• Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Request a Name

Appellation Mountain

Where every name has a story

  • Baby Name Advice & More
  • Master List: Girl Names
  • Master List: Boy Names
  • Private Baby Name Consulting

Name Help: Formal Name, Vaguely Euro Nickname for a Boy

October 23, 2017 By appellationmountain 26 Comments

Name Help: A Brother for Anouk and GusName 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!

Catherine writes:

We are expecting a new arrival in a few months and could use some #namehelp.

This will be our third child, and we don’t plan to learn the gender before birth. Our daughter is Anne Louisa nicknamed Anouk. Our son is James Augustus nicknamed Gus.

We have a girl name picked out: Elizabeth/Eliza Dare, combining a family name and place name that is special to us, but could use help thinking of boy names. Boy names are hard for us. We literally chose our son’s name off of the family tree at the last second.

For the next we would like something that would fit with the first names we’ve got going on (Georgian British royalty themed?) and also with the nickname (unexpected, vaguely Euro?) my husband likes literally no names except John and I like more creative and unusual choices.

The name that I like a lot is Alexander. My husband does not like the Alex based nicknames as we have a female family member who is called Alex. I was thinking maybe Alexander called Sasha? The other name I like is Beau but I have no idea what to use as a first name besides Beauregard which doesn’t really wet our whistles.

Bonus points: we have a beloved family member who passed away we’d like to honor named Gary, so any way to work that in would be appreciated!

It’s funny the things you stress over! There’s so many other things to worry about in pregnancy. Nonetheless this is on our minds and we would appreciate input. Love your blog!

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

Dear Catherine –

I love the classic name/unconventional nickname route. It gives your children the best of both worlds – a traditional, buttoned-down formal name, but also one that stands out and feels uniquely their own.

Possibilities abound, but I think you’ll need to decide a few things. Ideally, you’ll like both the formal name and nickname equally well. If that’s not the case, which one would you prioritize? And far will you stretch before you feel like the nickname and formal name are disconnected?

I love your short-first, longer-middle pattern. It’s another way to make traditional names feel surprising. (Anne Louisa is gorgeous and unexpected, but somehow Louisa Anne feels lovely, but a little more ordinary.) It seems like John could function as James does with your second child’s name – a rock-solid anchor for a more daring middle and every-day use nickname.

Let’s jump into the names:

Abraham, called Bram – Bram has been in the Netherlands for years, and I think American parents are overlooking a real gem. John Abraham, nickname Bram, seems like a great brother name for Gus. (And yes, it’s Georgian! British Baby Names includes the name on this list.)

Alexander, called Sasha or Dex – I love Alexander nicknamed Sasha, but I wonder if you’d consider Dex? It feels like such a nature match for Gus. In fact, I love the sound of John Alexander, nickname Dex, as brother for James Augustus, called Gus. I’ve written about unexpected Alexander nicknames before. Another one that stands out to me is Xan. I find myself hesitating over Sasha. To me, Sasha sounds very much like Anouk’s sister and much less like a brother for Gus. As a stand-alone name, Sasha was given to 581 girls and 25 boys in the US last year. I do think a boy can be named – or nicknamed – Sasha, but I feel like it’s a style mismatch with Gus. (Readers, if you disagree, I’d love to be wrong on this one!)

Edgar – You mentioned Gary. It comes from gar – spear, and the element in found in dozens and dozens of names, sometimes transformed beyond recognition. I love the idea of John Edgar because it could lead to the nickname Jed. (John EDgar – get it?) But Jed feels miles away from British-Georgian, so maybe that’s a non-starter. If you do like Jed, John Edward works as well, but drops the link to Gary.

George – What do you think of name like George Gary? Jory serves as the Cornish form of George, and would make a great nickname. I understand Geordie carries some baggage in the UK – it refers to someone from a particular region, and reality TV series Geordie Shore is the British equivalent of Jersey Shore. But in the US, Geordie would be an unexpected, but easily understood, nickname for George.

Jonathan – Does your husband like the idea of Jonathan? You might choose something like Jonathan Gary or even Jonathan Geir. (Geir comes from the Scandinavian form of the name.) The obvious nickname for Jonathan is Jon or even Jack, but you could also use Nat, Nate, Jono, or go even more creative. Though I love Anouk, Gus, and Nate – if you don’t mind that a generation of boys called Nathan and Nathaniel have made Nate more familiar.

Maximilian – James Augustus and John Maximilian are nicely matched, as are Gus and Max. Or, if you wanted something even more surprising, John Maximilian might answer to Jax.

Oscar – Plenty of possible sources led to the name Oscar, but one of them includes that element gar – spear – again. I think John Oscar, called Joss, seems like almost the right vibe. Anouk, Gus, and Joss sound like siblings to me.

Raphael, called Rafe – When I think of European boys’ names, Raphael always comes to mind. It’s not British-Georgian, but it does pair well with Anouk and Gus. John Raphael makes a dashing combination.

