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Name Help: A Brother for Rose and Henry

November 13, 2018 By appellationmountain 40 Comments

Name Help: A Brother for Rose and HenryUpdate: He’s here! Welcome to the world, Leo Arthur. Congrats to the family.

Channelle writes:

Just found out we are having our second boy, our third child. We have a Rose and a Henry. A girl would have been Lucy or Alice. Easy to choose-classic and unexpected I feel. But we are having the worst time coming up with a boy’s name!

We want something non-Biblical, which cuts out so many names, particularly Ezra, Jonah, Asa, and Gideon, all of which I love.

I want a short name because Rose and Henry are short.

I want a name that doesn’t stand out as totally different (like Yuri or Idris), but don’t want something that feels super expected or boring (like Jack or George). Somewhere in the middle.

Last name is McC- so no hard C sound or Mc- names.

There feels like there is no name out there that feels like a natural brother to Henry (which was my favorite boy name ever). Oh and we are due soon – in early December!

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

Dear Channelle –

Congratulations on your third! At first, I thought this would be such an easy question to answer. And then I realized … non-Biblical, not-too weird, not-too popular, short? That rules out nearly every name that came to mind!

Let’s start with a question: how serious are you about the non-Biblical part? A great many classic boys’ names do have roots in the Bible. But there’s a world of difference between a name like Andrew and something like Jonah. Both could be brothers for Henry, but one makes me think about the Biblical story. The other? I know the name appears in the New Testament, but I don’t put it in the same category as, say, Ezra and Gideon.

For now, though, let’s find names that meet all of your criteria.

Alex – The average Alex is really Alexander. And a handful of Alexanders answer to some other nickname. But there’s no reason you couldn’t use just Alex. It ranks #151 as an independent given name. There’s Alec, too, which might feel less like a shortened form of a longer name. Or it might just cause confusion. Alex’s roots are ancient and Greek.

Clark – Clark brings to mind Superman, but it’s actually a surname with Old English roots, originally an occupational name for a scribe – or clerk. It sounds classic and complete, but not quite as common as Jack.

Dean – Like Clark, Dean has occupational origins. Or it might come from a word meaning valley. Either way, it’s not quite as traditional as Henry, but might make a great brother name.

Hugh, Hugo – From an old Germanic element meaning spirit or heart, Hugh has plenty of history. But it’s short and complete. I like Hugo even better; it’s the Latinized form of the name.

Leo – If the o-ending of Hugo appeals, but it’s not quite the name for you, how about Leo? From the Latin word for lion, it’s fierce in meaning, but gentle in style.

Patrick – I know, I know – the nickname Pat belongs to another generation. But Patrick, both syllables, feels handsome and traditional.

Theo – Theo shares the same challenge as Alex; most of the time, it’s short for a longer name. And you could use Theodore! But Theo stands alone, too, currently ranked #289 in the US.

William – Okay, William ought to be perfect, right? I mean, how great do William and Henry sound together? So great, of course, that they’ve already been used – think Will & Kate and Harry & Meghan. I’m not convinced this is a dealbreaker for everyone. After all, you never call your Henry Harry, right? And Rose isn’t straight off the royal family tree. Still, I wonder if it might feel a little too similar?

Overall, I’m tempted to push for Patrick, but is that hard C- sound in your surname too much with Patrick? Or exactly enough?

Instead, I’m going to suggest Hugh if you don’t care for -o ending names, and Hugo or Leo if you do.

But I can’t wait to hear what readers will suggest, so let’s open it up to the community: What would you name a brother for Rose and Henry?

More names you might like:

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  • Name Help: Marlo Rose and …Name Help: Marlo Rose and …

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Comments

  1. Renae says

    December 5, 2018 at 8:26 PM

    Is he here? What’s his name?

    Here’s a few ideas to add to the pile
    Some repeats

    Enzo
    Graham
    Jett
    Rhett
    Marco
    Reed
    Milo
    Brooks
    Hugo
    Luca

    Reply
  2. Clm says

    November 17, 2018 at 6:46 PM

    Abraham
    Jack
    George
    Max

    Reply
  3. Allie says

    November 17, 2018 at 2:54 PM

    Has anybody suggested Thomas yet? Or maybe Colin?

