#1 classic:

Michael

You pick one name, spouse picks the middle.

Or what we did was list out our top four, and each spouse gets one veto. Two remaining are the name.

Anonymous wrote:What is your background? Is your family Irish, English, etc? I always think it seems strange when names don’t match the heritage

If someone is 4th, 5th, 6th generation American, I think it would seem very strange to decide "I've never been there or known any of my ancestors who were from there, but I will give my newborn a traditional Polish name because of heritage."

Anonymous wrote:I have a Theodore, who we call Theo. DH hates Teddy, so that was never an issue.

Other names we considered:
Patrick
Porter
Oliver
Brooks

Porter and Brooks are not classic, just pretentious.

I have a Theodore, who we call Theo. DH hates Teddy, so that was never an issue.

Other names we considered:
Patrick
Porter
Oliver
Brooks

I haven't met a baby Michael in a long time. I don't know why it went out of style.

Anthony

Anonymous wrote:Benjamin and Charles are great choices. Theodore only if you'll call him Theo. NOT Ted or Teddy. Those are awful.

Agree completely. Love Theo.

Anonymous wrote:What is your background? Is your family Irish, English, etc? I always think it seems strange when names don’t match the heritage

How would anyone else know their heritage, or care? Do you judge Black people named Susie or Jim because it's not "their heritage?"

Anonymous wrote:Johnathan

Jonathan is the classic spelling.

Anonymous wrote:Need help with classic boy names.

Names we like: Patrick, John, Benjamin, Christopher.

But can’t both solidly agree on one. Suggestions?

When naming my kids, I would think about what their full names would sound like when they were announced at a graduation ceremony, as well as how friends and family would introduce them to others by their most likely nickname.

Patrick Joseph Smith — Pat Smith or Rick Smith or no nickname

John David Smith — probably no nickname or possibly Jack Smith

Benjamin Andrew Smith — Ben Smith

Christopher William Smith — Chris Smith

With this method, one choice would rise to the top.

Names that are similar to the ones you like:

Joseph, Paul, Luke, Henry, William

At some point you just have to go with your gut a bit. Nothing you've suggested is going to be a bad name. Do you each have one you prefer?

I have a Christopher

What is your background? Is your family Irish, English, etc? I always think it seems strange when names don’t match the heritage

John