Hi Swistle!
I’ve been reading your blog since I was pregnant with my son who is about to turn four! When we started talking about having our third child, I knew we would have to enlist your help! Choosing names is really hard for us because it’s difficult to find one we can see ourselves saying a hundred times a day!Our last name sounds like SO-fee-oh, my name is Jackie and my husband is Anthony. We have two children and I’m pregnant with our third and last, a boy, due mid-April.
We have a son named Ian Thomas. We chose Ian because it was a classy name that hadn’t had a surge in popularity lately. Timeless in a way, but not boring like other names you hear constantly. His middle name is his great grandfather’s name and also his father’s middle name. Our daughter is named Reagan Caroline. We liked Reagan because it had just enough spunk with plenty of sweetness. Her middle name is a combination of my mother’s name, Linda Carol. This baby’s middle name will most likely be Jack; as I am named after my grandfather, Jack.
So all that to say, in the very last days before our children were born, we picked the only name that we liked saying over and over and also that seemed like a person who would be in our family. It was a coincidence that they both ended in -an. Now it seems like -an names look best with the other two. I’d at least like an “n” sound in there somewhere I think.
My husband is very particular with names, but he doesn’t give much criteria on why he likes a name or not, only that it doesn’t seem like his son! So it’s been tricky to come up with names that he likes.
We will have a few names that are on the “like” list, but after a few weeks of thinking about it they get crossed off for one reason or another.
Names that we both still like:
Colson – I like it a little more than my husband does. Interesting name, but there are several ways to spell it. Is it too similar to the popular Colton and would get mistaken?Kellan – Husband likes it a little more than I do. I know it’s a boys name, but the Kell beginning reminds me of Kelly, even though Kelly is not popular for girls at all anymore. Also, when said quickly to me it sounds very similar to “kill him” so that’s not great. But it does match our other kids’ names very nicely.
Simon – a new name to the list. Classic but unique, just not sure if we can get passed the “nerdy” connection that the name seems to carry. Also, since our last name starts with an S I’m not sure if it’s too similar to Simon Says. But it is a nice name.
I like the name Anderson but my husband isn’t a big fan. I don’t like that’s it’s three syllables and a very strong surname still. We generally try to stay away from three syllable names because they get nicknamed very quickly, which we aren’t a big fan of.
Names that are out because of close friends or family: Logan, Declan, Brayden, Nathan, Landon, Jameson, Hudson, Benjamin, Corbin, Gavin
Names crossed off the list for various reasons:
Carson – we’ve only met girls with this name now
Owen – too close to Ian
Jackson or Carter – presidential connection with our daughter’s name
Connor, Xander, Leland, Evan, Colton, Lachlan and Dawson are all names my husband dislikes
Colin – can’t get passed that it sounds like call-in’So the perfect name for us would be: clearly a boys name, spelled only one way generally, have an N in it, two syllables – That’s the perfect list but we know we may need to compromise!
I’d appreciate any advice you or your readers can give! Please help!Thank you!
Jackie
I think we are up to this challenge. If, however, the post and comments prove to be unhelpful and you are right back where you started, I suggest going back to your original selection criteria: a name you like saying over and over, and that seems like a person in your family. It will be fun to look for a name with a N, and two syllables, and only one standard spelling—but those three preferences seem much less important than the other two, especially with a picky husband and a long list of rejected/unusable names, and they may be why you’re stuck. I looked at name after name that failed at least one of those preferences; when I get that “solving a logic puzzle” feeling, I’m likely to advise paring down the PREFERENCES list instead of continuing to pare down the NAME list.
My first and favorite suggestion is Calvin. It has two syllables, it has the N, it has one standard spelling, it’s clearly a boy name, it’s timeless but not boring—and yet it isn’t too similar to Ian or Reagan and, other than the N, has completely different sounds. It also reminds me of some of your other options (Kellan, Colson, Gavin, Colin). Calvin Sofeeoh; Ian, Reagan, and Calvin.
My next suggestion is Quentin. Two syllables, N, standard spelling, clearly a boy name, timeless but not boring—plus super-cool initial. Quentin Sofeeoh; Ian, Reagan, and Quentin.
Henry may be too familiar now for your tastes, but I like the way it fits many of the other preferences, and I like the way the position of the N reduces the matchiness of the set. Henry Sofeeoh; Ian, Reagan, and Henry.
Finn is only one syllable, but coordinates visually with the length of the name Ian. It may be too much F with the surname, and may not work if you do decide to use Jack as the middle name (perhaps Jackson would work instead). Finn Sofeeoh; Ian, Reagan, and Finn.
