Hi!
I am due with our second boy in mid-June and we CANNOT come up with a name!
Our first is Theodore Louis (we call him Theo). I ADORE that name…so much so that anything we come up with feels like “Oh it’s great, but it’s not as good as Theodore Louis.”
For the second I’d like a similar “classic but not outdated” vibe. Middle name of Edward (my grandfather) would be nice but not 100% necessary.
Names we like but have vetoed because we have family members with the name:
Jonathan
Andrew
Christopher
Adam
Matthew
David
JoshuaNames I thought I liked but vetoed because I didn’t like the nickname potential for reasons I can’t exactly articulate:
Thomas (Tommy)
Timothy (Tim/Timmy)Names we generally like but don’t necessarily like with Edward (open to middle name suggestions here):
Oliver
Samuel
Gabriel
Elliott
BradyName we ADORED but vetoed because it means “supplanter” and I can’t do that to a second son (or, really, to my first son!):
Jacob (middle name would have been Elliott)
I think this is sufficient (probably too much) info! HELP!
The name Jacob has been in the U.S. Top 10 for the past 25 years, and in the U.S. Top 100 for the past 45 years. In the U.S in 2016 alone, there were 14,416 new baby boys named Jacob. My assumption is that not all of those Jacobs have been firstborns. My further assumption is that although a small number of people may be interested in name meanings and therefore think of “supplanter” when they hear the name, none of them think that meaning is the reason the name was given to the child, any more than they’d think that any of the 6,807 new U.S. baby boys in 2016 were named Cameron because their noses were crooked. I am a name hobbyist, my children have more than one friend named Jacob, and I have never once thought, “Eeek, supplanter, really??” Not even for the ones with older siblings.
You guys are struggling with names; you ADORE the name Jacob—but you can’t use it because it “means” supplanter? Name meanings can be fun, the way star signs and flower meanings can be fun, but this sort of situation is why I am not generally a fan of them: when the fun thing starts preventing people from making the choices they want to make, it stops being fun. The name Jacob is ancient, historical, traditional, a solid name for a person’s whole life—but someone decided it “meant” supplanter so now it’s off the table?
It isn’t even as if the meaning were an absolute thing. According to The Oxford Dictionary of First Names:
The derivation of the name has been much discussed. It is traditionally explained as being derived from Hebrew akev “heel” and to have meant “heel grabber,” because when Jacob was born “his hand took hold of Esau’s heel” (Genesis 25:26). This is interpreted later in the Bible as “supplanter”: Esau himself remarks, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? for he has supplanted me these two times” (Genesis 27:36).
You are going to give up the name you adore just because a few thousand years ago some peeved biblical character used wordplay to diss his brother? “Jacob” hardly even sounds like “akev”; and even if it was in fact the exact same word and we were discussing the use of the name Akev, “heel” is not a synonym for “supplanter.” The whole thing is ridiculous: Esau made some pissed-off joke and now, thousands of years later, parents think they have to cross a name off their list because of it? I won’t have it! Imagine thousands of years in our future, someone finding a book from our times in which someone made a joke about someone named Adam and the similar-sounding words “a damn,” and baby-name-book authors deciding the name Adam therefore “meant” damnation, and then parents deciding not to use the name because of it. No! We will not lose perfectly good names to this!
But if you can’t let it go, then my favorites from your list are Oliver, Gabriel, and Elliot: I think they all work very well with the sibling name Theodore. Samuel is good, too. Brady seems too modern/surnamey to me with Theodore.
I am not very concerned with the flow of first/middle names, especially when the middle name is an honor name: I think in time, the satisfaction of the honor name comes to outweigh any small sacrifice in ideal flow. I think all the names on the not-great-with-Edward list are fine or even good with Edward. If a combination doesn’t sit right with you, though, or if it prevents you from wanting to use the name, I suggest finding another honor name—perhaps from the list of names you can’t use because of having family members with the names. Or perhaps Timothy or Thomas would be good as a middle name, since that placement avoids the nicknames. I especially like the way the sound of Thomas lines up with the sound of Louis: Theodore Louis and Oliver Thomas, for example, or Theodore Louis and Elliot Thomas.
