Hilary writes:
I love your blog and I need your thoughtful advice! We are due in just 5 weeks at the end of June. After struggling with infertility, we are thrilled to be welcoming a little boy into our lives.
But…we are having a really hard time with the name! I had hoped this would be a fun process and we would choose a name we really loved together. But, it turns out we have very different styles. I don’t find it fun to talk names anymore. My suggestions are deemed “boring.”
I am a writer, and language and meaning and flow have always been really important to me. And unfortunately, I do not like the sound of any of the names my husband likes.
He is really, really into Germanic and Scandinavian names. (Made worse by a trip we took to Norway and Sweden this past summer.) Efforts to get him to come up with other names have failed–he’s just really focused on a small set of names.
People have asked if he’s Swedish, and he does have German/Dutch blood in his background, but that’s it. So it feels a bit weird to pick a powerhouse Scandi name.
I feel really terrible that I don’t like any of his choices! At this point, he says he just wants to pick something. And since this will likely be our only baby, I really wanted this to be a joint decision. Help!
We do agree it needs to be at least a two-syllable name. And we do have a middle name: Malcolm. It’s my father and brother’s middle name. The baby will have my husband’s last name: Pibb-with-a-G.
Husband’s choices:
Lars
Magnus
Gustav (which has become the baby’s in utero name)
Johan (Husband’s only name choice when we met 7 years ago…I am ok-ish with this one, we could use the nickname Hans)
Anders
Eugene (!)
Colin
(For girls, he loves the names June and Freya, which I could have gotten onboard with, and Penelope which I don’t like)(Please note–I am from Massachusetts and I don’t want to call my poor baby “Lahs” and all these long “a”s get challenging for me, esp with Hans and Anders)
I would prefer a name with a B, G, or a short I in it as I think they sound better with the last name but it’s not a hard and fast rule!
Names I like in no particular order:
Asa
Hugh
Lewis (husband hates)
Ian (I love, husband hates)
Alden
Owen (too popular?)
Graeme (sounds a bit funny with the last name)
Benjamin (I really like this one, husband is ho hum)
Thomas (“boring!”)
Peter
Samuel
Julian
Christopher (nickname “Kit”)
Henry
Alfred
Fergus
Harald
Frederick (can’t use)(For girls, I like Beatrix, Hazel, Helen, Susanna, Pheobe, Ingrid, Frieda, and Elisabeth)
Names we both like well enough but seem completely different in style:
Abraham (I love the nickname Bram, but this name too big? too biblical? Will he be called Ham? We do both like this one)
Oskar
Angus (husband loves Gus, but is this name too beefy?)What should we do? Have I missed some awesome Scandi names that I could love? Should I just present my husband with an acceptable list and let him choose? Are there names that sound better with Pibb-with-a-G that we have not considered?
Is Abraham a huge and burdensome name for a kid?
Neither my husband’s name or my own lends itself to a nickname, which is fine, but it would be fun if the baby could have a nicknameable name.
Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated!!!
Name update!
Hi Swistle,
First of all–thank you to everyone who commented on the post! My husband and I had some really good conversations after we read through them all. (We were especially amused by the suggestions to use Ivan, which is my brother’s name! It’s a great name, in case anyone is considering it, ahem.) We took Oskar off the table, eventually, but still couldn’t make a decision.
My water broke early at 37 weeks. The night before, my husband had said perhaps we should use Ian. I was surprised–since I love Ian but he had maintained he hated it–until he confessed that night that since Ian Desmond of the Washington Nationals was doing so well, it didn’t seem so bad. (He’s a huge baseball fan.)
Next thing we know, it’s 5 am and we are running around in a panic trying to throw clothes and supplies in a bag. We ended up hanging out in Labor and Delivery for many many hours and flipping through the baby name book with increasing panic! My husband looked up from perusing baseball on his phone and said, “How about Desmond?” To which I said, “Like, Ian Desmond? Hey, I like that.” (I’ve lived in England and Ireland so it was a familiar first name to me.)
So, by the time I ended up with a c-section hours and hours later, we had 5 names on the wipeboard: Abraham, Ian, Henry, Desmond, and something I no longer recall. The nurses were very amused and offered various opinions. They were voting for Ian.
