Dear Swistle,
I’m Kristy Mitchell, and I’m currently pregnant with my first child. I’m taking a different path than most, as I’m 35+ and single, and this pregnancy is the result of many (intentional) tries, eventually needing medical assistance using donor sperm. I’m due around Thanksgiving, and am waiting to find out the sex of the baby at delivery.
It’s early, but I love names, and am enjoying thinking about what names might be great for this child. If it’s a girl my current favorites are Matilda, Magdalene, Greta, Hazel and Calliope, likely paired with the middle name Louise, a family name. I haven’t had trouble with this list but I’m stumped for ideas for a baby boy – and bounce wildly between things that seem great one day, and then sound awful the next.
I like Oscar, Barnaby, Julian, Calvin and Ezra, but they don’t seem to hit me the same way day to day. Benjamin, Samuel, Owen and Cedric also keep coming up, but something about them keeps them from coming to the top of the list. The current front runners for a middle name are Linwood or Samuel, family names.
I have two firm requirements, though they may seem a bit odd. Mitchell seems like it’s as common a first name as it is a last name around here, so I’d like to avoid a name that is “a last name first” because the idea of a kid trying to correct someone about which name is his first/last name seems like it’d be a pain. And, as someone who sees a lot of names in my work, I sometimes fear I’ll mix it up and say the wrong name first. (Ross Mitchell or Mitchell Ross?) The second is that I’d like it to be googleable, meaning that I want to look it up and see that someone else already has the name. I know that I like being able to be somewhat “hidden” in the world of social media and so I’d like to avoid something so unique that he’d be the only one. (That there already is a Barnaby Mitchell was a pleasant surprise!) (I’d got with Barnaby in a heartbeat, but I hate the nickname Barney, so it’s not as ideal as I want it to be.)
Do you or your readers have any thoughts for additional names to add to my list?
Thank you!!!
Normally I am pretty set on the idea that if the parent hates the nickname for a name, the name may not be a good choice: nicknames are easier to avoid than they used to be, but the child might still choose to use it. I think fairly often of my friend Liz, whose parents named her Elizabeth so they could call her Beth; they hated (and still hate) the nickname Liz, and she feels 100% like a Liz and 0% like an Elizabeth or a Beth. It’s a problem.
But I don’t think of Barney as a nickname for Barnaby. Perhaps it IS. Perhaps I will look it up right now and see that Barney in fact originates as a nickname for Barnaby. But I’d never connected the two names. I think of them as having sounds in common, but being as separate as Harvey and Harry, or as Isabella and Isla, or Belinda and Bea, or Georgiana and Gena, or Randolph and Ralph, or Archibald and Arnold.
Well. Indeed, looking it up in The Oxford Dictionary of First Names, I see Barney listed as a pet name of Barnaby/Barnabus, so it IS just that I personally didn’t connect them, and not that they’re not connected. This is like the other day when Hank Green realized for the first time that Barbie’s full name was Barbara. This is an upsetting turn of events. I’m not sure what to advise. I suppose for now, we will move on to other choices.
I think it’s possible that one or more of the names on your list WILL rise to the top as the months go by. But here are the names that the names on your list make me think of:
Alistair
Edmund
Elliot
Emmett
Everett
Felix
Franklin
Frederick
George
Harvey
Henry
Hugo
Ian
Isaac
Joel
Karl
Leo
Louis
Malcolm
Milo
Nolan
Oliver
Sebastian
Simon
Theodore
Wesley
Some of these may be too last-name, but it was hard to find the line (Calvin is also a surname, for example), so when in doubt, I included it.
Name update!
My daughter arrived a month ago, and though I’d spent the last few weeks of my pregnancy referring to the baby (to myself) as a Greta or Gus, it was clear that she wasn’t a Greta. 36h of trying names on, looking through your site and others, and fending off lots of hospital staff and well meaning friends who wanted to know what her name was, I settled on Maggie Louise – which fits her perfectly.