I recommend scrapping the practice of comparing each name choice with the name of your first child. Not only does it make sense that your first child’s name would have been your favorite name, and so logically you wouldn’t like any other names as much as that one; but also at this point that name is no longer a NAME, it’s a CHILD. No name can compare with that, not until it too represents a child you love so much. Don’t try to find a name you like as much as the name Theodore Louis; just try to pick your favorite name from all the names that remain.
I’d totally name that baby Jacob, and I wouldn’t let some baby name book stop me. Nope, no way.
Theo and Jake. LOVE IT.
Do you like Nathaniel? It feels classic but not outdated and also fits the style of your “we like but vetoed because of use in the family” and “we like but don’t love with Edward” lists. Theo and Nate sound great together and Nathaniel/Nate on its own is darling. Nathaniel Jacob or Nathaniel Edward are both lovely. Nathaniel also has a nice meaning of “gift/gift of god” which is also what Theodore means! How cool is that? For what it’s worth, I also really like Elliot from your list as well.
Came here to suggest Nathan! Nate and Theo are adorable together. Or Nathan Edward = Ned if you want that as a nickname.
Can Edward be the first name? Eddie and Theo!
Other ideas: Henry, Alexander, Zachary, Daniel, Joel, Calvin, Michael
Our second born is named Theodore Jacob! His older brother is Joel Clayton. I like this combo for brothers, both middles are for their great-grandfathers.
What about Charles? Theo and Charlie is an adorable sibset. I also love Samuel. Theo and Sam. Elliot is fantastic as well, as is Oliver. They are all the same kind of older, familiar, but not overused or odd. I second Swistle’s advice of not worrying too much about the flow of first and middle name. I’ve named two kids now and you hardly ever say the whole thing together. Just go with what you love and is special to you.
Would you consider using Edward in the first name spot? I love the nickname “Ward” for Edward. It’s unique, but sounds regal and distinguished. And I think it has the same unexpected sound on a little boy, much like Theo. And so many of your names you like but didn’t like with edward as a middle name actually work well when you swap them:
Edward Brady (this one just does it for me!! giant heart eyes)
Edward Gabriel
Edward Oliver
Good Luck!!
Seconding Edward in the first name spot. Theo and Ed/Ed, Theo and Ward, Theo and Edward. Theo and Teddy.
Also dittoing the many many many folks who are saying use Jacob.
Names don’t have “meanings” (unless it’s a word name like Violet), they have derivations. And the derivation of Jacob isn’t even 100% agreed upon. Another theory is that it comes from Hebrew words meaning “may God protect.” (see behind the name dot com). Maybe you’ll feel more comfortable with that derivation? Bottom line, if ADORE Jacob, I think you should use it.
If you just can’t bite the bullet on Jacob, maybe names with similar sounds would appeal? James (actually derived from Jacob, but perhaps the associations with the Apostles/more positive Bible stories will make it more appealing.) Jason, Jack, Jake (actually a variant of Jack), Jasper, Caleb, Coby, Toby/Tobias, Rob/Robert/Robin.
Loved this one. Swistle for President!
I know several Jacob’s and none of them are the firstborn so if you want to use Jacob, use Jacob. I like Edward as a first name too. I really want to suggest Richard. It is familiar but not common. We have Ricky and everyone knows the name but he is generally the only kid with it. I really Richard Edward.
How about Julian? Or Julius?
Julius Edward. Theo and Jules.
Or Joseph.
Theo and Joss.
Jasper?
Jasper Edward. Theo and Jess.
Jonas could work.
Theo and Joe.
Roland! Roland Edward.
Theo and Rod.
How about Peter?
Peter Oliver.
Theo and Pete.
And perhaps too far out there for you… Townsend.
Townsend Edward. Theo and Towns.
Best wishes!
None of the boy names I considered for my kids have meanings I’m particularly attached to. Faintly annoying, being a name nerd, but it didn’t matter in the long run. We rarely consider meanings of people’s names when we meet them, unless you meet Serenity at a Chucky Cheese’s or a rave or something.
I rather like Jacob and Theodore as a sib set. (or as a name for another family). I also like Gabriel Edward.
By all means, use Jacob!
But if, even setting the meaning aside, it’s just not the right name for you, I’m going to second using Edward in the first name spot, and also second the commenter that suggested Peter. I love the name Peter so much!
I also think Walter, Arthur and Frederick would be great brother names for Theodore.
