Hello and help please! We are expecting our third (and final) little boy and are stuck. I like names that sound traditional, but have a modern-ish twist. Husband likes names that are traditional, period. For naming our first two boys one of us picked the first name and then the other the middle name, with the blessing and input of the other spouse of course. We switched off for the second kiddo so we each have picked a first and middle name at this point. Big brothers for baby are Anderson Edward and Thomas Huntley.
All of the names we have picked so far have had at least some minor family significance. The only other family name we haven’t used yet that might be in the running for a middle name is Miller, but we typically shy away from names ending in ‘-er’ given our last name so we don’t really have the family ties angle to guide us this time. For the first kiddo, Archer was a strong contender but we decided the double –er endings were too much.
My leading names currently are Bennett and Beckett. In general I like names that have an easy shortening for a nick name. Husband prefers Bennett over Beckett but thinks both are not traditional enough and is concerned that Bennett would always be telling people how to spell his name (2 n’s, 2 t’). Of the more traditional names that we have discussed Henry, Jack, and Peter top my list, though Henry is the only true contender. We know too many Jacks and Jacksons and Peter Pricer makes me think of “Peter Piper picked a peck…”
My husband’s all time favorite name EVER is Victor. It is his grandfather’s and uncle’s name. Unfortunately, I absolutely cannot stand it for reasons I won’t go into and have used my veto power on it every time. We did make a deal that if we had a girl Victoria would be in the running, but it seems we are going to be a boys-only club. Recent names my husband has been talking about include Isaac, William, and Nathaniel. None of them really feel right to me though.
Ideally we would like the first name to start with a different letter than the other first names in our family (so no A’s, T’s, J’s, or R’s), but we are willing to forgo this requirement if necessary. Since this is the last go round, the stakes feel higher and we are having trouble compromising. Can you come to our rescue?
I think Bennett is great in this sibling group, and I suspect it would not end up being difficult to spell. Versions with one N or one T are not unheard of, but Bennett is the clear primary spelling, and “two N’s and two T’s” is a quick and simple explanation in any situation where there is doubt.
I think Henry is another great option.
My guess is that you chose Anderson and your husband chose Thomas. While your husband’s style is traditional, your style seems more like Surname Names. What I’d like to do is find some surname names that might strike your husband as traditional, and some traditional names that might strike you as a little fresher.
Aidric (repeats initial)
Calvin
Charles
Clark
Davis (repeats ending of Thomas)
Edmund
Everett
Felix
Franklin
Frederick
George
Gideon
Grady
Grant
Harris (repeats ending of Thomas)
Hayes
Ian
Leo
Lincoln
Malcolm
Miles
Nolan
Reid (repeats initial)
Simon
Truman (repeats initial)
Wesley
Wilson (repeats ending of Anderson)
Name update:
Hello,
Thank you (and all the commenters) for all the wonderful suggestions! They were very helpful and got both my husband and I to the bargaining table. Final name selection took awhile, but we welcomed Bennett Victor last week. Since it took so long for us to settle on the final selection, we referred to the baby as Jetpack durning the pregnancy ( big brothers’ pick). Right now he feels more like a Jetpack than anything, so his unofficial nickname nickname might stick!
My first thought for you was Benedict. Reminds me of the feel of Bennett and Beckett. It’s very traditional but likely to feel fresh because it hasn’t been very popular in the US (I assume that’s where you are).
I also like Harris. Vincent has a bit of the feel of Victor (maybe a shared initial is enough of a namesake) and it also feels a bit surnamey.
Since Victor is so important to your husband, I wonder if he’d be willing to give you more say in first name if Victor could be the middle? Without knowing your reasons for not wanting Victor as a first, it seems like this would be a reasonable compromise
I had the same thought about Victor. If you used it as a middle, you might be able to use one of your top choices for the first name, probably Bennett as he likes that one better: Bennett Victor Pricer. Anderson, Thomas, & Bennett.
On a similar note to Benedict, since you’re especially interested in a nickname and it would be the same, what about Benjamin? Anderson, Thomas, and Benjamin Pricer sounds good to me.
Also agree with Victor as a middle if you can stand it. Vincent or Vernon if that works as a compromise.
Or Miller (Mills, Miles, Milton, etc.) as a middle? Benjamin Miller Pricer isn’t the most rhythmic, but honoring the family name may make it worthwhile.
I really like both Bennett and Everett (from Swistle’s list) with your sibset. Zachary could also work well with Anderson and Thomas (and your last name), and it gives you an easy nickname option.
Some other options my be (I skipped all A-, T-, J- and R-names):
Barnaby
Blake
Callum
Conrad
Finnegan
Gabriel
Garrett
Geoffrey
Graham
Leonard
Lucian
Maurice
Morgan
Noah
Sawyer
Warren
Wyatt
Yes! I also wanted to suggest Zachary. It’s a little bit mom’s style Jack, and a little bit dad’s style Isaac.