But when they finally handed us our baby, we looked at him and thought, this kid seems like a Desmond. And one year later, it still suits his sweet personality. We call him Des and Desi, and we are very happy with it.
(And my dad was thrilled to have his name as the honor name in the middle, and my brother was pleased as well!)
Thank you again!
I really like both Abraham and Angus. I think Abraham is big and weighty but that’s not a bad thing. It’s a distinctive name and fits in with the “biblical names” trend going on right now. You could call him Abe or Bram. I don’t think you should worry about people calling him “Ham”- it seems highly unlikely and you can always sternly correct anyone who tries.
Regarding Angus, I went to school with a guy names Angus and it was a really cool name. I think Gus is awesome but I noticed you didn’t like Graeme with your last name so I would watch out for the double “G’s” there.
I would avoid Oskar though- in the US I think it looks like you’re trying to be “creative” with spelling (a la Keighty).
Good Luck and Congratulations!
I don’t think Abraham is too big or burdensome. I worried a lot when we decided to name my daughter Margaret that the name would be too ‘old lady’, too weird, too long, but it turned out to be a wonderful name for her. She loves it and doesn’t even go by a nickname.
I like Abraham and Angus (Angus seems easier to me if there is a family connection, else it’s a really Scottish name). However, given your letter, I couldn’t help but think of Ivan. It meets your criteria, and has the Nordic flavour your husban likes!
*husband*
Ivan Malcolm (P)ibb
Is Gustav off the table? I love the idea of keeping the in utero name (my children were froggy and otter so obviously not an option), and it gets the Gus nickname. Gustav Malcolm Pibb is delightful.
Maybe August, nickname Gus? I like Ivan but it feels really Slavic. Ivo sounds like Ivan but is an unrelated German name. Have you considered Hendrik–a friend named her son that to honor her Swedish heritage. I really wish Harald worked for you–does Harold spelling change the impression of the name for the better, or is it a sound issue? Harald nicknamed Harry or Hal is darling!
Also, have you thought about Abram instead of Abraham? It still goes to Bram but is a little “less” name.
When I got to “we do both like this name” for Abraham after so much disagreement, I thought, well that’s it then. I don’t think it’s too long and there are good nicknames, so I’d go for it. I like the 3-2-1 rhythm of the whole name, too, though I think that’s a secondary concern. Getting a name you both like is the top priority.
It’s a shame you have problems with the A in Anders. From his list, it seems like the one closest to your style. It also strikes me as the one that is less obviously Scandinavian due to its similarity to Anderson & Andrew (and the possible nickname Andy).
I wonder if your husband would like Benedict better than Benjamin? It’s much less common but would still allow for the nickname Ben.
I don’t think Abraham is too long or Biblical & Bram is really a great nickname. It’s well known but not too common, it fits well with other Biblical names currently trendy and you both seem to like it. Ham also seems like kind of a stretch, I think you might get people who assume Abe instead of Bram though. Abram doesn’t come with the Ham and Bram seems more obvious as a nickname I think.
Oskar is nice, but I think the K is going to be a hassle. Most people are going to assume Oscar. Angus does seem a little beefy, but I think that’d depend a lot on where you live. August, Augustus and Augustine would all give you Gus as a nickname, plus the German flair your husband seems to like.
Some other ideas, Matthias, Felix, Milo, Alistair, Casper
Ha, you beat me to Matt(h)ias by seven minutes. I second! (see below)
I’ve always thought Benedict was a no-go in America because of the association with Benedict Arnold, but I wonder whether Benedict Cumberbatch’s recent rise in popularity is changing that.
I’m in the States and don’t see a problem with it. I think a few generations ago it might have been an issue. But name diversity is increasing, with people looking for more uncommon ways to get something that still feels familiar & name like. Other “ben” names like Benjamin, Bennett & even Bentley are on the rise so I wouldn’t be too surprised to see Benedict eventually gain in popularity as well (though it currently is not in the top 1000).
And yes, Mr. Cumberbatch certainly doesn’t hurt the name at all. If nothing else, he gives the name another association besides Benedict Arnold.
Also, I think a lot of Catholic parents in recent years are using Benedict because of the Pope Emeritus.
Just wanted to throw out that “Andy Gibb” was a singer/teen idol, so it may not be a great combo.
