Name Help: A Brother-Name for Noah

 

Monica is expecting her second baby -- a brother or sister for Noah. If a girl, they are spoiled for choice, but boys' names are proving tricky to settle on. 

Monica writes: "We're looking for a solid name, possibly traditional, historical or biblical. We both appreciate classic, sweet and elegant as attributes. 

My husband defines his name style as 'classic, short but not nicknamey, with a historical or biblical oomph'. He has a clear preference for two-syllable names (he's Finnish, and most Finnish names are bisyllabic) and names that have some sort of connection to history, literature, science or the Bible. 

 

My taste is similar except I don't really mind about the length of the name. I tend not to like nicknamey names either (I do like Archie though, I feel it's a name on its own, not just a short version of Archibald. My husband disagrees!). I love how a name sounds, so to me the sound is very important. I don't particularly like names starting with an H. My husband suggested Henry and Hugo, and although they're classic and elegant names, two attributes I like - I struggle with the initial sound. 

 

My husband doesn't particularly like names beginning with a J (for differences related to the Finnish pronunciation). This is terrible for me because I love names like Julian, Jeremy, James and Joseph. 

 

Popularity has absolutely no importance to us. As long as we both like the name, it doesn't matter to us if it's ranked 1 or 1000 in the name statistics. 

 

I like names like Julian, Jeremy, Joseph but also Archie. My husband doesn't. 

 

He likes names like Luca, Dario, Onni, Nico. I don't. 

 

Names that we can't use: Daniel, Samuel, Adam and Alex.

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The great news, Monica, is that there are plenty of great classic/traditional or Biblical names that are short in length but strong in impact. In compiling this list, I've tried to keep as Scandi-friendly or pan-European as possible to help bridge the language tastes. 

Amos – A sweet but uncommon Biblical name possibly meaning "strong" or "courageous" which is also used currently in Finland. 

Arthur – When it comes to history, you can't get more legendary than princely Arthur which also doubles as a contemporary favourite. 

Axel – This is the Scandinavian form of the Biblical name Absalom with a cool, modern vibe. 

Casper – The traditional name given to one of the three wise men of the Nativity with a cool Continental style. The spelling Kasper is more common in Finland. 

Elijah – A popular Biblical choice which has been winning hearts in Britain since it joined the top 100 in 2011. 

Elias – The Greek variation of Elijah which is currently very fashionable in Finland and stylish in the UK. 

Ellis / Elliot – Both Ellis and Elliot are English forms of Elias/Elijah. In Scandinavia, the spelling Elis is popular. 

Ezra – Short, stylish and with a Biblical punch. It has been in the top 100 since 2016 after a meteoric rise in fashion. 

Felix – Happy by name, happy by nature, Latin Felix is found in the New Testament and has ranked in the top 100 since 2013. 

Gabriel – Elegant and debonnaire, Gabriel is a gentlemanly Biblical choice with a classic style. 

Isaac – A true Old Testament favourite with several scientists, mathematicians and other famous intellectuals to its name. 

Leo / Leon– A little name with lots of style and history. Leo is currently #1 in Finland and #6 in Britain so is very on-trend. His brother Leon (at #97) is just as stylish but a little less expected. 

Levi – An up-an-coming Biblical choice which ranks at #154 currently in England and Wales. The Finnish cognate, Leevi, is #7 in Finland. 

Louie – As grand as Julian and as sprightly as Onni, Louie / Louis is a name of emperors, inventors and artists. 

Max – A pan-European favourite with a bold meaning and style. 

Oscar – A Gaelic favourite which has been a royal Scandinavian staple for centuries. 

Reuben – Another modern Biblical revival. Reuben gave his name to one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel and so its roots go deep. 

Robin – Sprightly Robin is the medieval form of classic Robert as well as being borne by a sweet British bird. It ranked at #27 in 2019 for Finlandswedish parents. 

Roman – A stately Latin name borne by emperors and philosophers which has plenty of modern appeal. 

Theo(dore) – A classical Greek name which spans centuries and continents. The pared-down Theo has equal appeal and makes a great brother-name for Noah. 

Zachary – The same rhythm as Jeremy with the punch sounds of Luca and Nico, Biblical Zachary is a happy and modern choice to match Noah. 

 

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