Megan writes:
We’re expecting our second son, and probably our last child, this summer.
It took us forever to agree on our Hayden’s name, but now we love it and can’t imagine using any of the other names we considered.
But that means that our original list from two years ago is off the table, and we’re starting at zero.
With Hayden’s name, we weren’t sure about whether we’d regret it because it rhymes with Jayden and Aiden. So far that hasn’t been an issue at all.
Here’s what we’re working with:
Our last name sounds like Kirk with a B. Because it’s so harsh, names like Jack, Luke, Kai, etc. are out. Even names like Walker, Parker, Carter maybe don’t sound great.
Other names that we like, but think are too much like Hayden, include Waylon (my husband’s new favorite), Hudson, Grayson (both long-time favorites of mine). I almost think we shouldn’t have another name ending with N, but maybe that’s not reasonable.
My husband doesn’t like names that end in Y/EE. This is frustrating, but he shot down Charlie, Riley, Finley, Eli, Levi, etc.
My nephews are Elijah and Isaiah, and while I like those names, I feel like anything in that sort of Bible/-ah name is off limits, too.
Right now, it seems like every name I sort of like either doesn’t work or breaks one of my husband’s rules.
Can you maybe help us with some new ideas?
Please read on for my response, and leave your thoughtful suggestions in the comments.
Abby replies:
Congratulations on your new son!
It sounds like you’re having a few common experiences:
Hayden’s name rules out other names you like, including Waylon and Grayson
Your friends and family are having children, too, taking other names out of circulation, like Isaiah and Elijah
But here’s the one that really trips us up: we compromise and consider and eventually settle on our first child’s name, often with the luxury of time. Pretty quickly, that name comes to represent all the good things about our family. Hayden was just a name on paper a few years ago, but now it’s this wonderful little boy that you can’t imagine being without, right?
The next kiddo? Besides the time crunch – I mean, you’re parenting a toddler! – it’s easy to forget that there was a gap between choosing the name and falling in love. Even if it’s only minutes, it’s there.
Have confidence that the name you choose this time will be transformed by love, too!
With that in mind, let’s talk options. I think something ending with R has potential, but that’s not the only option.
NAMES for HAYDEN ELLIOTT’S BROTHER
ARCHER
Because your last name rhymes with Kirk, the sounds in Walker, Parker, and similar choices probably do sound a little harsh. But Archer is just slightly softer and still has that R ending. I love the way Hayden and Archer feel very current and modern, but a little bit like preppy throwbacks at the same time.
EVERETT
Another possibility: a name ending in T, just like your first son’s middle name. Beckett and Bennett probably are out because of the repeating initials with your last name. But Everett might be perfect.
LENNOX
Boys’ names ending with X range from traditional choices, like Felix and Max, to modern inventions, like Jax. I think Lennox strikes exactly the right balance – a traditional surname that’s refreshing as a first.
SAWYER
An all-around great surname name possibility, with all the Americana of Tom Sawyer baked in.
SULLIVAN
Upbeat, Irish Sullivan works with Hayden nicely because it’s just a touch longer.
WILDER
A surname that feels traditional … but also wild and free.
I think my favorite is Everett. Maybe Everett Wilder? Hayden and Everett.
But I also like Sullivan Wilder and Lennox Sullivan.
Readers, over to you – what would you name a brother for Hayden Elliott?
The post Name Help: What Should They Name Hayden Elliott’s New Brother? appeared first on Appellation Mountain.