Hi,
We’re in a bit of a naming quandary. We’re expecting our second child (due in June) and we won’t be finding out baby’s gender. We’re all set for a girl’s name, but we’re extremely stuck on a name for a boy.
We have a little boy named Theodore, called Teddy. Our last name is like Calbert – minus the ‘C’. My favourite names are Frederick and Edmund – but then we’d have Freddie/Eddie/Neddy and Teddy! We can’t do that…can we? Does it matter if the nicknames rhyme when the full names are so dissimilar? I assume Teddy will want to go by Theo as he gets older and that would mitigate the rhyming names – but then again, he may not. Unfortunately, these are the only names we’ve liked so far and we’re feeling very stuck and a wee bit panicky (why, I do not know. Pregnancy hormones maybe?).
Arthur was a strong contender when we were expecting Teddy – but I worry Arthur is too alliterative with our surname and one of Teddy’s close buddies is an Arthur. That said, it would solve our boy name issue if we just forged ahead with Arthur. I also have an aversion to surnames-as-first-names because our last name sounds like a first name and it gets confusing (to which my husband can attest). I’m also not a fan of names that rhyme with our surname; my husband suggested Calvin but I can’t get past Cal Calbert. Same with Alexander, etc.
If we have a girl, her name will be Rosalie. Our other girl picks are Georgiana and Clementine. if it matters, we’re hoping to have at least one more child after Teddy and his sibling.
Any name suggestions we’ve overlooked? Thoughts on a possible Teddy, Freddie, or Neddy sibset? Am I overthinking the alliterative nature of Arthur?
Thank you so much!
There are exceptions, of course, but in general I don’t worry very much about nicknames the way I worry about given names. I do like to think it over and take them into account, but I don’t really mind if they rhyme, or repeat an initial, or sound odd together, or any of the other things I do care about with given names.
In this particular case, I find I am drawn to the idea of allowing for rhyming nicknames—I think because the given names are quite dissimilar and so the possibility of ending up with rhyming nicknames just seems fun. In my extended family there is a sibling group that includes a James and a Timothy—so, Jimmy and Timmy, or Jim and Tim. It seems as if it would be an issue, but it’s just been slightly fun whenever anyone notices it, which is seldom (there are two other siblings, which I think dilutes the noticeability). And as you mention, your kids may not even end up using the nicknames that would rhyme, so I’d hate to see you rule out a great name on something that might not even come up.
I do have trouble saying Arthur with your surname. Not so much trouble that I’d rule it out if you both love it—but enough trouble that if I were making a list of names, I would make a note of not being sure if I liked it with the surname. It’s not so much the alliteration, I don’t think, since the two A- sounds are different; it’s something else I can’t quite put a finger on, with the particular mix of sounds. Something about the way -thur and Alb- connect, and then the not quite repeating first syllables Ar/Al. I prefer either Frederick or Edmund—though I also DO like Arthur, and again I don’t think the sound of it with the surname needs to rule it out.
I think you have three strong choices here, and at this point could let it simmer a bit to see if your feelings get stronger for one name in particular.
I’m totally cool with Teddy and Freddie. Charming. Teddy and Eddie feels a little too close.
My son is a Freddie! We also call him Fritz if that helps at all. It IS harder to make that nickname stick :)
I read a blogger who calls her son Fritz (here in the US). At first I thought it was unusual but now it sounds sweet to me. If you love the full names i would just push towards using a non-rhyming nickname.
Am I the only one who doesn’t understand Neddy? I love all the name choices by the way and the nn Fritz (comment above) is Adorable and would probably be the tipping point for naming him Frederick for me :)
Ned/Neddy can be a nickname for any of the Ed- names: Edward, Edmund, etc. I’m not sure how it came about, and so I tentatively blame England, which I have heard is home of the rhyming nickname (such as Bob for Robert).
I believe Ned came about because people use to use “mine” instead of “my” as the possessive pronoun. So, “mine Ed.” Which of course people misheard, and the “n” sound attached itself to the beginning of the name instead of the end of the pronoun.
I think it’s up to you to decide if rhyming nicknames is too much. I know an adult rhyming sibset – Denny, Benny with a cousin Kenny. Everyone who knows them loves to unveil it like a joke. They laugh too, but I think by now they’re just used to it.
What I like about Teddy is that it feels like a vintage nickname. Theo is the modern choice. I know Freddy and Eddie and definitely Ned are throwbacks, but Freddy and Eddie as the easy go-tos. So I suggest you choose a less-familiar nickname right off the bat, as you did Teddy. I was coming here to suggest Fritz and I see it’s already getting love! Woo! Just Fred is also refreshing, or what about Rich or Derry? I agree with the previous poster that Freddy and Teddy is slightly less comedic than Teddy and Eddie. Ned and Teddy seem fine too. Definitely not many intuitive nicknames. Mungo? Can you do something creative with the middle name too or initials?