I’m going to heed the call for more Scandi names, having lived in Sweden for several years. Many of our friends had names that strike me as wearable in English (granted I can’t attest to their “datedness” in Sweden, but I love them none the less!) I particularly like Soren or Severin with your last name, but a safer and classic choice is Mattias, nickname Mats.
I was going to suggest Soren. Love it!
I also really love Soren! I’m reading a book with a Soren in it, and everyone I read the name it strikes me how much I like it. I think it’s a perfect name for today’s babies.
*Every time* I read the name, that is!
It sounds like you both like the name Abraham, so I think you should go for it. It doesn’t seem unwieldy to me, and it isn’t uncommon for boys to have (and go by) longer, more formal names these days (e.g., William, not Billy). I think of Abraham Lincoln before I think of Abraham from the Bible, so for me, it isn’t too biblical. I like Abe a little more than Bram, but mostly because Bram reminds me of Game of Thrones. I don’t think people will assume they can call your son Ham, and if they do and you don’t like it, you can shut that right down from the beginning.
If you are thinking this might be your only child, I don’t it matters that the names you and your husband can both agree on are completely different in style from your usual picks. If you are having trouble agreeing, then being in “outlier” territory might indeed be psychologically neutral territory for you both, which can lead to a compromise that makes everybody happen. And even if you do have another child, I think name “matchiness” can be a little overrated anyway. Most siblings spend more of their lives living independently than living together, so it’s fine to have names that aren’t in the exact same category.
I looked for websites of Scandinavian names in Google and found a list on Baby Name Guide . There are a few more traditional names on the list that you might like that might also meet your husband’s Scandinavian criteria. Here are a few that sound nice to me: Erik, Hugo (kind of like Hugh), Jakob, and Finn.
I agree that Oskar is a great name but that the K would be a hassle. (This spelling issue is true for a lot of Scandinavian names, though.)
Whatever you decide, make sure you update us!
What about the name Hugo? It is not too unusual, has the popular ‘O’ ending, and is a scandi name.
Hugo Malcolm ‘Pibb’ sounds great!
Love both Magnus and Angus from your lists too. The nn ‘Gus’ could be used for either of these names.
The Scandi surname Jensen, nn Jens, is a great strong name becoming more popular now also.
All the best!
Benjamin is was the #1 boys’ name in Massachusetts in 2013, so you aren’t alone in liking it!
But I think Abraham (same number of syllables!) is a much more distinctive and interesting name right now– and it sounds great with your surname. It helps I know a teenage Abraham who goes by Abe– and makes the name seem totally normal to my ear. Maybe Abe “Pibb” is too repetitive, but Bram “Pibb” is really nice.
Is Magnus totally off the table? Do you like it at all? That’s my favorite of your husband’s, and to my ear the most wearable and stylish.
Gustav has the nice nickname of Gus, but there’s no getting around its general fustiness. It’s not even in style in the region that birthed it. Combined with “Pibb-with-a-G” it makes for a very alliterative and maybe even goofy name. Not Gus “Pibb” so much as Gustav “Pibb”– the latter sounds a bit like a character from Clue. :-/ Sorry to be so blunt, but I can tell you have reservations about the name anyway, so I’m airing mine!
Maybe it would help to show your husband the list of top names in Sweden right now? http://www.thelocal.se/20140121/swedens-most-popular-baby-names-revealed The only one on the boys’ side that is even explicitly Nordic in origin is Axel.
I wouldn’t worry about naming your child a Scandinavian name when you aren’t Scandinavian. Liam is #2 in the US and it has Irish origins – every baby Liam is not Irish.
If you don’t LIKE any of the names, then that’s another story.
I would work on clarifying your name criteria – i.e. you want a 2 syllable name, but then it seems like you like a lot of names for a 1 syllable nickname. You prefer a name with B, G, or short I.
If this truely is your criteria, eliminate names that do not have these things: Lars, Johan, Anders, Colin, Asa, Alden, Owen, Thomas, Peter, Hugh, Julian, Samuel, Henry, Alfred, Harald, Christopher, Frederick, Abraham.
I would then go to the other extreme and eliminate those you completely disagree on: Eugene? (Not sure if “!” Is good or bad), Benjamin.
Which leaves you with: Magnus, Gustav, Graeme, and Fergus.
