Abby is expecting her third child -- gender a surprise -- a sibling for daughter Arietta and son Rory.
Abby writes: "I have a long list of names that I really like but my husband just doesn’t. I think some of the trouble we have is that I love nature and flower names. But my husband isn’t keen on names of things, ie flowers etc.
Bodhi
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Settling on one name you both love is tough, but doing it a third time round when you have exhausted previous options and want to create some semblance of cohesivity in a set is challenging to say the least. I certainly don't think Magnus should be nixed off your list just yet, especially as it isn't exclusively Scottish. Indeed, it's more Scandinavian/Roman heritage. The option for the nickname Gus makes it even more appealing.
In looking for options for you, I've tried to bridge the gap between familiar-friendly favourite Rory (currently at #47) and uncommonly lovely Arietta (at #2499).
Elias – Elias is the sleek Greek form of Biblical Elijah with potential for friendly Eli as a nickname. It ranked at #123 in 2018, putting it in the familiar-but-not-too-common category.
Reginald – A familiar name that still feels underused at #284. Reggie is a top 50 favourite which makes for a cute nickname, but I think Rex (which was once commonly used as a nickname for Reginald) make an awesome choice, bringing to mind dapper British Hollywood actor, Sir Reginald "Rex" Harrison.
Tobias – A stately, classical Biblical name which ranks at #98 and has the in-built nickname, Toby.
Barnaby – A medieval English form of Biblical Barnabas which has a delightfully quaint Dickensian style. It currently ranks at #251.
Chester – A quirky retro-cool name with a cuddly charm. It currently ranks at #112.
Fletcher – Bridging the styles of Huxley, Hunter and Fox on your list, Fletcher is a dapper surname-style name which evokes images of medieval archery and the forest. It ranks at #250 currently.
Maxwell – A gentlemanly name that is universally known, but has surprisingly (currently at #142) never cracked the top 100.
Ernest – A royal name borne by authors and adventurers which became a Victorian staple. It currently ranks at #326 and lends itself to adorable nickname Ernie.
Vincent – A saintly and artistic name with a classic style and friendly in-built nickname Vinnie that ranks at #145.
Rafferty – A preppy Irish surname-turned-first name which ranks at #273. The sleek nickname Rafe, or cute Raffy, make it even more appealing.
Digby– Much like Percy, Stanley and Neville, Digby is a name coined from an aristocratic family with the same jaunty and stylish charm. It currently ranks at #1158.
Clark – From dashing Clark Gable to super Clark Kent, Clark is a retro choice which is familiar but uncommon. It currently ranks at #446.
Emmett– A friendly and accessible name which ranks at the uncommon #572. In a similar style is the even less common Everett (at #1284) which lends itself to the nickname Rhett.
Jessamine – Given that you love floral names, but your husband isn't a fan of obvious "flower names", Jessamine may be the perfect compromise. Not only did it rank #5763 in 2017 making it an unusual yet accessible choice like Arietta, it is also the poetic name for the jasmine flower making it a legitimate floral name (the yellow jessamine [a jasmine] is the state flower of South Carolina). Nickname options also abound. The spelling Jessamy is a variant form which ranked at #4684 in 2018.
Livia – An elegant royal Roman name ranking at #442.
Tabitha – With its meaning of "gazelle", quaint Beatrix-Potter-esque Tabitha (ranking at #204) is hidden nature name with plenty of charm and the nicknames Tabby and Tibby.
Jemima – In the same category, we can also add Jemima (another Biblical Beatrix Potter name) which means "dove" at #297. The same meaning can be found in the Spanish Paloma, ranking at #936.
Keziah – Sometimes found spelt Kezia in England, Keziah is a Biblical nature name meaning "cassia, cinnamon". The traditional English short-form is Kizzy.
Evangeline – A romantic literary name meaning "good news" which ranks at #368.
Eveline / Evelina – A noble medieval name with a literary heritage. Evelina currently ranks at #574 and Eveline at #920.
Lowenna– Meaning "joy, happiness, bliss", Lowenna is an upbeat and lyrical Cornish name.
Milena – Derived from the Slavic milu "gracious, dear", Milena is an exotic and glamorous choice with a wealth of nickname choices.
Hermione– A classical Greek name from mythology which is familiar but not at all common (ranking at #545). While Hermione is scholarly and grand, the potential nicknames Minnie and Mimi lend a sweet and dainty edge to match Ettie.
Winifred – An ancient name which is dignified and stately with inbuilt darling nickname Winnie.
Sabina – An elegant ancient Roman name symbolising concilation and meditation. It was a favourite of the Victorians but now ranks at #1272. Nickname options range from Sabby, Bee, Bina and Beany.
Persephone – As Primrose is a favourite of yours, and Posey is also on your list, perhaps ancient and glamourous Persephone with the nickname "Posey" would be the right compromise. Persephone currently ranks at #864.
I hope this has been of use. Best wishes for finding the perfect name.
