Finding Classic, Strong Boy Names for Anne’s Brother

Name Help is a series at Appellation Mountain. Every week, one reader’s name questions will be discussed. We’re relying on thoughtful comments from the community to help expectant parents narrow down their name decisions. Thank you in advance for sharing your insight!

THEY LOVE SIMPLE, TIMELESS NAMES

Kacie writes:

I’ve always disliked my name. It’s trendy and cute and you can guess my age within a few years. So when my husband and I welcomed our daughter I wanted a name that was classic, simple, strong.

Our list was Anne, Kate, and Rose, and we thought she looked most like an Anne.

We are now expecting our second child. If it was a girl, we had pretty much agreed on Rose. But it’s a boy, and it feels harder to find a name that meets our criteria.

Our list so far:

• James, but we have a long, hyphenated last name that starts and ends with S. (Something like Simpson-Thomas.) I think James is too hissy.
• John/Jack, but it’s the name shared by my stepfather/stepbrother and it would feel weird to use their family name, especially because I’m pretty sure Jack intends to use the name himself eventually.
• George, our current number one name, but that’s because it’s the only name we agree on. Still not sure if it’s “the one.”
• Ralph, my new secret favorite. My husband thinks it’s too old. I see what he means. But I keep coming back to Ralph. It makes me smile in a way George doesn’t.

CAN I USE THIS OLD MAN NAME FOR MY BABY?

Abby replies:

Congratulations on your second!

The question you’re asking, essentially, is can I use this old man name for my baby? It comes up a lot around here. I’m Team Grandpa Names. My take? Cedric and Edmund are only fusty antiques until we meet a sweet little boy with the name. They update instantly.

I can’t see why Ralph wouldn’t be the same.

My first thought with Ralph? Design Mom. Founded by the delightfully stylish Gabrielle Blair, the site is all about the intersection of design and motherhood. The Blair family’s firstborn is Ralph – now a fully fledged grown-up. If a couple so deliberately and thoughtfully stylish can name a son Ralph, it feels like the rest of us ought to be on board, too. (Their other kids: Maude, Oscar, Olive, Betty, Flora June.)

There’s Ralph Fiennes, of course. Except he pronounces his name like Rafe, which is quite suave and European.

But you’re thinking Ralph like the kid in The Christmas Story, right? A very midcentury Americana kind of vibe. Ralph peaked in the 1910s and stayed in the US Top 100 through the 1960s. It’s Ralph Kramden (Jackie Gleason’s character on The Honeymooners) and Ralph Malph (from Happy Days) though mostly now it’s Ralph Macchio, The Karate Kid now all grown up on Cobra Kai.

Ralph last charted in the US Top 1000 in 2018, but 167 boys still received the name in 2023. While it may not be popular, it’s also not forgotten or extinct by any means.

It’s a name that’s always there, approachable and down-to-earth. I have no problem making a case for dependable, easy-going Ralph and sweet Ralphie.

But let’s see if we can find some options that hit the mark between logical choice George and oh-I-love-this-Ralph.

One note: I’ve avoided a few names, like Glenn and Dean, that came to mind, mostly because I wonder if they’re too repetitive with Anne and that strong N sound?

A BROTHER FOR ANNE: SOMETHING LIKE RALPH

BRUCE

Ralph seems like a quiet name, but Bruce? Brief and complete, Bruce has plenty of swagger.

CLARK

There’s something gentle about Clark, but it checks all the same boxes as Ralph and George.

HUGH

The first name that came to mind as a Ralph substitute. Every bit as brief, complete, and traditional, but with a slightly more contemporary appeal.

JAY

I understand that Jack and John are out, but how about Jay?

MAX

Like Anne, this is a classic name that’s nicely compact.

NEIL

An Irish import and a hero name, thanks to astronaut Neil Armstrong.

PAUL

Undeniably classic, this New Testament choice sounds like the perfect brother name for Anne.

TROY

Maybe a little bit of an unusual choice, but Troy could work – it’s familiar, uncommon, and fits the brief-but-complete pattern, too.

From this list, Paul gets my vote. It’s handsome and timeless, but not quite as old school as Ralph.

But if Paul – or any of the other suggestions from me or the AM community – still feel off?

It’s time to start thinking of your son as Ralph. Because it if feels right, then proceed. Expect surprise and maybe even disbelief, just like any time a parent chooses a rare name.

But rest content in the knowledge that Ralph has stood the test of time – again and again – and will serve your son well.

What do you think of Ralph, readers? What would you suggest for Anne’s brother?

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