If you do not like the alliteration of G.G. then that eliminates the G names, leaving Magnus and Fergus, along with the 2 left you both agreed on at the bottom of your letter: Oskar, Angus.
I notice is 3/4 of these names end in ‘us’ with 2/3 ending in ‘gus.’ Based on that, I might suggest Argus, because unfortunately Angus does make me think of beef, or August as said above. Matteus or Nikolaus might also work, although lacking the b,g,i.
I was also going to suggest Abram instead of Abraham – fits all the criteria and flows nicely imo.
I do like Oskar, but I will point out baby’s initials would be OMG.
Abram Malcolm Pibb. Abram Pibb. Yes, I think that is my first choice. Good luck!
Good call about the OMG!
My favorites on your lists are:
Abraham Malcolm (G) ibb
The more Linley nn than Ham is Abe but if you consistently refer to your son as Bram people will use that.
Gustav Malcolm (G) ibb
Angus Malcolm (G) ibb
With either of those you use the nn Gus.
I also like following Scandanavian/German names
Greger Malcolm (G) ibb. Nn Greg
Bruno Malcolm (G) ibb nn Bru or Bram (drawing from his middle name)
Rudolf Malcolm (G)ibb nn Rudy
Wolfgang Malcolm (G) ibb nn Wolf
Some names that just came to mind are: Kristoff, Aksel, Dedrick, Filip. Erik and Isak. I actually prefer the spelling Oskar to Oscar because the latter reminds me of Oscar Pistorius:/ I do like the names Malcolm and Magnus and my husband went to school with brothers with those names so I think of them as a nice sibset. I do like the name Abraham with the nn Abe.
I thought of Erik too–I think it would be a great compromise in terms of what’s important to both of you.
The hard “c” sound ending of Erik runs into the beginning of “Pibb-with-a-G” for me in a way that’s unpleasant. If you say it out loud you’ll hear what I mean. Isak and Dedrick have similar issues, but Isak is a bit better because it doesn’t repeat the “ih” sound that’s in “Pibb”.
May I suggest perhaps moving Malcolm to the first name slot and putting a more flavorful Scandinavian name on the middle? Malcolm (G)ibb is wonderful and honors your side of the family, while the middle name would give your husband a choice to use his naming style. The middle spot is a great place to use a more interesting name. If you like nicknames, Mac would be perfect for Malcolm.
Malcolm Johan (my pick)
Malcolm Anders
Malcolm Gustav (another favorite)
Malcolm Lars
Malcolm Abraham (G)ibb gives you the initials MAG which could maybe lend to the nickname Magnus…
I love this suggestion! Malcolm Johan is awesome!
It seems like you keep coming back to Gus. You could name just Gus, not Gustav. I really like it actually ! Gus Malcolm (G)ibb. This double G doesn’t bother me like others might.
I have a soft spot for Scandinavian names, particularly Swedish names (my daughter is Annika). For boys, I particularly like Soren, Aksel, and Jasper. Also, I love my husband’s name, Torsten, which is actually Swedish although he is German, but it may be a little dated. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with using a Scandinavian name even if that’s not your family heritage.
What about Stellan?? It’s Swedish but sounds on trend with American naming styles of being two syllables and ending in -an/en/on (like Aiden, Brandon, Jason, etc) and it is different sounding without sounding too foreign or out of place.
Stellan Malcolm (G)ibb
Stellan (G)ibb
Love it!
It sounds like you both really love Abraham. I don’t think it’s too much of a name for a little kid. I actually know a 10-year-old Abraham who goes by Abe, and it fits him well.
Seconding the suggestion of Stellan! Gorgeous name, Scandinavian roots, but popular sound. Stellan Malcom Pibb-with-a-G is fantastic.
I will add, because I don’t see it mentioned yet, one of my favorite names – ‘Karsten’ or ‘Carsten’, which is German form of Christian. It is easy to spell and pronounce. I’d urge you to consider Abram as well, I know a little Abram and I’ve always thought it was a great name.
I like Gustav. I also like Harald a lot. What about Nils, Henrik, Nigel, Bernard, or Anton?
I really think Angus is great for you. It has all the sounds you like, and you both agree on it. Obviously it depends on where you live but my kids go to school with an Angus who lives on a dairy farm and while there has been the odd giggle from parents I don’t think the kids actually care about the Angus beef connection.