Robert, called Bo or Beau – Years ago, I worked with a Robert-called-Bo. He was Robert III, so the need for an unexpected nickname seemed obvious. But this one works for anyone. Though is John Robert too much traditional name? There’s also John Abbot, nickname Bo, or Robert Gary, Robert Geir, or Robert Gervais or Robert Jarvis – again, Gervais and Jarvis come from the same roots as Gary.

I could go on – and on! Frederick fits the same era as the other names you like, but always feels tougher to nickname. (Though Freddie is darling.) William and Henry also come from the right era, but feel like more general traditional boy names. Others, like Ernest and Alfred might be worth consideration; there’s also Louis, but it would duplicate your daughter’s middle.

John Leonard, nicknamed Leo, also seems like a great option – except I wonder if Leo feels too popular for you?

Now, a word on Gary: it’s very possible to reinvent Gary in dozens of ways, from modern picks like Garrett to old-school ones like Edgar. But I like the sound of Gary as a middle. It feels more like a surname in the middle spot: Michael Riley Smith, Michael Brady Smith, Michael Gary Smith. So I would consider using it, unchanged, as a middle. Though I think the coolest re-imagining of the name is the Scandinavian Geir.

If you don’t mind a combination that feels very traditional, John Robert/Robert Gary called Bo or Beau is my first choice. It gives you a favorite nickname and your husband a favorite first or the chance to use an honor name.

John Alexander, with a creative nickname, or Alexander Geir also appeals to my ear.

Though my personal favorite is probably John Abraham. I think Bram makes a great sibling name for Anouk and Gus.

Okay, readers, this challenge needs your collective wisdom! What would you name a brother for Anne Louisa “Anouk” and James Augustus “Gus”?

More names you might like:

  • Name Help: Crazy Long List for a SonName Help: Crazy Long List for a Son
  • Name Help: A Brother for AdamName Help: A Brother for Adam
  • Name Help: A Brother for Moss RobertName Help: A Brother for Moss Robert
  • Name Help: A Brother for AliceName Help: A Brother for Alice
  • Name Help: Vince, Isla, Crew, and Who?Name Help: Vince, Isla, Crew, and Who?

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Print

Comments

  1. Brigid says

    November 12, 2017 at 9:03 AM

    My favorite Frederick nickname is Del. Del is an old, old name derived from the medieval Theodoric, but it sounds so handsome and fresh. If I’m remembering correctly, Theodoric became Theodore, Derek, and Frederick.

    Frederick Gareth, nn Del

    Reply
    • appellationmountain says

      November 13, 2017 at 5:56 PM

      Is it really!? I had no idea … I love Del, and I love Frederick … so that appeals to me!

      Reply
  2. Paul Buono says

    November 1, 2017 at 3:07 AM

    Garrick, a very strong Old English name, would also honor Gary and could be used with “Garry,” or even “Rick,” when informality is wanted.

    Reply
  3. Marie says

    October 26, 2017 at 2:36 AM

    I like John. Fits great with you current first names.

    I like the name Gareth. It has some cool historical context.

    John Gareth. nn include Jay, Jet, Rhet

    I would say my favorite name in the blog is John Frederick. Fritz. Anouk, Gus and Fritz. Very cool. I like the 3 syllable tie and I like that it doesn’t seem to be 3rd child name like you tried to hard to get a name or you ran out of ideas.

    Reply
  4. FE says

    October 24, 2017 at 5:52 PM

    Not sure if it’s really your style, perhaps softer (?) than your other nickname choices, but I’ll put it out there that Sandy is another Alexander short form.

    Anouk, Gus & Sandy.

    Reply
  5. Jorja says

    October 24, 2017 at 3:00 AM

    What about using the name Gray as a middle name or nickname? It’s the same letters as Gary, just swapped around a bit.

    Reply
  6. The Mrs. says

    October 23, 2017 at 10:30 PM

    John Garrison nn Riso or Ari (Anouk, Gus, & Ari)

    I think this one gives you everything: John as a first, Gary as an honor name, international/Euro nickname.

    But if it doesn’t suit:

    J ohn GA rrison nn of Jag (Anouk, Gus, & Jag)

    John Arthur nn Art (Anouk, Gus, & Art)

    John Devereaux nn Dev (Anouk, Gus, & Dev)

    John Hadrian nn Hans (Anouk, Gus, & Hans)

    John Horatio nn Ray (Anouk, Gus, & Ray)

    John Wellington nn Wells (Anouk, Gus, & Wells)

    Best wishes!

    Reply
  7. JMV says

    October 23, 2017 at 9:12 PM

    John Abbot! Swoon!

    Reply
  8. Mable Marilla says

    October 23, 2017 at 8:36 PM

    Love John Frederick, nn Fritz or maybe even Rick

    Isaac Gary nn Ike

    John Alexander nn Ander

    Martin Garrett nn Artie

    Reply
  9. Jaime says

    October 23, 2017 at 5:24 PM

    I would ditch John as it repeats a formal first initial that you already used for big brother. I would also avoid using another A name. And I would prioritize honoring Gary.