I think it all depends on how you interpret supplanter’s meaning: instead of thinking it means your second son will “outshine” or “replace” your first child, how about thinking he will “override” obstacles throughout his life?
Plus, your first child is named Theodore, which means “God’s gift”, so his name’s meaning already states clearly how much you love him. Speaking of that, maybe Matthew is the perfect choice, because it means “God’s gift” too, so no feelings get hurt.
I have a Theo (not Theodore) and his little brother is Henry.
re name meanings. I personally am very interested in the meanings of names and I come from a very religious background so the meaning of biblical names is important to me.
My son is named James (which derives from Jacob) so means ‘supplanter’ as well. This did give me pause because I had a miscarriage before him and I didn’t like the connotation of him replacing the baby we lost.
We did however go ahead with it. I know the Old Testament story of Jacob and Jacob did supplant his brother but … Esau sold his birthright! I am certain that your son Theodore will not give up his birthright (ie your love) and even if he tried unlike Isaac if he tried you wouldn’t let him. The name is a historical curiosity – my son likes the story (after all Jacob comes off best in it) and the meaning of the name because I have always presented it positively. I don’t think this has to be an issue unless you let it be an issue.
Use Jacob.
Use Edward as a first. I love Theo and Ned.
The other name that came to mind was Abraham nn Bram.
I think you have some great name suggestions here. Just wanted to say, as someone who is actively involved in a Christian Church with a strong scripture-study emphasis, I would never connect someone named Jacob with the word or idea of supplanting. So there’s one data point for you.
Wanted to suggest:
Davis Edward
OR
Nathaniel Edward, nn Nate
OR
Grant Edward
OR
Ryan Edward
Am I the only one who loves it whenSwistle gets a little cranky? Esau makes a bad joke, so thousands of years later you can’t use the name is my favorite thing on the internet today.
And I think she has a point. Jacob Edward FTW
I like Gabriel Edward.
What about Wesley? Or August?
You guys are awesome! I loved reading the post and loved the responses even more. Almost everything in the comments was something we had kicked around at one point or another (Nathaniel/Nate is very high on the list). I think I am starting to circle back towards Jacob. Going to try using it all weekend and see how it feels :)
Heard the name Bartholomew today and wondered why with so much love for Theodore and Nathaniel and even other longer names like Sebastian and Alexander we don’t hear this more. Can probably safely blame the Simpson’s … but one (big) character shouldn’t have so much influence!
Anyway, I thought of you and your Theodore Louis and wondered if Bartholomew might appeal? Apart from the obvious (and potentially spoiled Bart) I’ve heard Tolly, Ollie and Art/Artie as nicknames.
Theodore & Bartholomew have a certain charm.
Perhaps Theo and Tolly is a bit much?
But Theo and Bart is just as good and a little more unexpected than Theo and Nate.
Theo & Ollie / Theo and Artie … very cute!
While I love the biblical references to Esau here, I am surprised that no one has pointed out Jacob Edward = that young Vampire love story. Does this finally mean we are over being concerned about Twilight naming issues! How refreshing!
Love Theodore and Nathaniel together!
Theo and Nate are adorable!
What about Montgomery nn Monty, Christopher nn Kit, Alexander nn Xander or Tobias nn Toby?
Theo and Toby!!!
Good Luck!
Jonathan or Zachary?
I’m a little late to the party but I agree, if you really love Jacob this isn’t a reason to reject it. Maybe as a little nudge to one side if you were completely stuck between two perfect names, but not a reason to rule out your (otherwise) front-runner.
I also think the whole doesn’t-sound-good-with-Edward list does sound fine with Edward. I might rule out Brady for style reasons. It seems like an outlier for you, but the rest of the list is good with Theo and with your overall style.
From commenters’ suggestions I particularly like Charles (Charlie), Gabriel (Gabe), Nathaniel (Nate), and Peter, and Zachary (Zach) as sibling names for Theo.
How about James (Jamie)?
How about “Jakeh”. It is in the bible (Proverbs 30, father of Agur) and means something like obedient.
I like it as it can be shortened to Jake but doesn’t have the negative meaning of Jacob.
I love August (Auggie or Gus) with Theodore (Theo).
Theodore Louis and August Edward is great!
Also love Nathaniel Edward (Nate)