Teresa writes:
Hello there Swistle! I’ve been reading your blog (semi-obsessively) for some time now and have often thought of writing, but always talked myself out of it (because I know you guys get so much mail). Now, however, I’m reaching a desperate point. I am pregnant with #2, a little boy, due May 22. My husband is deploying and will be leaving in March, and since he’ll miss the birth, the 2 baby-related bonding-type things I had hoped we’d be able to do together was the ultrasound and agreeing on a name. The ultrasound is done, but now we are stuck. We are in completely different galaxies when it comes to boy names.
Our daughter is named Charlotte Grace (which wasn’t as popular when we chose it as it is now). Our last name is Thompson. My favorite names so far are Oliver, Atticus, and Abraham (Abraham is my favorite by far). My husband can’t tolerate any of those. He prefers names like Timothy and Andrew, which are great names, just not for this baby. The one name that we theoretically *could* compromise and agree on is Calvin, but I’m not totally sold on it. If we have more children and didn’t start their name with a C name, would they feel left out? (I feel like this may be less of a concern because Charlotte doesn’t have a hard “c” sound, but am still not totally sure.) I do not want a first name that begins with T. My initials have always been TT, and I think it is too much of a strong T-sound.
We go to a fairly small, very close-knit church with an abundance of baby boys, so there are QUITE a few names that are out (and these are only the names that would be in the same class as this baby). Names that are out: Judah, Christian, Elijah, Levi, Luke, Seth, Sebastian, Liam, Ethan, Griffin/Finn.
We both liked Tobias at first, until we started test-driving it (and then we both liked it a lot less). And related Elias is out because of a horrible person one of us knew. Jeremiah could be a candidate, but it’s a name that I only like and do not love. If this baby was a girl, she would have been named Opal Elizabeth, which is a name that I really DO love, so now I’m just having a hard time settling for a boy name that I can only tolerate. Does that make any sense? I would prefer a less common name – I am not against popular names just for the sake of being different, but so our kid wouldn’t always have to be identified by their first name and last initial. I theoretically love Puritan/Colonial names, but looking through list after list of those types of names, I have found nothing inspirational.
Any help or guidance you could give would be greatly appreciated! Because of some training my husband has, he is only going to be home for another 5 weeks or so before he leaves in March. For some reason I am really feeling the time crunch lately, and for some other reason (probably crazy pregnancy hormones, I’m guessing), the thought of having to agree on a name via Skype with him across the world makes me cry. (Though I am thankful for the existence of Skype that will allow us to keep in touch, I really am. I just want the name agreeing to be done in person.)
Thank you again for your time!
To me, it’s the third name in a row that causes the real pressure—but I do feel some pressure even with a second name in a row, so I’d understand if you wanted to avoid a C name. But if I heard of a sibling group Charlotte, Calvin, and Opal, I wouldn’t think, “What, did they run out of C names?” (with Charlotte, Calvin, Colin, and Opal, I might). And although I’m sure we could find adults still upset that they didn’t share initials with their siblings, my guess is that the majority of children don’t care about such things unless it’s really blatant (and even then, we get people who say it made them feel special, not excluded). If you DID have Charlotte, Calvin, Colin, and Opal, and you said, “Opal, I waited through TWO BOYS to get to use your name!,” it seems like there’d be very little room left for feeling neglected.
I think Calvin would be a wonderful choice. It seems like an excellent compromise between your husband’s style and your own, and I’m not sure we can do any better than that. Which is not to say we won’t try, because trying is fun.
Henry is another name that I think can bridge the gap between Oliver and Andrew. Henry Thompson is great, I think. But what really sells it to me is the sibling name set: Charlotte and Henry. I love that. I love it enough that I had a little heart attack thinking “Wait, is it in their church group??”—followed by a very pleasant headrush when it wasn’t.
If Henry is too common, I wonder if you’d like Harvey. That’s a name that never would have caught my eye if I hadn’t been a fan of Sabrina the Teenage Witch. The cool-but-nice boyfriend is named Harvey.
Tobias and Elias make me think of Silas. Silas Thompson; Charlotte and Silas.
Silas makes me think of Simon. Simon Thompson. Too rhymey, or nicely tied together? Charlotte and Simon is a pair I like almost as much as I like Charlotte and Henry.
Henry and Silas make me think of Harris. Harris Thompson; Charlotte and Harris.
I looked up lists of signers of the Constitution and signers of the Declaration of Independence to see if any early U.S. names stood out. In those lists I found what I consider a real option, a name that came up again and again—but it’s the kind of name I feel like I need to introduce by saying something like “Now don’t reject it right away! Let it sink in!” It’s George. George Thompson. Charlotte and George. I like George enough to consider it using it myself, but it took awhile to start seeing it as a real name candidate, and I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s a name like John, so familiar it sort of flits right past without sinking in? But think for a moment of George Clooney. See? GEORGE. I think it’s the kind of name that has the potential to be a continual pleasant surprise: it’s got dignity and it’s got charm and it’s got HISTORY. (And it’s got Clooney.)