    Reply
    • Emma says

      November 18, 2018 at 10:29 AM

      I can’t believe I didn’t think of Colin. But it would work perfectly with Henry & Rose!

      Reply
  4. Lisa says

    November 16, 2018 at 5:02 PM

    Henry is also my favorite boy’s name, but my husband never went for it. We named our son Emmett. I also love Leon and think it would be perfect for you! Rose, Henry and Leon.

    Reply
  5. Cathy Fingeman says

    November 16, 2018 at 6:04 AM

    Samuel (Sam), John, Max

    Reply
  6. Julie G says

    November 14, 2018 at 9:56 PM

    Edward nn Ned
    George
    Joseph nn Joe
    Raymond nn Ray
    Andrew nn Drew

    And I love Leo for you.

    Reply
  7. Erin Beth says

    November 14, 2018 at 7:22 PM

    I especially like the suggestions of R0se, H3nry &
    Emmett
    Elliott
    Edmund
    Leo

    Reply
  8. Laura Rose says

    November 14, 2018 at 4:41 PM

    Oh, this is exactly my style.

    Graham, Grant, Willem?

    Reply
  9. Nessie says

    November 14, 2018 at 12:56 PM

    Oliver, Elliot, Owen or Bennett. But the best option is really George. Please reconsider!

    Reply
  10. Emma says

    November 14, 2018 at 12:04 PM

    I like the suggestions of Felix, Peter, and Walter. They all sound great with Henry & Rose. I’m surprised no one has suggested Charles…it’s short and not too popular. Though maybe Henry and Charles would be too royal? If so, Edmund would also be classic and unexpected.

    Reply
  11. Mable Merilla says

    November 14, 2018 at 9:06 AM

    I really like the suggestions of Dean, Grant, and Lewis.

    Maybe Heath would be a good choice?

    Reply
  12. Liza says

    November 14, 2018 at 8:29 AM

    Oliver would be perfection! If it’s too popular then I vote for Edward.

    Reply
  13. Em says

    November 14, 2018 at 5:50 AM

    Ezra always makes me think of Ira–different roots but I think it’s the vowel and ends in a combo. I wonder if you’d like Ira. It’s not super common but easily recognizable due to Ira Glass on NPR.

    Reply
  14. Dana says

    November 14, 2018 at 1:43 AM

    Love the suggestions of Grant, Jude, Neil, Hugh, Hugo, Leo and Theo! A few names I think are sweet and just a little unexpected are:

    Rose, Henry and Jesse
    Rose, Henry and Aaron/Ehren
    Rose, Henry and Julian
    Rose, Henry and Ivan

    Reply
  15. Maree says

    November 14, 2018 at 1:02 AM

    I like Arthur but it may or may not bother you that King Henry VIII’s brother was Arthur (who died young).

    Henry, Rose, Arthur
    Henry, Rose, George
    Henry, Rose, James (Biblical-lite)
    Henry, Rose, Louis (too royal?)
    Henry, Rose, John

    Reply
  16. British American says

    November 13, 2018 at 11:58 PM

    This is so funny because I have a Rose and then a Henry and then we had a boy. We named him George, which I see that you already ruled out. I guess it depends on where you live as to whether it’s “boring” / common already. It’s pretty uncommon where we live and it does seem like a perfect brother name for Henry.

    George would have been Lucy, if he’d been a girl.

    My other favourites are Frederick and Arthur. Our Rose would have been Oscar, but then we didn’t use it for a boy. I also liked Walter and more recently I think Grover is super cool. All these names have an R in them, as do Rose and Henry.

    Rose, Henry & Frederick. “Fred”
    Rose, Henry & Arthur.
    Rose, Henry & Oscar.
    Rose, Henry & Walter. “Walt”.
    Rose, Henry & Grover.

    (I also really liked Ezra, but then I realized it’s almost the same sounds as Rose, just the other way around.)

    Reply
    • Maree says

      November 14, 2018 at 12:55 AM

      When I read the title my first thought was George. I don’t think George is expected I think it is perfect!

