Classic Baby Names That Go With George

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TRADITIONAL BUT NOT (TOO) OBVIOUS

Hannah writes:

It feels like it took more than a year to name our son, George Andrew. My husband and I agreed that we wanted a classic name, but not something that we heard all the time. And we’re avoiding family names, mostly because our siblings have already honored all the grandparents, so we’re off the hook!

My favorite girl’s name with George was Charlotte, but we won’t name this daughter Charlotte. It feels too British royals. (Royal family news is one of my guilty pleasures, so no one would believe it was a coincidence.) Also we know two other Charlottes, so I think I’d probably not put it at the top of our list anyway.

Time has gone by so fast with this pregnancy. I’m due in October and can’t believe we don’t have a name figured out already.

Names we’re considering:

• For a boy – Edward (but don’t like Eddie/Ned), Michael (feels too modern), Theodore (we know a few, not sure about Theo/Ted/Teddy), Charles/Charlie (we know so many), William (royal family problem again), Timothy (don’t like Timmy), Paul (would this be weird with the Beatles), John/Jonathan (same question with John, and is Jonathan too long with George?)
• For a girl – Cecilia (pretty, but maybe too frilly), Eleanor (feels like I should like it more than I do), Margaret/Margot (neither of these feels right), Victoria (a little too much and maybe too royal), Katherine (again, royal family).

I think we just need an outside perspective. Thanks in advance!

Please read on for my response and leave your thoughtful suggestions in the comments.

FINDING FRESH TRADITIONAL CHOICES

Abby replies:

Congratulations on your second!

It goes fast, right? Lots of couples talk names early in their relationships, and so it can feel like we have plenty of time to choose our firstborn’s name … and then mere seconds the next time around!

A few things I should note:

• The royal family loves classic names, and so they’ve probably used almost any name on your longest shortlist! I agree that George and Charlotte is too heir-to-the-throne. But Katherine? Maybe not. Even George and Kate doesn’t spark anything for me. The same is true for George and William/Will. But if you wanted to rule out Charlotte, Catherine/Katherine/Kate, William, and Louis, that seems like enough.
• Likewise, I wouldn’t completely rule out Paul and John for a son. Especially John. That name has been worn by too many men of accomplishment for me to immediately think of the Beatles. Both of my teenagers absolutely know who the Beatles are, but I’m pretty sure only one of them (and she’s the musician) could actually name the band members. Time will fade these references even more.

CLASSIC BOY NAMES for GEORGE’S BROTHER

From your current list, I think I’d put Jonathan at the top. Here’s why:

• If you don’t care for the nicknames for Edward, Theodore, and Timothy, I’d rule them out.
• You’re ruling out William because of the Prince of Wales connection.
• While it sounds like Charles/Charlie and Paul aren’t quite as problematic, you’ve voiced some hesitations here, too.

Jonathan adds some extra sound to John, and manages to be traditional, but much less British royal. George and Jonathan are different lengths, but have lots of other things in common – they’re great together!

I’d put Michael a close second. Yes, Michael had a really good run from the 1950s into the 1980s. But it’s a rock solid classic. Bonus? Call him Michael instead of Mike and the name does feel fresh and new.

If not either of those names …

FRESH IDEAS FOR GEORGE’S BROTHER

ANTHONY

You like Timothy, but not Timmy/Tim. Would Anthony help? I feel like no one shortens it to Tony now – at least not in the way I automatically shorten Timothy without a second thought.

DAVID

Again, David in full is very different from Dave. Davy is darling, but maybe you feel differently?

LUKE

Another brief, complete name, but one with a different origin and backstory than George, which makes it feels different.

SAMUEL

Nearly every Sam is a Samuel, and most Samuels answer to Sam. That gives you the best of both worlds – two traditional names that both end up being short, traditional, and approachable. But they’re different in meaningful ways, too.

THOMAS

I’m just realizing that I’ve leaned heavily into Biblical boy names for my suggestions. Then again, that’s the source for so many classics. And in our age of Elijah and Malachi, Thomas feels understated and strong. I wonder if Tommy strikes the same problematic note for you as Timmy? If not, I think this is a keeper.

CLASSIC GIRL NAMES FOR GEORGE’S SISTER

It felt easy to choose favorites from your boys’ list, but the girls’ side seems more challenging. It sounds like Katherine, Eleanor, Margaret/Margot, and Victoria are out.

My top suggestion would be Cecilia. If it’s too elaborate, would you consider Celia or Cecile? Cecile Katherine is great with George Andrew.

NEW SUGGESTIONS FOR GEORGE’S SISTER

ALICE

Spare and restrained, Alice has a hint of British-ness about it, just like George. (Thanks to Lewis Carroll, I suppose.) But only a hint.

CLAIRE

A single-syllable name that still feels pretty and feminine, a perfect match for George.

FRANCES

George and Frances sound a little old-fashioned, but also impeccably timeless.

ROSE

An enduring choice, Rose fits in with Willow today, but also belongs with classics like Eleanor and Margaret.

VIVIAN

It’s not quite in the same classic category as Alice or Rose, but it reminds me a little of Jonathan – the rhythm, the ending sound – while still feeling like a traditional, feminine choice.

Overall, I’m still stuck on Jonathan from your original list. Jonathan Charles, maybe? I’d put Michael Edward a close second. From my suggestions, I love the idea of Samuel Jonathan. George and Sam.

On the girls’ side, I adore Alice for you. Alice Katherine, maybe? I wonder if Claire would appeal. George Andrew and Claire Margaret or Claire Vivian both feel like great choicse. And if Cecile appeals over Cecilia, then Cecile Katherine probably rockets to #1 for me.

Readers, over to you! What would you name a sibling for George Andrew?