A reader named Pam writes:
My husband and I have having twin boys and need help with names. We have chosen Ivan Alexander for one. The other we agree will have the middle name William. We need help with a first name.
Ivan, Alexander and William are all classic, unequivocally masculine names…so that’s what I tried to match with my suggestions:
Charles Damian Dominic Edgar Edward George | Gregory Joseph Lawrence Lucas Maximilian Nicholas | Oliver Patrick Paul Raymond Robert Roman | Sebastian Stuart Sylvester Thomas Victor Vincent |
Do you think any of the above fit particularly well with William?
What other suggestions would you offer to Pam?
Several of the suggested names go well with William, but I think the bigger issue is which go best with Ivan. Ivan is the Russian form of John; it is also used quite frequently in the English-speaking world. Ivan was the name of six Russian tsars, including the 15th century Ivan III, called Ivan the Great, who helped unify Russia.
The name I immediately thought of — before checking Nancy’s list — is Nicholas:
Ivan Alexander and Nicholas William.
Other names from Nancys list that I’d consider are:
Charles William
Edward William
Thomas William
I also like James William, as James, like Ivan, is not likely to be shortened: Ivan and James.
(My twin grandsons are James and Andrew.)
I’m wondering if Ivan Alexander was chosen for its Russian royal connection — both are names of Russia tsars — or for some other reason. If the former is an interest, I checked on tsars names and besides Nicholas, also would suggest Peter or possibly Theodore.
On the otherhand, a classic name from English royalty would be a good match too:
James William
Charles William
Edward William
Henry William
@Patricia – Royal names are a great idea. Thanks!
Louis William
Leo William
Klaus William
Reuben William
Saul William
Ezra William
George William
Since Ivan, Alexander, and William all are names of historical figures, I’d suggest going down that route. (I’m thinking Alexander the Great, Ivan the Great/Terrible, etc.)
Peter
Richard
Nicholas
Constantine
Paul
Vladimir
Alfred
Otto
Edward
Robert
Bruce
Harold
Henry
For something completely different: Attila, Horatio, Ramses
off the line of historic or royal names…I immediately thought of Shane and Sean.
Also coming to mind:
Connor
Conrad
Eli
Jason
Eric
Sam(uel)
(An)Drew
James
Tyler
Tyson
Christopher
Charlie
Deon
Alfie
Wallie
Sammy
Talya
Karl
Ethan
Callum
Morgan
Lee
Tom
Aidin
Kevin
Jake(jakeup)
Jack
Isic