Another is Philip. A friend named her son Philip, and it has been such a successful name. I’m not sure I noticed it when I read baby name books, but as soon as she mentioned it I thought “Philip!! Why have we not considered Philip??” Philip Johnson; Charlotte and Philip.
Another name that caught my eye was Nathaniel. That seems closer to your husband’s tastes than to yours, but still might work as a compromise. Nathaniel Thompson; Charlotte and Nathaniel.
There’s an Edmund listed under “Other Founders,” and I think that name would work very nicely. Edmund Thompson; Charlotte and Edmund.
Looking over the list brought the name Joel (not on the lists) to mind. It has that hard-working early American sound. Joel Thompson; Charlotte and Joel.
Or Grant. Grant Thompson; Charlotte and Grant.
Love Philip and George for you.
Would you consider Jared or Rueban?
Good luck!
How about Louis, Lucas, Malachi, Raphael or Tucker?
I love Calvin and Swistle’s suggestion of Joel. And, of course, this is a pretty inarguable case for George: “it’s got dignity and it’s got charm and it’s got HISTORY. (And it’s got Clooney.)”
…But I do have a few other suggestions:
Matthias
Edwin
Irving
Baxter
William
Edward
Stephen
Congratulations and good luck!
When I saw the suggestion of Phillip, I also thought of Peter. Charlotte and Peter.
I really love Calvin! It’s one of my favorites. I think ALL of Swistle’s suggestions are perfect. Grant makes me think of my favorite boy names: Graham, Reid, Miles, Rhett.
Have you considered Josiah? It was a common Colonial/Puritan name and the story of the Biblical Josiah is wonderful–he became king as a boy and stayed true to God all of his life. Or maybe Jonathan? That name is more common and also Colonial/Puritan/Biblical.
Swistle, your advice is wonderful! I have a 4 year old George and also on our shortlist were Philip, Edmund and Nathaniel. Other names we liked that I think will work well with Charlotte include Henry, William, August/Augustus and Sterling. But I really can’t recommend George enough–and I’d be shocked if he ever had to be George T.
I think Calvin is a good choice, but if you aren’t completely sold on it, I would keep looking.
Henry Thompson is adorable.
A few ideas to consider…
* Charles, nn Chase. Charles Thompson / Chase Thompson. Charlotte and Chase.
* Wade. Wade Thompson. Charlotte and Wade.
* Ezra. Ezra Thompson. Charlotte and Ezra.
* Clark. Clark Thompson. Charlotte and Clark.
* Caleb. Caleb Thompson. Charlotte and Caleb. (Another “C”, I know!)
Best of luck!
I love the name Henry for your son. Charlotte and Henry. Henry Thompson. It makes me wish I were having a boy and my last name was Thompson – I like it that much!
I also like Harris for you – not very unusual or very common, and it seems to strike a balance between you and your husband’s tastes.
Putting some of your favorite names in nymbler, Noah was suggested, which I also like for you. Noah Thompson. Charlotte and Noah.
Best of luck to you! Please updated us when you know his name.
George! What a dream. I also love Silas. Sy is just adorable.
Love, love, LOVE Charlotte and Henry together! We have a Grady (who goes by Gray)and we almost named our daughter Charlotte, but ended up going with Catherine (Cate). Best of luck to you – you’ll figure it out!
Okay, here are two Puritan and biblical names that are highly underused:
Cyrus (King of Persia who let the Iraelites go back to rebuild Jerusalem)
Nicodemus (sought out Jesus to understand the truth and later became a Christian)
What I like about Cyrus is that you have another ‘C’ name that doesn’t make a hard ‘k’ sound. Cy Thompson sounds pretty masculine, too.
What I like about Nicodemus (besides being fun to say) is that you get a common nickname (Nic Thompson) with a stellar full name.
Best wishes to you and your growing family! My heart just broke when you mentioned not wanting to name your son over Skype. Thank you for your sacrifice to protect our freedom; I’m grateful for what your family has chosen to endure for the sake of my family’s comfort.
Henry and Philip and especially George are so perfect that I dont even want to think about other options. But I will anyway! (P.S. I dont know if you ever call Charlotte Charley, but consider: Charley and Pip! Charley and Geordie!)
(I dont care for repeating initials unless ALL the children will be getting that initial, so I am avoiding Clavin).
Joseph
Sebastian (Charley and Sebi!)
William
I’ve met little boys in the past week named Leonard and Laurence, both of which are shockingly cute on small people.
This isn’t helpful for the poster but I feel like I’ve been knocked up side the head with George. It isn’t a name I’ve cared for before but when you pointed it out on George Clooney I was kind of shocked, it’s like I never even noticed that was his name before. It suddenly feel fresh again.
You did again, Swistle, made me see a name I’ve heard my whole life in a whole new light.