If you’d told me that it would have entailed all of that (the process, the time) I would have denied it and laughed, but my indecision surprised me. It was worth it though – I don’t regret keeping my selections to myself and picking a name that wasn’t on my original list.
Thank you for your advice and for all of the comments – they were invaluable!
Theo, Colin, Simon, Oliver, Louis, Felix, Leo and Lucas all came to my mind as I read your letter – and I see Swistle listed most of those and more, so I’m just seconding those picks from her excellent list.
On Barney as a nickname for Barnaby: I actually grew up knowing a Barnaby nicknamed Barney, and Barns to his family (he was the older brother of my friend Blythe – maybe a name that could appeal to you?). Because of that, I knew it was a nickname for Barnaby, but I wouldn’t automatically dub a new Barnaby I met ‘Barney’. Swistle’s right, nicknames are less common in younger generations (for reference, I’m 20). Also, because Barnaby is a relatively uncommon name, I feel that there are probably plenty of people, who, like Swistle, simply won’t connect the two names. If you love Barnaby, I’d encourage you to use it! It’s a lovely name. All the best with you name-choosing and pregnancy!
Ooh, and I just wanted to add, I LOVE the name Greta! It’s a personal favourite and I’d be thrilled if you used it. I also really like Matilda and Hazel. This baby’s lucky to have a mother with such great taste in names! ;)
I’m going to think on it and come back later and comment on the boy names but I wanted to say now I love Hazel Louise for you. My sister, who is about to become a single mom, too, had Hazel on her list for a while and I was rooting for it.
Congratulations!
To me- Mitchell feels very last name and the other name on your list do not.(just wanted to add- this may only be in your area where Mitchell is a common name)
I love all of your name choices. There doesn’t seem to be a bad match!
I am particular to Barnaby for a boy and Greta for a girl.
I have heard many people say if they do not like a nickname, it goes away just after a few corrections. I have a friend whose son’s name begins with a B and they call him B. It’s very cute;)
Good luck!
It may not be common, but it is around – I know a teenage Mitchell, and have known a number of Mitches. This Stewart-surnamed woman knows the struggle is real. Calvin is borderline in my mind. Love Alistair, though, and Sebastian.. But Milo Mitchell has a cheekiness that I absolutely adore. Or Miles, if you want a slightly more formal option.
I love Oscar and Calvin and your girl names are great! How about:
Otis
Barrett (nice barnaby alternative?)
Hector
Hank
SIMON!!!!! I love the name Simon and have for a very long time. Long before Simon Baker, but he certainly helps make the name even better. Simon Linwood Mitchell sounds like a successful adult and at the same time Simon could also be an adorable child. Not too old. Not too young. I googled the name and initials and nothing extremely trendy or negative was immediately apparent. That’s always a good sign. As far as initials go “SLM” is well know and has a positive connotation.
With Louise as a middle name, I really like Greta and Matilda. Greta Louise or Matilda Louise. I don’t care for the same ending with Hazel Mitchell or or ending beginning slurring of Hazel Louise. I find Calliope Louise hard to say and would be concerned about the nickname Callie. Magdalene is okay but not my favorite.
From your boys list I like Ezra, Oscar, and Owen the best. All three passed your google test though I did get a Mitchell Owens so maybe Owen fails the last name-first name test. I think Ezra Linwood or Oscar Linwood sound great. (I am not likely the sound of Samuel with Mitchell for some reason regardless of the first name.)
As for suggestions, I am a big fan of the name Arlo. Arlo Mitchell… Arlo Linwood (M)itchell… I also like Leo .. Leo Linwood (M)itchell.
ohhhh! I love your girl list. Matilda and Hazel were finalists for us and Magdalene IS my 3-month old daughter’s middle name! On your boys list, I love Ezra and Cedric. From swistles suggestion, I love Milo and Oliver.