Oh, I think I like Griffin better, and that’s two syllables and reduces the F problem. Griffin Sofeeoh; Ian, Reagan, and Griffin.
Malcolm has no N, but the M and N letters/sounds are similar, and the style goes well with Ian. Malcolm Sofeeoh; Ian, Reagan, and Malcolm.
Similar to Kellan is Kieran. It removes the Kelly/Ellen issue (though by substituting a Kiera issue), and also the “kill him” issue (though I don’t hear that when I say it). Kieran Sofeeoh; Ian, Reagan, and Kieran.
Corin may be too similar to the Corbin you can’t use—but if not, it’s a nice way to get Colin without the call-in. Corin Sofeeoh; Ian, Reagan, and Corin.
If it is too similar, perhaps Torin.
Or wait, Tobin. Tobin Sofeeoh; Ian, Reagan, and Tobin.
But my top choice is still Calvin. I love it, and it solves the logic puzzle.
Name update!
We loved your idea of Calvin and were almost settled on it but decided to wait until he was born to make the final call. We thought about his name for a few hours after he was born and decided to take your original advice of finding a name that we wanted to say and that fit in our family. I’d like to announce that we named our son Kellan Jack. It seems to fit him perfectly, and also compliments our other kids’ names nicely. Thank you so much for you and your readers’ help, it gave us a way to think about the names differently.
-Jackie
Tanner
Martin (I know a little Marty and it’s so refreshing)
I really like Kellan- I think it’s getting used more (I work with pregnant woman and have heard it a number of times in the last two years) and fits the spunky and fresh feeling of Ian and Reagan.
Or what about Nolan?
I have a problem where I seem to love boys names ending in ‘n’, so here are some from my list:
Calvin (my favorite name and I agree with Swistle, I think it fits your family well)
Brendan
Nolan
Evan
Franklin
Donovan
Holden
Samson
Devin
Other ideas that don’t end in ‘n’:
Linus
Callum
Bryce
Brady
I second Callum!
Cameron?
I don’t think that Simon reads nerdy anymore – back when we were kids, the Chipmunks reference was strong, but now we have people like Simon Cowell to balance it out, you know? Not that he’s a great role model or anything, but he’s certainly not nerdy =) It definitely fits the style of Ian – classic, but not overused.
Ian, Reagan and Simon
Of Swistle’s suggestions, I really like Quentin, Griffin and Tobin!
Of the others, Franklin and Brendan have that old-school, but not overused vibe for me.
How about Ryan or Sean? Eamon (pronounced AY-mən) might be a risky cool choice… but might echo Ian too much to say over and over – nevermind! Rowan, maybe? Leans more Irish/Scottish than overall classic, but Ian works in that category too. Mason, maybe? Or Tristan? Brogan is a little unusual, but I kinda like it! Seems like Brandon with a twist to me =)
Good luck! Can’t wait to see what you choose!
Oh, I think Rowan is an inspired choice!
How about:
Hanson (Hanson Jack is great!)
Nathan
Carson
Mason
Larkin
I’m a fan of Kellan :) With Colson I struggle not to say Coleslaw. :/
Two of the three names I thought about were already mentioned but what about
Nolan (Ian, Reagan, Nolan)
Martin (Ian Reagan, Martin)
or my favorite
Duncan (Ian, Reagan, Duncan)
I do love Malcolm for you, (Ian and Malcolm seem like a good sibset).
I have a small son Simon, and his name suits him well. I am hearing it more and more though, so if you are looking for a relatively slow climber, I fear this might not be it.
Ian and Malcolm together IMMEDIATELY make me think of Jurassic Park. It might be an association that has faded or doesn’t bother some, but I do wonder if the coming release of the fourth film will lead to an increased awareness of characters and names. Ian Malcolm is almost certain to be a playable character in the upcoming Lego video game, so even kids who missed the first wave of Jurassic Park mania will probably recognize it within a year or two. :/
What about Callan/Kallan? It sounds like Kellan, which your husband likes, but takes the “Kell” out of it for you. My husband and I considered this one for a boy. We liked the nickname potential with “Cal”. I think it sounds great with Ian & Reagan. Ian, Reagan, and Callan.
I immediately thought of Ethan, Evan, & Owen and eliminated them as too close to Ian. Then I thought of Benjamin & Jonathan and remembered you didn’t want 3 syllables. Quinn is probably too unisex but Quincy would work if you don’t mind the n in the middle of the name. Jonah is a favorite of mine with an internal n. Andrew would work, too. Or Nolan, for a starts-and-ends-with-n name.
