James and his partner are expecting their first child soon: a boy!
Luke writes: "I’m from England and she is from Canada so there are some differences in taste we are contending with.
We both like names leaning towards nickname-y. But I am also conscious of not burdening someone with a name that sounds too informal or childish. Their name shouldn’t hinder them as an adult. We’re also not keen on names starting with F [same initial as surname].
My top names are Jack, Harry, Charlie, Dylan, Tom.
My partner’s top names are Bobby, Miles, Levi, Rio, Charlie."
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It is common for parents to worry about how a name will grow with their child. But, names are cyclical and grow with each generation. Once upon a time, Graham, Derek, Janet and Linda would have pretty much only been used for children. They were -- by virtue of their usage -- inherently childish names. But that generation grew up and became professionals. They are now deemed 'grandparent' names.
Thousands of boys have just started school with top 20 names (when they were born) like Harry, Charlie, Jack, Alfie and Freddie. When these boys grow to adulthood, their names will be the norm amongst their generation and won't be deemed childish, but instead typical names.
Aiden – A stylish yet solid Gaelic name meaning "fire" that stylistically sits between Dylan and Rio.
Archie – Charlie is on both your list, so it seems obvious to suggest sound-alike Archie which has roots right back to the Anglo-Saxons.
Arlo – Arlo might seem new, but already sitting at #27, there will be plenty of professionals in the future who answer to this name. Edmund Spenser lends the name a literary edge, while The Good Dinosaur gives it Disney pedigree.
Austin – Austin is a historic name which feels thoroughly modern. Austin was the medieval English vernacular form of Augustine meaning "belonging to Augustus." Augustus itself is a Latin word meaning "venerable, revered, majestic, magnificent, noble" famously chosen by the first Roman emperor.
Beau– A name that once spoke of cutting-edge fashion and the epitome of style, Beau is now an easy-going yet stylish choice which is not uncommon in Canada.
Blake – A sleek surname which has firmly established itself as a literary-inspired first name.
Eli – A rising Biblical favourite in England and already popular in Canada.
Ellis – Like Austin, Ellis feels like a modern surname-first name but actually it was a given name first -- in Ellis's case, an English medieval vernacular form of Elijah.
Ezra – Sleek Biblical Ezra means "helper" in Hebrew which ranks in the top 100s of both England and Canada.
Evan – A staple British name, in use since the 15th century, and an edgy twist on traditional John.
Isaac – A happy Biblical name (quite literally as it means "to laugh") with a strong heritage of belonging to scientists and mathematicians.
Lucas – The original Roman form of Luke which, conversely, now puts a modern spin on perennial Luke. Both are popular in England and Canada.
Max – From a grand Roman name to a stately royal choice, Max is now an upbeat, stylish choice.
Oscar – An Irish name meaning "friend of deer". Oscar appears in Irish mythology as the grandson of Fionn mac Cumhaill and later became a royal name in Europe.
Owen – A British staple, featuring in Arthurian legend, and borne by many members of medieval royalty. It sits between Dylan and Miles stylistically.
Rory – A friendly Celtic name once borne by ancient kings.
Rowan – The name Rowan comes from several sources but it is most commonly associated with the rowan tree which is a native tree in both Britain and Canada. Perfect for a British-Canadian boy!
Theo – Derived from stately Theodore, Theo is a name which is popular in both Britain and Canada. It has all the history of Tom, and all the interest of Rio.
Toby – Toby is the medieval English form of Biblical Tobias. It is a friendly name that feels ageless.
Zachary – A happy Biblical name with the same upbeat notes as Charlie and Harry but with the same grounding as Miles and Levi.
I hope this has been of use—best wishes with settling on the perfect name.
