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.
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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.