Sure, they might get Teddy and Freddy or Eddie someday but if they don’t actually like it, they can just roll their eyes and say ‘no thanks, that rhymes with my bro, how uncool’
Or would you like Alfred or Edwin instead? Alfie (sooo cute!) and Win could be the nicknames you use to avoid the rhyming.
I really hope it’s a girl, because Rosalie is wonderful.
I think the rhyming nicknames are fine. In case of confusion or something, you could always call back to the full name. My only hesitation is that you want another child. Would you feel compelled to do another rhyming nickname if you ended up with 3 boys? That could limit possible future options, so it might be something to think about.
For other suggestions my first thought was George. Especially since you mentioned Georgiana for a girl. I will also throw out Walter, Miles, Samuel, and Jasper
I know siblings Jeffery and Stephanie, who always go by their nicknames —Jeff & Stef — and it’s totally fine. In fact, they kind of love it.
Personally for my family, I would never do names with rhyming nicknames… I do think it comes off fairly comedic and it would be a dealbreaker for me. But of course as you can see from answers above, each person draws their own line and so where I draw it matters not! It matters where you draw that line. Just be aware that if you go for it, some people will probably have my reaction to it.
It seems like you enjoy older, strong, vintage-y boy names. What about the following: Desmond, Winston (OMG I have such heart eyes for Winston!!!), Edward (nn Ward instead of Ned?), George, Raymond, Martin, Gordon, Russell, Benjamin, Douglas, Gregory, Timothy?
I love the idea of rhyming nns and even want you to name a daughter Elizabeth so you can have Teddy, Freddy/Neddy, and Betty! (my nn is Liz, and wouldn’t want Betty for myself, but STILL).
That said, I like Frederick, nn Fritz or Rick.
I totally second Desmond nn Des. Also seconding Benjamin, Gregory, and Timothy. What about Christopher (I LOVE this with Theodore). These last four all have three syllables, are classic, and have built-in easy nicknames.
I like Frederick, nicknamed Fritz. Teddy and Fritz Calbert….so cute!
I assume you have discarded similar names for your own reasons, but I wanted suggest:
August, nickname Gus. Teddy and Gus.
Sebastian, nickname Bash. Teddy and Bash.
Henry, nickname Hank. Teddy and Hank.
Oliver, nickname Ollie. Teddy and Ollie (admittedly Oliver is a bit tricky with your last name).
Oscar, nickname Ozzy. Teddy and Ozzy.
John, nicknamed Jack. Teddy and Jack.
How about Frederick nicknamed Fritz?
I think the rhyming nicknames are a bit much. Do you plan in using the nicknames Freddie/Eddie/Neddie? Because Teddy and Fred don’t bother me as much as Teddy and Freddie.
I do love the suggestion of Fritz as a nickname for Frederick.
I also like the suggestion of Winston, but I think Theodore and Winston are a bit much together (too world war leader, even though they’re different world wars).
August and Sebastian are great too.
Hm, not a huge fan of the rhyming nicknames (though I think it’s your best option if you can’t find something else you love- I particularly like Frederick) or the sound of Arthur Calbert-no-C. I want to second the suggestion of Frederick nn Fritz, or you could also do Frederick nn Eric or Rico or Ricky. Some other suggestions and seconds for ones that have already been mentioned:
Winston
August
Oscar
John
Sebastian
Henry
——
George
Emmett
Leonard
Charles
Earnest
Bartholomew
Bernard
Rupert
Jasper
Abraham
Julius
Quentin
Elliott
Philip
Raymond
Miles
Frederick is a great name and I don’t think the rhyming nicknames are a huge problem. I just wanted to suggest the name Franklin nn Frankie, Teddy and Frankie is cute and I think has the same feel as Freddie without the rhyming!
That’s the two Roosevelt presidents in one family. Something to consider.
I second the suggestion of Christopher!
Theodore and Christopher sound so great together. I wouldn’t be able to resist the old nickname Kit for Christopher either, especially with Teddy.
Teddy and Kit. Adorable!
Good luck!
Echoing other suggestions, I believe but here are my thoughts:
Jasper
James
Philip
Francis
Charles
Harvey
Ernest
Fritz! So adorable. I also really like Franklin. I wanted to use Laurence (nn Laurie) but my husband could not. But Teddy and Laurie would be a sweet sib set. Especially if you were a Louisa May Alcott fan. :)
Teddy and August… Teddy and Gus ( I LOVE this one and August (C)Albert works despite alliteration)
Teddy and Harvey
Teddy and Leo (may not work if teddy wants to be Theo one day)
Teddy and Maxwell… Teddy and Wells
Teddy and Patrick… Teddy and Patch
Teddy and James… Teddy and Jamie, Teddy and Jay (!)
Teddy and Christopher… Teddy and Kit
Teddy and Harris/Harrison… Teddy and Harry
Teddy and Felix
Teddy and Hugh
Oh also agree that August (C)Albert totally works. Theo and Gus. Sigh. In love.
