A reader named Rebecca has two children named Catherine (Cate) and Luke. Both of their names are family names. She says:
We are due with our third, a boy in November and I just can’t think of anything I like that doesn’t sound out of place with those two names.
She’d appreciate some name suggestions, and she’d also like some “recommendations on how to connect with a name.”
I thought that second request was really interesting. It seems to me that most parents who don’t like a name right away usually just need some time to adjust. But there isn’t a lot of time in this case, so here are two tricks that might work:
- Use the name as if it’s already his name (in your head, so as not to confuse others). For instance, whenever you use the word “baby” in conversation, mentally replay the statement and replace “baby” with the name. See if you can force a perspective shift this way.
- Look for meaningful associations. Sift through your personal history–favorite friends, teachers, neighbors, authors, artists, public figures–and keep and eye out for the name you’re considering. A positive personal association might help you see the name in a new light.
I can’t wait to see what others ideas people come up with.
Now for the suggestions. Rebecca mentioned that the names Graham, Douglas and William have been disqualified for various reasons, so those three are out. Catherine and Luke are classics, so that’s what I stuck with for the most part:
| Adam Adrian Anthony Benjamin Calvin Charles Craig David Duncan Finn Gabriel | Grant Gregory Jeffrey Joseph Jude Kenneth Mark Matthew Nicholas Noah Patrick | Paul Peter Philip Richard Sebastian Seth Steven Theodore Thomas Timothy Vincent |
I almost included Nathan, but Nate rhymes with Cate. That won’t work. We want a name, not a nursery rhyme. :)
Which of the above names do you like best for the brother of Cate and Luke? What other boy names would you suggest to Rebecca?