I like the idea of using Jackson for a middle. It seems to flow better with most first names and he would be the descendent of a Jack, which is pleasing. And it won’t seem so Presidential in that slot.
I like Simon from you list because, like Ian, its primarily a first name rather than a surname. I don’t know if its a priority for you for Reagan’s name to stand out as more feminine than her brother’s, but if it is I think Simon works well for that. Henry does too, if the popularity doesn’t turn you off. (I also like the rhythm of Henry Jack So-fee-oh).
If you aren’t super attached to having another N, Malcolm seems pretty perfect to me.
I have a nephew Simon and I want to assure you that it wears very well and not nerdy at all.
I really like Simon with Ian and Reagan. I also love the suggestions of Griffin and Tobin. Calvin is on my own list, mostly because of the nickname Cal, but I think you can avoid the nickname if you want. It makes me think of Callum for you, which I also really like.
Just a quick thought about Colson. This name makes me think about Chuck Colson (former Nixon guy who went to prison after Watergate, converted to Christianity and is now big in evangelical circles). This wouldn’t be enough for me to cross the name off the list, but combined with a sibling named Reagan it may sound more political than I’d like. Again, not necessarily a dealbreaker, but something to consider.
I think Simon is the perfect name for you. It doesn’t strike me as nerdy at all. Another name to consider is Noah. I like that it has an N and is mainly vowel sounds like Ian, but sounds different. Both Simon and Noah tick off all of your perfect name boxes. (has an N, two syllables, clearly a boys name, one spelling). Do be aware that Noah is a very popular name right now (3x as popular as Ian) and Simon is much less popular (3x less popular than Ian), but rising in interest gradually.
One more vote that Simon is lovely and I don’t remotely think of it as nerdy. I also really like Finn Jackson.
I vote for Simon and I immediately thought of Nolan like some of the commenters above.
Good luck!
Oh I don’t think my comment went through : (
Simon I like, but couldn’t do “Simon Sofeeoh” .. for the rest of forever.
I would’ve also suggested Nolan.
I thought Collin was perfect for you, so sad you do not like it!
The Kolson I know spells it Kolson – not Colson. I’ll throw that idea out there since one of your favorites is a C and the other a K – could hybrid the name.
Callan? Cullen (too Twilight for me)? I don’t know any baby Kevins! Christian?
I love the suggestion of Holden! That’s what first came to my mind, as well. However, I do not think Simon sounds great with your last name, and unfortunately, it does still seem “nerdy” to me. Sorry to be a downer, that’s just my humble opinion! Otherwise, Landon, Macon (as opposed to the popular Mason), Harrison, Judson (nn: Judd), Grayson (nn: Gray), and Weston are my suggestions!
I wonder, if you choose against an N name, would you like Spencer?
Best of luck!!
Colson will ALWYS need clarification. Go with something that is more unused in sound!!
I went to school with a boy named Kellen. His brother’s name was Kenton, which I will suggest, I think it fits in nicely with Ian and Reagan. Plus, it really flows well with Jack as a middle. And it’s a bit stronger and more masculine than Kellen.
Ian, Reagan and Kenton. Kenton Jack.
Logan?
I really like Griffin too.
I am also big on names that you can just use the name, no shortened names. So I like Simon for that reason. We almost used it for our son. I don’t think it is nerdy at all and like that it’s not overused.
I love swistles suggestion of Griffin. It’s probably my favourite. Goes great with other sib set.
I also really like Henry. I know it doesnt have the -n ending but you don’t really notice it because of the -n in the middle.
Good luck!
If you like Colson, do you like Coleman? It’s more distinctive from Colton, and it has really one standard spelling. Coleman Jack sounds fantastic! Ian, Reagan, and Coleman.
A side note about Simon: I know a sibset of three boys… Simon, Julian, and Victor. Do any of these strike your fancy?
Best wishes on welcoming your charming son! Please let us know when you have named him!
Hmm, I like Calvin a lot, but it could also have a presidential association next to Reagan (Calvin Coolidge).
Hanson will forever remind me of the 90s band.
Logan and Rowan both seem to similar to Reagan.
I love the suggestion of Tobin. I also liked:
Kieran
Brendan
Holden
Tristan
Landon/Landen
Julian
What about Adrian? Ian, Reagan, & Adrian Jack Sofeeoh.
Or you could use Damien.