I think Theodore and Frederick are a fabulous combination. Teddy and Freddy are cute for nn if that sits ok with you. I wouldn’t worry so much about what others think as it really should come down to what you and your husband think… some people don’t care for matching/nicknames while it doesn’t bother others. So it should come down to you. My opinion- if the rhyming nicknames aren’t a deal breaker for your own personal tastes, then don’t let someone else on here tell you that it is.
I also think the nn Fritz is fabulous. For that reason alone I would choose the name Frederick.
I do also really like Edmund.
Once again, just my opinion, but I find Calvin Calbert difficult to keep straight, especially when you use shortened Cal.
Other names (if you really need to look at others:)
Walter
Charles
George
Louis
Henry
Maxwell nn Wells
For the record, I have a Rose (was almost a Rosalie but husband wanted simplistic version). And we love her name and receive so many positive comments on it. I loved Rosalie because it gives you so many shortened potentials, Rose Rosa Rosie, etc.
Good luck!!
My first thought was Frederick with the nickname Fritz to eliminate rhyming. I also like the suggestions of Henry/Hank and Jasper.
Rosalie is gorgeous!
So I have a Rosalie and if I had a second girl she would have been Georgiana! My boys are August and George.
I’m not in love with rhyming nicknames. As a parent it is easy to get tangled up in them. Fredrick Fritz is a good alternative but it may be hard to refrain from Freddy.
May I recommend Phillip, Simon, James, Warren, Louis?
I have a cousin with two boys-Theodore (Theo) and Bennett-while you might not like surname names then Benjamin (Ben/Benny) could work. I like Fredrick the best out of the 3 though!
Other Names:
August (Auggie/Gus)
George
Alexander (Alex/Xander)
Oliver
Nathaniel (Nate)
Samuel (Sam/Sammy)
Vincent
Gabriel (Gabe)
Christopher (Chris/Kit/Topher)
I personally find rhyming nicknames to be too much, but I think it’s because in my family, both my brother and I exclusively go by our nicknames. Some people go back and forth between full name and nickname, or use their full name at school and their nickname at home, etc, and in those cases I don’t think rhyming nicknames would matter as much.
I see someone suggested Franklin—that has always struck me as similar to Frederick, and it would eliminate the rhyming issue while still giving you a cute nickname. Nathaniel nn Nat or Nate would also sound great with Theodore/Teddy.
I am married to a Jim, and while I love him dearly, the rhyme thing is bothersome. Rhyming nicknames are much too cute for me, especially since the logical progression would be towards Ted and Fred. I like Franklin a lot, and Dennis came to mind.
This reminds me of Jimmy and Kimmy Gibbler from Fuller House :)
I don’t really have anything new to add, except rhyming matters sometimes more than you think. My daughter is a Clover, and some people from the older generation always say, red rover, red rover, as soon as they hear her name. That hadn’t occurred to me during the naming process. It wouldn’t have changed my mind . . . but it is good to consider these things in advance.
PS The name Clover also has love in it–which I love.
PPS If you named your son Frederick, nn Fritz (which is my favorite of all the suggestions), you would need to buy him the Robin Hobb books when he was older.
PPPS Wallace or Walter are my two suggestions. I love them both and think Ace would be so cute for when Wallace was younger. Walt is just a classic sounding name. Good luck.
What about Armand? I used to think it was pronounced Ar-MOND, but learned the actor Armie Hammer and the brand Arm & Hammer is actually after the name Armand Hammer. (Pronounced AR-mund). Armand Calbert sounds like Edmund, has a pleasant old-fashioned sound, and you could use the nn Armie.
http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2011/11/08/armie_hammer_the_origin_of_his_name.html
So my comment may seem a bit strange, but I wanted to share that I had three cats growing up, with what I think was an adorable trio of names. Petey, George and Fred (also called Freddie). Your post reminded me of Freddie and while I don’t love the rhyming nicknames, I’m wondering if Petey (Peter) or George might think tickle your fancy to go with your sweet Teddy? Good luck!
For me, Calvin has to be off the table as a sibling for Theodore became Alvin/Simon/Theodore are chipmunks.
I read this post and I was so surprised as we have a Teddy (Theodore) and are expecting our second boy and one of the top contenders is Arthur (Arty)… So obviously I think this is a wonderful combination. I don’t think it sounds strange with your last name either. Good luck! We are struggling to actually make a decision as well.
I have a Theodore (Teddy) and Felix (twins) and older brother Arthur. :) Both of the names Theodore and Arthur have bear references that are cute together. I am not sure if Edmund has the same Ted nn as Edward and Theodore, but I took Edward/Edmund off my list because I felt it was too close to Theodore. I love love love Arthur for my son’s name! I’ve yet to meet another child named Arthur and it’s darling on him. I also love love love Felix! Theodore and Felix are both classic ancient names that share similar “the-” and “fe-” sounds. Arthur would be my first pick from your list, but Freddie and Teddy sounds great together too! Can’t go wrong with either. Good luck!