As for the poster, I really like Charlotte and Henry together. Good luck.
Loving all the George love in these comments and Swistle’s plug for the name (I might have to print that out.) We have a 10 month old George (and a 4 year Henry) so I give the name a thumbs-up too. It’s not actually one I had at the top of my list – it was my husbands pick. (I also loved Oliver, like you.) Another one I like is Frederick – not sure if that’s one you and your husband might like. I like Arthur too – but not sure my husband would ever agree to that, so yours probably wouldn’t either?
Great suggestions from Swistle.
Gideon?
Or Abram? (Like Abraham but obviously different.)
Philip! Are you kidding, it is perfection! Charlotte, Philip, & a maybe someday Opal (which bytheway : swoon!) are just a little sibling package of awesome. :) other faves if you’re not feeling Philip; Simon or Gideon. I also agree with “the Mrs” your sacrifice does not go unappreciated.
I have a Joel and a Charlotte, so that’s my vote :)
I squealed like a little girl when I came here yesterday morning and saw my letter had been answered. Hooray!!! I love Swistle!
Know what else I love? Henry. I *LOVE* Henry. My husband even likes Henry! I will update when all is decided, but I am so encouraged – I feel like we have so many options now that I will actually LOVE! Thank you Swistle and everyone else for the suggestions and the kind words!
I know this post is yearssss old but in my search for a Thompson boy name I found you & now I must know… which did you choose??
I really love Charlotte and Henry!
I also want to suggest Theodore! Charlotte and Theodore are so lovely together, and I think they look great as a pair when you see them written. Plus, you get the wonderful nn Theo!
Love Henry. Other ideas for you and your husband: Alexander, Nathaniel, Caleb, or Dean.
Swistle made a great case for George. I still remember her post on John, which made me see John in a new light, and she did it again with George.
Swistle’s case for John, helped convince me to name my own son Paul, which is a different name, but same style.
And John, Paul, and George have another credible connection – the Beetles! If George Clooney isn’t enough to make you swoon (and how can he not be), there are the Beetles!
Let’s just ignore Ringo shall we? Although o-ending names are in style so I wouldn’t be surprised to see some parent name their son Ringo, but personally I would rather see John, Paul or George.
I don’t think you need to look further than George – it is dignified yet approachable and goes well with Charlotte.
Good luck!
I read this and thought Tobin! It’s like Tobias + Calvin! Perfect! But… Tobin Thompson isn’t so great… drat. It’s such a great name! But Henry is adorable too :)
How about Julian, Jack or Holden. I really like Henry a lot with Charlotte. I think Holden is a good match also. I personally do not care for George. I think of Bush when I hear it. And for me that is not a positive association.:)
George made me think of Jasper! Swoon!! And Oscar is a wonderful name. And Theo I don’t has been suggested yet.
Have you considered:
– Jude (my fave boy name): Charlotte and Jude (and Opal!)
– Simon (could be a bridge name): Charlotte and Simon
– Drew as a nickname for Andrew?: Charlotte and Drew
– Jonas (similar to Tobias): Charlotte and Jonas
– Markus (see Tobias): Charlotte and Markus (Marcus)
– Thomas (see Tobias again!): Charlotte and Thomas
– Walter (my Grandad’s name), nickname Wall or Walt: Charlotte and Wall, Charlotte and Walt, Charlotte and Walter
Many blessings to you, both in your family and in your times of separation! Sending a prayer and smile your way! :)
– sarah
… oops, Thomas Thompson! Hehe. (I blush.)
– sarah
I second Abram (I saw someone above already suggested it). Also, I like Henry, Noah, Benjamin, Alexander, and Oliver with your last name and with Charlotte
Adding the suggestion of Matthew. It shares double T with Charlotte, it is a biblical name, and if his middle name is Alan, then his initials will be his nickname–MAT
My absolute favorite from your list is Calvin. I don’t think the double C’s are a problem exactly because the C’s make different sounds. I adore the old-fashioned sound, the theological significance, and the nickname Cal. It’s a great choice!
If you don’t use Calvin, I like the idea of biblical names for you (as it seems a lot of your favorites are biblical, and it sounds like your faith is important to you). Ideas:
Simeon (a recent favorite)
Simon
Gideon (my all-time favorite)
Julius
Abram (maybe more palatable than Abraham to your husband?)
Aaron
Abel (great, neglected name; sounds a bit like Abraham)
Ephraim (EE-frum or EE-free-um)
Paul
Philip
Peter
Other Colonial-era or Jane-Austen-era names that sound good with Charlotte:
Frederick
Edmund
Gilbert (isn’t Gil just adorable?)
Lawrence
Arthur (like the repeated “ar” sound with Charlotte)
Miles
Frank
Robert
Louis (a neglected classic)
Another one to consider might be Wesley (after ministers/hymn writers Charles Wesley and John Wesley).
Good luck!