Angus and Magnus make me think of Atticus, Augustus and Marcus
Angus and Malcolm make me think of Hamish, Lachlan and Callum
Good luck with whatever you choose. Remember that even if you feel like you are settling on a name, once it becomes the baby’s name you won’t be able to see him as anything else.
Wow, everybody, great comments so far……
Personally I think Gus or names resulting in Gus, no matter how cool or Scandinavian, should be off the table because the middle name won’t generally be used (or even known) & thus won’t be available to break up the choppy rhythm of Gus (G)ibbs. That both end in “s” also gives the name a bit too much “hiss.”
Aside from that, at first I thought the suggestion of going with Malcolm as the first name was a good option, but if the nickname for that will be Mal, Mal (G)ibbs does bring to mind Mel Gibson.
Unfortunately, because you both like the idea of Oscar/Oskar, OMG as initials does take this off the table as well. If you go with Oskar, I’d advise being flexible about the middle name……
Abraham provides great balance to the short last name, I don’t think anyone will jump to Ham, there are 2 great nickname options, and you both like it. But here’s the thing: I don’t think either Abe or Bram sounds great with (G)ibb. But Bram is a lot better!
Overall, I think 2 syllable names that don’t lend themselves to easy nicknames sound the best with your surname. So Axel, Oscar (with a different middle), Carsten, Erik, or Anders would all be at the top of my list for you. Of these, I’d probably go with Anders–it straddles your styles, & it’s on trend–your little boy will be solidly part of his generation.
Best of luck! Let us know!
So sorry–I just looked back and I see your last name doesn’t end in an “s”. Sometimes I take enough time or have enough time to carefully read the query, plus all the responses, plus double-check my comment. :)
Yikes…..I meant “don’t take enough time, etc.”
I love Abraham / Abe / Bram and think they’re all totally wearable for a kid today. I wouldn’t blink at seeing any of them on one of my kids’ class rosters. It also strikes as the type of name you become more and more fond of on a real baby.
My boyfriend is Swedish and we lovelovelove Swedish/Scandinavian names for our nonexistant but possible future children. Also, I’m from MA too and totally feel you on the long a issue! My mom can never pronounce my boyfriend’s name quite right.
I didn’t read any comments so sorry if these are repeats, but here ya go:
Emil (my absolute favorite. pronounced ay-mill, although I like eh-meel too)
Mats (long a)
Nils
Leif
Knut (Jessica Simpson gave her baby boy this as a middle name; K is not silent)
Per (pronounced pear)
Erik (sounds way better in Swedish than English)
Bjorn (means bear, pronounced byaarn in Swedish)
Johannes (my boyfriend’s name)
Elias (nn Eli)
My boyfriend also really likes Olaf, but I think Frozen has probably ruined that name for the English speaking world for a while. It’s another example of a name that sounds much better in Swedish than English.
Best of luck!
Emil is a great suggestion and sounds perfect with the surname! Although please PLEASE pronounce it “eh-MEEL”. Not to out myself as a total trash TV consumer, but I watch the Bachelorette and in the premiere a couple weeks ago, one of the guys was named Emil pronounced “AY-mul.” And you know how he introduced himself to Andi? He goes, “My name is Emil. It’s pronounced like “Anal” but with an M.” ON NATIONAL TV. And now I can’t get this out of my head.
Also love Carsten/Karsten and Matthias.
I wonder if you’ve considered Arie? My boyfriend is Dutch and that’s my #1 pick name if we have a boy, it’s manageable to the North American ear and honours his Dutch heritage.
Oh, I just love the name Thomas, and would use it myself in a heartbeat! It is not boring at all, in my opinion! I apologize if this is a repeat comment, but would it work to have a name you love and he likes, but then he uses the Scandinavian version as a special nickname? I don’t know what the Scandi version of Thomas is, but I know a Thomas whose sister calls him Tomas, and it is their special little thing. This would make the name special to your husband while it is special to you at the same time since it is a name you love.
Good luck! I sincerely hope it all works out for you — it is so hard when parents are in completely different arenas when it comes to names. I know from personal experience. :)
My husband is Abraham nn Abe, and seemed to do well with it all his life.