I did connect Barney with the Barnaby but I think that’s because I thought the character Barney on how I met your mother was a Barnaby until I realized later in the series that it was Barnabus.
Ezra and the suggestions of simon and Samuel made me think of Simeon.
Best of luck! I can’t wait to hear what you pick!
We have very similar taste in names! I love Barnaby and Oscar. Swistle’s suggestion of Malcolm is great as well. What about Edward? Or maybe Desmond?
I have to put in a vote for Swistle’s suggestion of Alistair. Alistair Mitchell. I love it.
When I read your girls names I immediately thought of Wesley Mitchell. I would then go with Wesley Samuel Mitchell. I love it!
I also thought of Simeon, Cyrus, Duncan, and Benedict. I think Benedict Mitchell might be my favorite—Benedict Linwood Mitchell sounds quite excellent, and it’s googleable.
I find Hazel Mitchell too rhymey, and it slurs into Hazelouise. Matilda Mitchell and Magdalene Mitchell sound a bit storybook-ish, which isn’t a problem (I like it!), but I thought I’d mention it. Greta Louise Mitchell is my favorite.
Matilda Louise. Tilly Lou. Love it. Actually all of your contenders for girls names are AWESOME. Can’t wait to hear what you choose.
While I was reading your letter, Jeremiah and Jared kept coming to mind for boys.
I did know that Barney was a nickname for Barnaby. Given your list of boy names, I can’t tell if you want a nickname proof name or just a name where you like all of the “standard” nicknames. On BNW that Bear is a nickname for Barnaby. Interesting. Not sure if you would like that.
I also like Tobias.
Miles. Miles Mitchell.
I love the name Magdalene. My husband didn’t buy it though. :( Magda is a cute nickname. Anyway, on topic, your girl names are great. I wouldn’t have necessarily made the connection between Barnaby and Barney… I say go for it if you have a boy!
I have similar taste in names so here area few more that were on my list: Sawyer, Spencer, and Wyatt. We have two sons, Eli and Oliver and our top girls names were: Hannah, Greta, and Alice.
I immediately thought of Oliver. We have an Oliver and love his name.
What about Arlo?? Sigh. I love Arlo.
What about Walter? Walter Mitchell. It has that feel where it is not too stand-out-ish… Could blend it but it isn’t boring. Walter feels older but you could always use Walt. A little Walt. Love this name. It’s not common but gives the illusion that it is. To me… It’s perfect. (Note: if you google, a lot of people come up)
Other names that I’ve thought of (as has both Swistle and many others):
Simon
Theodore
Henry
George
Louis (Lou-ee)
What about Guthrie Nn Gus. Gus Mitchel. Love it.
Charles. I also love the way Charles Mitchell sounds. Charles Mitchell happens to be a football player in the NFL, also several other people named this as well, so passes the Google criteria as well!!
Good luck and keep us posted!!
Ah I keep thinking of these names.
What about Bruce Mitchell?? I know that Bruce could be a surname… But I love the flow of it.
Please keep us posted!! Hehe.
Oh meant to add that I really like Greta. What about Freda/Frieda??
I have to comment just because of the Hank Green shout out.
I do know that Barney is a nickname for Barnaby, but I wouldn’t automatically go there. A lot of kids don’t use nicknames, so it’s not a default option the way it used to be. At least while he’s young, you should be able to get people to use just Barnaby. You’ll need to decide how you’ll feel if he decides something different once he’s old enough.
But, Barnaby & Benjamin made me think of Benedict-which I love for you! Bartholomew is another that feels sort of similar, or Bertram.
I’ll second Alistair, Hugo, Felix & Malcolm from Swistle’s list.
Other suggestions are Thaddeus, Titus, Tavish, Colm, Desmond, Ambrose, Abram, Conrad, Jude, Howard & Augustus
Oh! and Walter.
I love August (nn Gus) for you. August Mitchell. I also really like Louis (pronounced Lewis) for you, especially with Louise as a family name. Henry (nn Hank) and George are also nice.