I hope this comment doesn’t post twice!
My thought was Elliott – but likely because I have an Elliott Oliver and love the name :) Elliott Pricer. Anderson, Thomas and Elliott. But it doesn’t have an easy nickname like you mentioned.
My favorite from your picks is Henry! Love Hank as a nickname but not sure if that fits your style.
My suggestion as well! I have a Bennett Oliver and have never worried about spelling or have had to spell it (although he’s just under a year). Future siblings would be William (Liam) and Elliott.
My vote is for Bennett Milton. I think Milton is close to Miller, and could work as an honor name.
From Swistles list, I like Miles best, which feels like it’s perfectly in the middle of the two styles.
I love Graham with your sibset.
The suggestion of Elliott is a good one too. I know a little Elliott who goes by Eli.
I love Bennett with this group! I think that it effortlessly bridges whatever small style gap there is between Anderson and Thomas. I would have no trouble at all with the spelling and expect most of the people I know wouldn’t either (Bennett is the predominant spelling and has some pop-culture backup, like Tony Bennett). Sounds like your husband doesn’t love Bennett much, though, and maybe that’s all there is to it. I second many of Swistle’s suggestions and add Elliott (another one that would ACTUALLY need the spelling confirmed, though if your husband likes it more, he might not care!).
What about Redford? I know it repeats an initial, but you get great nickname options from it.
Anderson, Thomas, and Redford
Redford Mills Pricer sounds strong.
An out-there idea about Victor… Would either of you be interested in the name if it were remixed?
Torvic could be a very rad middle name.
Bennett Torvic Pricer
Best wishes and congrats on your new son!
I like Miller nn Mills or maybe just Mills?
I think Vincent would work too. Not super common where I come from but recognisable and no harder to spell than Anderson.
I personally wouldn’t use a first name starting with P with your surname- initials PP are ripe for reading I’m afraid.
And that was supposed to say
PP ripe for teasing….
I vote strongly for Everett! It is a surname, but also a very traditional first name – my great uncle’s name was Everett as was his uncle. It strikes a modern tone, I think, while also being tradition. Ev is a cute nickname.
Love your boys names! Good luck!
I have an odd suggestion. Harrel was my great grandmother’s maiden name. She gave it to her son, who gave it to his son, who gave it to her son, you get the picture. It has been used as either a first name or a middle name for 4 generations. So it meets your surname as a first name feel and because of it is so close to Harold it seems like a classic name. nn’s could include Harry or Hank. Anderson, Thomas and Harrel, Harrel Miller Pricer, Harrel Victor Pricer
I agree with Swistle that Bennett and Henry are great choices. From her extended list, my fave is Grant. I think it bridges both of your styles well, it’s not overly common (but also familiar) and doesn’t repeat an initial. In addition, each child would have a different amount of syllables and a different ending. I also particularly like her suggestions of George, Calvin and Davis.
I also wanted to suggest Graham, Milo, Tobin, Tate, Landon and Zachary.
Congratulations on your third boy! We have three boys and they have so much fun together.
I tend to think the third boy is perfect for using your wildcard name- the one you might love but didn’t dare use the first time. Do you have any of those names? I definitely think both parents should
On your list I love Jack! Also love Henry and would use nickname Huck or Hank. Also like Everett as others recommended.
Other ideas: Dashiell/Dash, George, Finn, Theodore, Andrew/Drew
I like Beckett from your list the best. I also like Nathaniel just in general.
Anderson, Thomas and Reeve
Anderson, Thomas and Jacoby
Anderson, Thomas and Holden
Anderson, Thomas and Huxley
Anderson, Thomas and Ethan
Anderson, Thomas and Evan
Anderson, Thomas and Doyle
Anderson, Thomas and Daniel
Anderson, Thomas and Garrett
Anderson, Thomas and Gage
Anderson, Thomas and Lachlan
I vote for Everett as well. My 8 year old is Everett William. I encounter the name from time to time at work (I’m in healthcare) exclusively as a last name or on an older man (>75 years old). I love that it is surname-y and classic yet fresh.
What about Samson?
I want to give a thumbs up for the name Davis, I have a grandson Davis and everyone loves his name! He has 2 older brothers Landon and Nolan ( which would also be a great name for you, except no natural nickname, he is called Nolo sometimes ). Another grandson is Tucker whick we love but, it does have the er ending.
Sorry for any repeats. How about
Nolan
Davis
Hayes
Wesley
Emmett
Elliott
Graham
Miles
Grant
Everett
Wells
Brooks
Calder
Ford
Carson
Grady
Jacoby
Preston
Samuel
Jacob
Caleb
Grant
Vincent
Glenn
Garrett