I love your options- but then again I also love love love Eugene as a name. I don’t think it would work well though for the same reason I would remove Gustav and Graeme: Gus (G)ibb, Graeme (G)ibb, and Gene (G)ibb sound like characters from Charlie and the Chocolate factory.
I would suggest that you consider Tobias nn Toby, which could be quite pleasing.
I just have to comment here how cool it is that your husband is Abraham, and your name is Sarah. AWESOME!!
We get that alot.
How about Gunner?
If you like Bram, maybe you’d like Bertram?
Or I like the suggestion of Hugo above.
I like Abraham. Plus, Bram or Abe are super cute nicknames. I don’t think the name is too heavy, especially paired with your shorter last name.
I love the suggestion of moving Malcolm into the first name spot and using a more Scandinavian name in the middle name spot? Maybe your husband would agree to that… Then, using a strong name like Lars wouldn’t seem that bad too you as it isn’t the primary name??
Otherwise, I’m sorry… I don’t think I have any other suggestions since there are so many wonderful ones above, but here’s my thoughts:
I love the idea of using Gustav with Gus as a common/shortened name.
I also LOVE Henrik. Henrik Pibb. Henri Pibb. Love this. My favourite by far.
My other favourite is Emil. I would personally pronounce it Eh-meel. This is also on our short list. I know you wanted a longer first name, but I really think Emil Pibb sounds just fine.
Other names I like:
Oskar – although, like others have said, will likely be misspelled often (Oscar)
Hugo – Could always call him Hugh?
Torsten
Good luck!
Two quick things:
1) I really love Abraham. I know a delightful young Abe and a couple of older (30s) Brams. I think it’s a great, great name.
2) I know a Lars whose birth name is Lawrence. Would that ever be an option?
Anyway, I empathize with your conundrum! Like your husband, I love Scandinavian names – but like you, I think it’s slightly odd to choose a really distinctly Scandinavian name if that isn’t your background. So I understand how you guys came to be stuck! Good luck making a decision! :)
Maximilian with nn Max. Not necessarily the best with Malcolm in the middle (no pun intended).
Otto
Reuben. Reuben Malcolm Pibb. Nn as Roo/Rue.
Sebastian.
Vincent. Vinny as nn.
Just want to chime in with a vote for Abe/Abraham. My dear friend has a son Abe and he is THE CUTEST. I think it’s such a great name for a little boy or an adult.
I have heard of at least 3 Magnusses in my wider community, which for me is the tipping point of normalization…it no longer sounds Scandi to me, but rather local now.
Henning is another nordic name I really like, and again I know of 3! I don’t know what generation it comes from, those I know range from 4-65.
Stellan is a great suggestion too.
Good luck, and congrats!
What about Abram, Augustus, or August?
Leif is also a great suggestion.
Oh just read the top 10 names in Sweden. I really like Lucas nn Luc (prefer this spelling over most Luke’s these days)
Also, love Oliver!! We have a little Oliver and we call him Ollie all the time… Ollie sort of gives that European/Scandinavian feel.
What about Davin?
Or Ivar? Or Ivan? Isak? What about Vicktor? Unfortunately, the spellings of these last couple will likely get misspelled throughout his life. Too bad Frederick is out.
Sebastian is very nice. Or Stellan is different but kinda spunky.
I still love Emil and Henrik :)
Hmmm… if you name him Oskar, plenty of people in the Northeast will pronounce it ‘AHS-cah’.
And Disney’s Frozen has DEFINATELY ruined the name Hans for a full generation. Elementary school would be a very rough place for him with this name… junior high, too, considering the girls watching it now.
Abraham is an excellent, masculine, classic, easily-accepted, not-too-popular choice, and –frankly– I think it’s brilliant that you two can agree on it. If someone’s going to call him ‘Ham’, no doubt it’ll be his teammates in high school who find it necessary to give everyone some ridiculous name (‘Cracker’ for Graeme, ‘Beef’ for Angus, ‘Grouch’ for Oskar, etc.), and he’ll love being a part of it all. Guys are like that.
If you’re looking for more ideas, Bert is Norwegian and English, Von is both German and old Norse, Carl (or Karl) is both English and Nordic, and Haakon is pronounced HAW-ken and could have the nature nickname (or GI Joe nickname) of Hawk.