Thaddeus! I had a friend in grad school named Thaddeus Barnabus. He went by Thad. :) all great choices, though!
I think the name Oliver Mitchell has a very distinguished sound to it. Oliver Linwood Mitchell!
Benjamin Mitchell and Christopher Mitchell came to mind too. Obviously the three syllable first name just appeals to me with your surname. Ben and Kit are great nicknames too!
I love, love, love Calvin though! Calvin Linwood Mitchell, nn Cal, is super cool!
Matilda and Greta are my favorites from your girl list. Love Matilda with the nickname Tilly too!
Magdalene reminds me of Gwendoline. Gwendoline Louise Mitchell is stunning! Gwen Mitchell!
I do have a soft spot for Calliope too. I have heard Calliope with the nickname Clio before. Cute!
All the best!!
We have similar style. I keep trying to use Greta, but so far my husband hasn’t come around to it.
For girls I was going to tell you to go for Hazel Louise (I am incredibly biased toward that name, as my own daughter’s name is very similar, just reversed). But I am not sure I love the way both names end the same in Hazel Mitchell. So I say use Greta!
For boys, I was going to suggest my son’s name, Sebastian, and I see that Swistle already has. I also think Ezra Linwood Mitchell has a fantastic ring to it.
I think Barnaby wouldn’t get the automatic nickname Barney. I think nicknames are most likely to happen by shortening the name to either its beginning or ending syllables. My son tends to get “Seb” from coaches and other adults and “Bastian” from his preschool peers who find his name challenging to say. So I think he would get “Barn” more likely than Barney. Does Barn bug you?
I know a Barnaby who doesn’t use a nickname.
On the other hand, I know someone else with Barnaby as a last name..
I have a 9-month-old Matilda Louise (Tilly),
Sorry, got cut-off mid-sentence there. Tilly’s big sister is Josephine Mae. Had either been a boy, they would have been August (Gus), George, Calvin, Ezra or Leo. We also considered Eliza, Clara, Louisa, and Greta. Good luck!
I just wanted to chime in and say, I have the same exact problem with boy names! I love a name one day, and within a week I’m off it. My tactic (since I started thinking about names years in advance) is to see which ones come back to me the most. The boy name I’d like to use one day isn’t one that gives me the warm fuzzes 100% of the time, but it is the one that hits me in the gut every couple of months or so before I start thinking about the fiddly little cons and talking myself out of it ;)
Best of luck! I’m just smitten with your taste in names, you really can’t go wrong!
I think since you like the second string names well enough to consider them but they don’t ever rise to the top they’re good contenders for middle names. You’ve already put Samuel in that category. How about
Julian Owen
Calvin Benjamin
Ezra Cedric
Or for new first name ideas: Alexander, Elias, Elijah, Elliott, Ian, Jonathan, Louis, Maxwell, Nicholas, Zane
I have a similar last name problem. My husband never felt a sense of accomplishment in his childhood achievements because they were addressed to Jacob Wesley rather than to Wesley Jacob (names changed for privacy). I have a few solutions to the problem:
(1) pick a common name, that has been common forever
(2) pick a biblical name, so that people will remember “My first name is Abraham, like the bible”
(Abraham, Moses, Raphael, Ezekiel)
(3) pick a historical name so that people can remember “My first name is Arthur, like the legendary king”.
(Arthur, Gregory)
(4) pick and old-man or dad name that adults will easily recognize as a first name.
(Jason, Edward, Douglas)
Most of the names above fall into more than one category.
Very late response but I love Margaret Mitchell nn Greta. Super cute and very anonymous because of the author.
Congratulations on your darling baby girl! I love her name. Maggie Louise… Maggie Mitchell: cute and spunky and memorable.
Congratulations! She’s beautiful and absolutely suits her name!
She’s so so gorgeous. Congratulations on such a fabulous sweet Maggie.