin(e) / Augustus – If historical rulers are your style, it's hard to get more regal than Roman Augustus (meaning "the revered") and saintly derivative Augustine. In the Middle Ages, Austin served as a diminutive but affable Gus would also serve well. The Scandinavian, German and Polish form August (which has similarly been borne by kings) is also worth considering.
Atticus – This dignified Roman choice has literary flair and history. Sweet Gus or dashing Kit work as nicknames.
Nathaniel – Down-to-earth, affable and charming. Nathaniel is a Biblical name borne by one of the apostles for which Nate serves as a dapper nickname.
Julian – A suave Roman name borne by emperors and saints. Julian has dignity and panache with the option of Jules or Jude as nicknames.
Franklin – Old-style homeliness combined with dignified polish, Franklin (or Franklyn) derives from the ancient tribe of the Franks and is reminiscent of Chaucer's The Franklin's Tale. Frank, Frankie and Flinn/Flynn work as nicknames.
Maximilan – Borne by saints and Holy Roman Emperors, Maximilian derives from the regal Roman name Maximus "the greatest." Max, Maxim and Miles can all be used as nicknames.
Solomon – The name of the wise Biblical king of the Old Testament, Solomon (meaning "peace") is familiar and historic yet also uncommon at #369. Sol (Latin for "sun") and Sonny could be used as diminutives.
Jeremiah – The name of one of the principal prophets of the Old Testament, Jeremiah has a friendly sincerity about it. Jem would make for a stylish short form.
Ezekiel – An Old Testament prophet and leader, Ezekiel is a stylish choice, especially with the sleek nickname Zeke. At #394 and rising it is uncommon but not too unusual.
Zechariah – Another Biblical prophet is Zechariah which can also be found in the form Zachariah/Zachary. For Zechariah, Zeke is a great choice, or Zack for Zachariah.
Reginald – A noble Germanic name popularised by the Normans. Regal Rex can be used as a nickname -- as with actor Sir Reginald "Rex" Harrison.
Everett – A later form of saintly and noble Germanic name Everard for which Rev or Rhett can be used as diminutives.
Abraham/Abram – Abraham is a staple figure of the Old Testament. Abram was the original form of his name. Either can be shortened to Abe or Bram.
Amos – The name of one of the twelve prophets of the Old Testament who spoke out against social injustice and oppression of the poor. Amos is a sleek yet affable name which was a top 100 favourite for the Victorians.
I hope this has been of use. Good luck with the name choosing!
UPDATE: Welcome, Benedict Maurice Alban "Ned"!
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