Name Help: Baby Boy Name Needed

 

Emma is expecting a little boy and is struggling to find a name both her and her partner can compromise on.

Emma writes: "We are struggling to find a name that we both love. Babies surname [sounds like a body part] - this in itself presents a problem as some names actually sound like diseases. 

So far, my partner is pretty set on Tommy or Jack. I don't mind either but my reservations are that Jack is a little boring and being a teacher, Tommy T. sounds like he is trouble with a capital T. 

 

I love the name Sonny but my partner dismissed it straight away. He won't go for anything even slightly quirky. 

 

Other names we have thrown around and both quite liked include Billy, Leo and Archie. 

 

Names that we can't really include (due to friends etc) include Albie (which I love), Reuben, Oscar and Alfie. 

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As a teacher myself who named her son with a partner who had a differing taste in names, I can completely relate to your dilemma -- I've been exactly there myself! I think people assume that teachers will go for unusual names to avoid using names of pupils, and yet most of my colleagues actually went with top 50 names. I think the key is our perception of the name (which often is influenced by the children we have taught) rather than the popularity of the name. 

As your partner has quite conservative/popular tastes, I've opted for names that hopefully strike an easy balance and won't be instantly dismissed. 

 

Arlo – Part Leo with a dash of Sonny's style. Arlo is a trendy name which is starting to turn heads.

Austin – A name that sounds modern but has a long history of use since the Middle Ages. 

Brody – Brody (or Brodie) is a breezy Scottish name which matches up the sounds of Billy-Archie-Sonny on your list.

Charlie – Classic and down to earth like Jack with a timeless and friendly quality.

Dylan – Dylan can be considered a 'modern classic' as it still feels fresh even after decades of use.

Evan – Sleek and grounded, Evan is a familiar name that still retains its intrigue. 

Harvey –  A half-way house between cheeky Tommy and cheery Sonny with the same vintage charm.

Jackson – If Jack cannot be shaken from your partner's mind, you could spice it up a little by opting for Jackson (or Jaxon). Even better, either Jack or Sonny (or both!) can be used as nicknames!

Jake – Close to Jack but much less common is breezy Jake currently ranking at #80.

Jamie – A Jack-Archie-Tommy hybrid is charming Jamie. It is familiar but now feels a little bit different when you encounter one.

Jude – Another Jack alternative to consider is sleek Biblical Jude.

Lewis – A classic name, used by royalty, since the Middle Ages that still feels fresh and modern.

Luke – This is another name that I would call a 'modern classic'. It's sweet and friendly but, as it now ranks at #100, it isn't too common.

Owen – A perennial name which has been in use for centuries but still feels fresh for a modern baby.

Rory – Sharing Tommy's cheeky chappy vibe, Rory makes a great 'somewhat common' name choice.

Stanley – With its vintage vibe, Stanley feels right at home alongside Peaky Blinder inspired Tommy. 

Teddy – A great Tommy alternative with the same fun, vintage feel.  

Theo – As you like Leo, Theo is an obvious alternative with plenty of style.

Toby – Another Tommy-Sonny blend in terms of style. Toby is fun and friendly and down to earth.