I’m sort of shocked that this one hasn’t been mentioned yet. This sort of confirms to me that this name get overlooked a lot nowadays.
How about Aaron? Ian, Reagan, and Aaron.
It ends in an N. It has two syllables. It works well with the sibling names. It seems timeless to me with a very similar chart on Baby Name Wizard to Ian. I only think of one spelling. I like how all of the kids would have a different vowel combo ending in an A — AA, EA, and IA. You didn’t cite this as a criteria, but I also like how the three names are pretty much nickname proof.
From your list, I like Colson best. I like the simplicity of simple Cole better though. I know an Ian and a Cole sibling set, so it seems very natural to me.
Good luck!
Love the suggestion of Calvin! I like Devin for you too. Kellan reminds me of Stellan and Silvan, which you might also like.
It’s not a huge deal, but my first association with Kellan is Ian McKellen, which could be something to consider since you’ve got a son named Ian. (For the record, I like Simon.)
If I were in your shoes, I’d choose something that doesn’t end in N, just to mix things up and make it more interesting. Peter, maybe? I like the suggestions of Malcolm and Callum, too. But in general, instead of trying to tie another N name with Ian and Reagan, I’d look for names that complement Ian–timeless, underused-but-known.
If you’re set on an N ending, my favorites are Calvin, Declan, and Franklin. Hmmm. But Calvin and Franklin both skew a tad presidential…..
From Swistle’s suggestions, I think Keiren and Quentin sound great with Ian and Reagan. JMV’s suggestion of Aaron is really nice, too.
Some other n-ending names:
Darren
Keegan
Keaton
Wilson
Caden
Aiden
Harrison
Alan
Odin
Alton
Hayden
Bryan
Dylan
Duncan
Leon
You read my mind with Leon. 2 syllables, ends in n. There’s a lot of ee and o with the last name, but I kinda like it all together. Leon Jack Sofeeoh.
Also seconding (and third-ing) Aaron and Quentin.
I would find Leon too similar to Ian.
Brendan
Declan
Rowan
But Swistle’s Quentin is inspired. Fave!!
I know too many Keegan and Kellan girls to recommend
The alliteration with Simon doesnt bother me at all. I like it, and it fits well with the other two.
Great suggestions all round! From Swistle’s suggestions, I love Griffin and Quentin the most. I’d like to throw Camden into the mix: it’s a cool bit of London, and Cam is a cute nn. Good luck choosing!
I’ve recently met a Cillian, which I LOVE (Has the hard C sound, can also be spelt Killian). Also think Galen, Gavin and Campbell would sound great with your surname. Good luck!
What about Damon or Jenson? Jason is a good one too!
Love the suggestions of Calvin, Spencer and Cillian!
Other suggestions:
Bowen
Aiden
Shane
Glenn
Darren
Graham
Tanner (really like this one!)
Zane
Good luck!
I love many, many of the suggestions! Malcolm, Duncan, Spencer, Tristan, Aaron, Graham and more!
How about
Preston
Nolan
Ronan
Nigel
Warren
Roman
Byron
Kenneth
Vincent
Bennett
I know a Struan. too rare? reminds me of Stuart/Stewart.
If you were going to deviate a little from the preferences, maybe:
Reuben/Ruben
Garret
Grant
Niles
Miles
Lots of good suggestions here! Calvin (it was on our list), Malcolm, Aaron, Martin, and Holden are my favorites that have already been suggested.
I’ll also add Bennett and Benton.
Jonah? Thornton?
Weston
Roman
Samson
Mason
Lennon
Grayson
Emerson
Quinn
Camden
I also like Rowan and Simon.
If you’re going to do something political, I feel like someone should at least mention winston.
(but quentin is my favorite!)
While driving yesterday, still mulling, I thought “Why not Anton?” (since husband is Anthony)…
I like Myles with Ian and Reagan. I love the suggestion of Sean. I feel like it’s in the same category of Ian. A name known but underused. Also think it feels the same with the Scottish vibe Ian and Reagan have. In that same idea Finn fits great in the sib set. Just more popular but super great name.
But isn’t Sean the Irish version of the Scottish Ian? As in basically the same name?
I love Colson!
Other ideas… sorry for any repeats, I didn’t read other comments.
Ian, Reagan, &…
Afton, Breckin, Brookston, Camden, Deacon, Easton, Griffin, Hayden, Holden, Javen, Kason, Layton, Maven, Paxton, Preston, Rowan, Weston.
Congratulations, Jackie and family! Love his name!