Kelly is expecting her third child, a boy, who will join siblings Imogen Florence "Immy" and Edward Arthur "Teddy".
Kelly writes: "My husband likes Frederick, but I've said that we can't have Teddy and Freddy as the boys would resent it and we'd look a bit silly!
We like classic traditional names, not too unusual or commonplace. Nothing faddy. I'm a primary school teacher so I've seen plenty of names come and go! I would like the name to have a longer formal 'grown-up' name coupled with a toddler-friendly nickname. We call Imogen Immy and Edward Teddy. As you know, Imogen is Shakespearian, Edward has more royal connotations so something in keeping. Maybe Biblical, but mainstream Biblical. Maybe a vintage feel? I like more gentle boys names.
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As a fellow primary school teacher, I can totally sympathise. Every class brings a whole set of names which then get "attached" to those pupils in our minds. All that means that the most popular names generally get ruled out, leaving only the less common, but (as teachers) we can shy away from names which would stand out too much in our own children's classrooms. It's sort of a catch 22.
Albert – An ancient regal name meaning "noble and bright" which was a top 20 favourite from 1840 to 1920 in England, giving it its perfectly traditional feel. Albie and Bertie both work as nicknames.
Alexander – Equally royal, Alexander was not only borne by the legendary Greek king but also several kings of Scotland. It also boasts a huge bevvy of nicknames, from Alex to Xander.
Caleb – A familiar Biblical name that--despite ranking at #77--doesn't feel at all commonplace. Nicknames could include the more grown-up Cal or Cabe, or the toddler-friendly Cub/Cubby.
Dominic – Similar in style to Frederick and Sebastian, Dominic has a refined and sophisticated style, yet still feels down to earth and accessible. Dom, Dommy, Nick, Nico, Nicky and Mickey could be used as nicknames.
Elliot – An English medieval form of the Biblical name Elias/Elijah. It has been in use as a given name in Britain since the 12th century and has been in continual use ever since. Nicknames could include Eli, Lio/Leo, Otto or Ollie.
Finlay – A traditional Scottish name with a rich history. Finlay is familiar and friendly without feeling overdone.
Jonah – A gentle Biblical name which has plenty of charm and character.
Lawrence / Laurence – A stately Roman classic which has been well used since at least the 12th century. It does rank at #386 / #377, but if we count the two spellings of Lawrence and Laurence together, it is just below the top 200. Lawrie and Lance could be used as nicknames.
Lewis – The traditional English form of French Louis, Lewis, shares the same classic style and traditional use. Borne by early Frankish kings, Lewis was introduced to Britain by the Normans and has been in use ever since. Prince Frederick of Wales, son of King George II, was named "Frederick Lewis". Lewie/Louie works as a nickname.
Lucas – The Roman form of the classic English Luke, the name borne by the famous Evangelist and author of the Gospel of Luke.
Matthew – A happy Biblical name which is a perennial classic and doesn't feel at all faddy or overused. It wears well at all ages, from Matty for a toddler to Matt for a teenager.
Maximilian – A grand Roman name in the style of Frederick and Sebastian. The name has been borne by several European emperors and kings. It is familiar but also stands out from the crowd.
Maxwell – A traditional Scottish surname which has long been adopted as a given name. It has a gentle charm with an added interest to popular Max.
Miles – Norman Miles, which ranked in the top 50 in England through the 17th century, is certainly classic, stylish and recognisable, but not at all "trendy".Although short, Milo can be used as a nickname.
Nathaniel – A refined Biblical name which has been a staple since the 16th century. Sir Nathaniel is a character in Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost (1594). Laid-back Nate is commonly used as a nickname.
Nicholas – At #147, Nicholas is swimming happily under the "trendy" radar. Used in ancient Greece up to modern-day, Nicholas is a true classic traditional.
Rowan – The product of many different sources, Rowan is an intriguing name which has ranked within the top 200 in England for over two decades.
Rupert – This princely name is a variant of stalwart Robert meaning "bright and glorious". It is sweet and cuddly for a child, yet transforms into suave and sophisticated into adulthood.
Tristan – A legendary hero of Celtic lore which has truly ancient roots. It has ranked consistently in the top 200 for the last three decades.
Wilfred – Like Edward, Wilfred is an Anglo-Saxon staple which was rejuvenated when Sir Walter Scott chose it as the name of his hero of Ivanhoe (1820). It ranks at #169 overall but is #101 in the South West, and #137 in the South East.
Zachary – A sweet and amiable Biblical name which has a gentle charm, backed up by the boyish nickname Zack.
I hope this has been of use. Best wishes for finding the perfect name.