      Reply
  17. Jonquil says

    November 13, 2018 at 11:16 PM

    Rose, Henry, and Lewis
    Rose, Henry, and Paul (in the New Testament but a western classic)
    Rose, Henry, and Philip

    Reply
  18. Charlotte says

    November 13, 2018 at 10:58 PM

    Another vote for loosening the Bible rule. Rose, Henry, and Gideon doesn’t strike me as Biblical.. even Asa and Ezra feel fine to me when paired with Rose and Henry. (Ezra paired with Noah and Jonah and Ruth would feel biblical, but Rose and Henry? Totally fine.) Of the names the parents listed, Jonah is the only one I’d classify as solidly biblical.

    I really, really, REALLY like Gilbert here, too. Rose, Henry, Gilbert. Swoon.

    Patrick is my favorite of the suggestions!

    Reply
    • Emma says

      November 15, 2018 at 10:13 AM

      Oh, I LOVE the thought of Henry, Rose, & Gilbert. Perfection.

      Reply
  19. Jean C. says

    November 13, 2018 at 10:41 PM

    I just want to say regarding the name Patrick: Patrick Henry is a historical figure (give me liberty or give me death). Depending on where you’re located that may or may not be a big deal anyway, and probably everyone wouldn’t put that together; it’s not like they’re not both known names.

    Reply
  20. MissG says

    November 13, 2018 at 6:52 PM

    I love your children’s names! Here are my suggestions, and I do apologize if I’ve included biblical names. Forgive my ignorance! Consider any repeats my ringing endorsements for previous suggestions.

    Rose, Henry, and Alec
    Rose, Henry, and Arthur
    Rose, Henry, and Byron
    Rose, Henry, and Callum/Colm
    Rose, Henry, and Calvin
    Rose, Henry, and Edmund/Edwin
    Rose, Henry, and Felix
    Rose, Henry, and Jasper
    Rose, Henry, and Miles/Milo
    Rose, Henry, and Oscar
    Rose, Henry, and Simon (I know this one is biblical, but I think it sounds so sweet with the other names)

    Reply
  21. Brooke says

    November 13, 2018 at 5:36 PM

    We have similar taste (I also have a Rose) and I’d say Arthur or Louis might fit your criteria depending on length. George is also on my list (but doesn’t feel boring to me). My favorite from the suggested list is Patrick.

    Reply
  22. Martha says

    November 13, 2018 at 5:23 PM

    I would suggest Simon! I love the feel with Rose and Henry.

    Reply
  23. Danielle Burrows says

    November 13, 2018 at 5:21 PM

    Brooks for a boy, Bess for a girl.

    Reply
  24. Jean C. says

    November 13, 2018 at 5:10 PM

    I’m here to vote for Felix!
    I also like Oscar and Graham and Dean.
    I do also really like Peter, which I think is more than a biblical name.

    Reply
  25. K. says

    November 13, 2018 at 3:36 PM

    Robin, Blaise, Mercade or maybe just Cade, Heath, Galen, Rhys…

    Reply
  26. Renee says

    November 13, 2018 at 2:26 PM

    Miles seems like a great option for you. I like the suggestion of Owen, but I also love Theo from Abby’s list.. 🙂
    Miles
    Owen
    Theo

    Congrats on baby number 3!!

    Reply
  27. Jordan P says

    November 13, 2018 at 2:03 PM

    I think there’s a difference between “names that appear in the Bible” and “names with strong biblical/religious connections”. Peter and Simon are great brothers for Henry that definitely don’t immeidately make me think Bible. I think Peter Pan and Simon and Garfunkel first. Especially when paired with non religious classics like Henry and Rose. If Peter had siblings named Mary, John, and Gideon, i might notice a theme (but honestly, maybe not even then).

    That said, my favorite is Graham/Graeme and Pierce to follow the initial rules 🙂 Henry, Rose, and Graham.

    Reply
    • appellationmountain says

      November 13, 2018 at 7:33 PM

      Excellent point, Jordan P! There’s a big difference between, say, Nehemiah and John.