Best wishes as you anticipate the arrival of your wonderful son!
I came back to suggest a name that doesn’t seem to have come up yet. It is a little extreme BUT I know an adult by this name who makes it seem pretty normal to me.
Thor.
Maybe a bit much? Maybe not quite right with “Pibb”?
But I also thought it might be nice with Malcolm if they were flipped– Malcolm Thor “Pibb”.
In the same vein, I thought of Odin, which sounds contemporary and not fusty, and good w/ your surname. It does make for the OMG initials though with Malcolm.
I know a Thor! It works surprisingly well!
Right? It should be kind of crazy but sound-wise it is similar to a lot of other one-syllable names. It sounds almost soft in some ways. The guy Thor I know wears it really well and has made it seem as normal Todd or Keith to me, just cooler.
I’m not reading all of the comments, so sorry if there are repeated ideas here.
– Abraham is NOT too much of a name. A good friend of mine used it for her son and it is great. It fits in well with his peers. For me, it is ranked in the “sweet spot” of popularity (#187) where it is well known but not common enough to have to go by an initial. I LOVE the nickname Bram. As for worrying about him being called “Ham”… uh, I see this as being a non-issue, it’s not going to happen. Plus he may love the camera as all babies seem to, and you’ll end up calling him a ham regardless. This seems to me to be a no-brainer. You both like Abraham. It doesn’t necessarily fit the style of your other names. If this is your only kid, then I can’t see how that matters.
Otherwise, you two do have some overlap in style that is not insurmountable.
– He likes Eugene and you like Hugh. Are there other names with a strong “U” sound that you both like? Jude? Lucien?
– You both like names that can be shortened to Gus, but aren’t sold on Angus, Fergus, or Gustav. How about just calling him Gus? There’s this article, too that may be helpful. http://nameberry.com/blog/baby-name-nicknames-getting-to-gus
Good luck!
I haven’t read all of the previous comments so these may have been mentioned, but I have an Anders and we pronounce the A like in And. Everyone he meets pronounces it the way we do with only one time in my memory someone pronounced it “Onders” and he’s six. Thought I’d through that out! Henrik is a great name, with the possibly of calling him Henry, or maybe a double first name with a mix of styles, Johan Henry.
If you’re only going to have one child, I don’t think that you need worry about style outliers in the same way. I’d say Abraham is a great choice! And I don’t think it’s too weighty.
I think Marcus and Atticus suggestions above are brilliant. Also just noticed you like Christopher… what about Christof or Christoph?
My nephew has a scandi name that you might like — Olin
They also considered Erik, Leif and Anders.
Good luck!
I’m sorry if there are repeats here, but I think that if you are considering Abraham but are unsure about its weightiness, you should consider Abram or Avram. (Nickname Bram?). I am not a huge fan of Angus but what about August or Augustus?
Also consider Oliver, Meyer, Alexander and Julius.
I agree Abraham or Angus is the way to go! Both are perfectly good names. If Abraham feels to long, Abram is also a great option. I love nn Bram. I also love Angus nn Gus, I think both would be good choices.
Christoffer is the Swedish version on Christopher
Other Scandinavian names:
Augustus
Carl
Rasmus
Mikkel
Frederik
Axel
Gunnar
Sven
Torben
Valdemar (my absolute favorite!)
Olav
Oh I love your list, especially Hugh, Ian and Henry! Out of your husband’s favorites I think I like Magnus the best. Hans is cute and I like it better than Johann. Angus is adorable! Angus Malcolm sounds great and Gus is a super cool nickname! If you are unsure about Abraham being too long just go with Bram. I think Bram stands fine on its own and it sounds strong. Some other Scandinavian names I came across that might be more your style are:
Frey (since you both like Freya for a girl, why not Frey for a boy? Frey Malcolm Pibb.)
Mathias
Roscoe (Ross)
Tyrell (Ty)
Neilson (Neil)
Halden (Hal)
Boden (Bo)
Henrik
Kirkland (Kirk)
Latham *My Favorite!
Osmond (Ozzy)
Quinby (Quin)
Axel
Thurston
Bodie (Bo)
Rayner
Ruben
Soren
Tate
Waylon/Waylan
Whitlaw (Whit)
Sebastian is a great name used throughout Europe that goes well with the surname.