      Reply
  28. Emmeline says

    November 13, 2018 at 1:59 PM

    I don’t know which of these are biblical, so sorry, I’m sure some are!
    Angus
    Alfred
    Albert
    Amos
    Archie
    Clyde
    Casper
    Calvin
    Chester
    Conrad
    Dashiell
    Edmund
    Edward
    Edgar
    Edwin
    Frederick
    Freddie
    Ford
    Finn
    Flynn
    Garrett
    Gus
    Jem
    Kenneth
    Kit
    Lucian
    Lawrence
    Maxwell
    Marcus
    Otis
    Percy
    Phillip
    Roland
    Robin
    Ralph
    Rupert
    Remy
    Rory
    Seamus
    Stanley
    Tobias
    Vincent
    Wilfred
    Wilford
    Wallace

    Reply
  29. Julia says

    November 13, 2018 at 1:51 PM

    Hugo is the first name that popped into my mind. I love the repeated H (as with Henry) and O (as with Rose). Seems to tie your three together.
    I also think Linus, Jude, or Owen would be lovely. 🙂

    Reply
  30. Ainsley says

    November 13, 2018 at 1:30 PM

    Oh also what about

    Rose, Henry, and Lewis
    Rose, Henry, and Thomas

    Both names are absolutely gorgeous!

    Reply
  31. Ainsley says

    November 13, 2018 at 12:12 PM

    forgive me if I suggest any biblical names, I’m not very familiar with the stories

    Rose, Henry, and Nolan
    Rose, Henry, and Elliott
    Rose, Henry, and Miles
    Rose, Henry, and Graham
    Rose, Henry, and Grant
    Rose, Henry, and Jasper
    Rose, Henry, and Jude
    Rose, Henry, and Callum (same meaning as Jonah)
    Rose, Henry, and Cole
    Rose, Henry, and Lucas
    Rose, Henry, and Nate
    Rose, Henry, and Trevor
    Rose, Henry, and Gavin
    Rose, Henry, and Emmett
    Rose, Henry, and Blake

    I especially like Nolan, Elliott, and Callum

    Reply
  32. Brenna says

    November 13, 2018 at 10:14 AM

    My favorites of Abby’s suggestions are Hugh and Dean — both sound lovely with Henry and Rose. The first name that came to mind for me was Simon, although that breaks your non-biblical rule.

    If Simon is a non-starter, I also like Duncan or Arthur for your sibset. Congratulations and good luck!

    Reply
  33. Myfanwy says

    November 13, 2018 at 9:41 AM

    Henry and Rose are very classy names that are familiar but with a ‘posh’ sound, so I tried to think along those lines without shading into pretentious ;-).
    * I noticed the shared r, so how about Richard, Robert or Roger? Too boring?
    * Or play up the British upper class sound with Piers or Jasper or Miles.
    * If Oscar is too popular, more unusual could be Dale or Niall (I pronounce it ‘nile’ which makes it sound classier than Neil to me!).
    * I also wondered if it’s length on paper that matters or number of syllables? I like Lawrence with Henry and Rose, but it does have a lot of letters…
    * Martin is another underused classic, but you might not like the alliteration with your surname.
    * Speaking of the Mc- surname, you could nod to the Celtic with Stuart or Alan.
    Hope this gives you some new thoughts!

    Reply
  34. Cynthia says

    November 13, 2018 at 9:16 AM

    Love Hugo and Leo! If not Jonah, how about Jonas? We have a Jonas in my family. Very special little boy with a wonderful name!

    Reply
  35. Saraya says

    November 13, 2018 at 7:57 AM

    Hugo and Theo are great suggestions!

    Rose, Henry & Felix
    Rose, Henry & Oscar
    Rose, Henry & Arlo
    Rose, Henry & Luca
    Rose, Henry & Bennett
    Rose, Henry & Arthur
    Rose, Henry & Ciaran / Kieran
    Rose, Henry & Walter
    Rose, Henry & Fergus
    Rose, Henry & Otto
    Rose, Henry & August (Gus?)

    Limited it to two syllables but some may be too long for you still.

    Reply
    • Marie says

      November 13, 2018 at 2:23 PM

      I like Neil, Vaughn, Leo, Miles, Spencer, Harris, Penn, Carl

      Reply

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