    My faves for you:

    Garrett Beauregard/Beaumont, called Beau
    Edgar Beauregard/Beaumont, called Beau
    Frederick Garrett/Gary, called Fritz
    Garrett Frederick, called Fritz

    I really like Anouk, Gus and Beau or
    Anouk, Gus and Fritz

    Reply
    • Sharims says

      October 23, 2017 at 7:16 PM

      Fritz was my thought also!

      Going a little bit out there, Gary is a derivative of the German “Ger” which leads to multiple different names that contain Ger/Gar. My favorite would be Oscar Frederick, nn Fritz. Oscar’s meaning is technically unknown, but one of the links is to Gar/Ger.

      Reply
  10. Nicky says

    October 23, 2017 at 5:06 PM

    My favorite from this list is definitely Abraham nn Bram. It fits so well with the other names and is such a refreshing choice. Another way to get to Beau would be Beauford. But honestly, at the end of the day, any boy could be nicknamed Beau, considering its also a term of endearment. I also have to say that I like Jonathon much more than John by itself, I also like Jonas…Jonas Abraham

    Reply
  11. Vanessa says

    October 23, 2017 at 5:03 PM

    My favourite way to honour Gary is using the middle name Gray. I also wanted to throw out the nickname Jonty for John/Jonathan. My friends, who are South African, have a Jonathan called Jonty and I love it. Jonathan Gray, called Jonty?

    Reply
  12. Allure says

    October 23, 2017 at 3:15 PM

    John? How dull, sorry.

    Reply
  13. R says

    October 23, 2017 at 2:00 PM

    I really love all of Abby’s suggestions. John Maximilian is one of my faves!.. some ideas that jumped out when I read this post-
    For Gary- Garrison, Garrett, and I think Gerard works too!.. Henry Garrison, John Garrett,
    Gerard Alexander.
    For Beau- Beaumont (comes with possible nicknames Beau or Monty, both sound like brothers to Gus). John Beaumont, George Beaumont… If you liked Monty- maybe John Montgomery…
    Julian or Julius- nn Jules, also came to mind.
    For Alexander- would you consider Zander as a possible nick name?..
    Good luck and congrats on your new addition!..

    Reply
  14. Vanessa says

    October 23, 2017 at 1:54 PM

    To honour a Gary, I recommend Gerard (french name). It is quite handsome and would make a great middle name with any of the suggestions, even with John, I think!

    Reply
  15. WhalesAndAnchors says

    October 23, 2017 at 1:40 PM

    From Abby’s suggestions, John Oscar, nn Joss is my favorite. Joss is so underused. And it has that “gar” sound for Gary.
    Joss sounds elegant to me because of Joss A. Bank, the nice shirts brand.

    Reply
  16. C in DC says

    October 23, 2017 at 1:27 PM

    Another thought: Beauregard hits all your points: Beau, Georgian-esque, Gary-honor. (Beau Brummell’s given name was George, BTW.) If Beauregard still doesn’t work for you, you could go with Bogart (as in Humphrey) or the Dutch spelling Bogaert.

    Reply
  17. Christina Fonseca says

    October 23, 2017 at 1:12 PM

    Anouk, Gus and Beau / Anouk, Gus and Max are my favorite combos from Abby’s suggestions. Robert Gary nn Beau and John Maximilian (swoon) nn Max get my vote.

    Reply
  18. C in DC says

    October 23, 2017 at 12:27 PM

    Abby also wrote this: https://appellationmountain.net/isabeau-bowen-boheme-getting-bo-beau/

    Reply
  19. C in DC says

    October 23, 2017 at 12:19 PM

    Gregory could also be an honor name for Gary. (If it’s going to be a middle name, you could spell it Gregary.) John Gregory nn Gig (my dad was Gary nn Gig) or Gregory Alexander (Greer). Yuri/Uri/Gyuri/György. are all forms of George that lean towards Gary too. If you did John Alexander, Jax would be a great nn. If John isn’t doing it for you, how about Paul? Paul works in the place of all the suggested places for John. Paul Abraham, Paul Gregory, Paul Alexander (Pax), etc. George Alexander nn Yuri strikes me as hitting your sweet spot. I like Geordie as a nn for George, but I think LaForge first.

    Reply
  20. Jean C. says

    October 23, 2017 at 11:42 AM

    Abby, I love these suggestions! And I love this writer’s names. So great! I personally would go with Edgar Abraham, nicknamed Bram. It’s just so perfect and flows so well. I’m in love with it.

    Reply
    • C in DC says

      October 23, 2017 at 1:30 PM

      or nn Graham instead of Bram.

      Reply
    • Vanessa says

      October 23, 2017 at 1:55 PM

      Great suggestion!

      Reply
  21. Sargjo says

    October 23, 2017 at 11:25 AM

    Frederick nn Fritz came to mind IMMEDIATELY. Keep Dare! Love love love love love.

    Reply
    • Cory Ann says

      October 23, 2017 at 3:49 PM

      I think John Frederick with the nickname Fritz would be perfect!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter


POPULAR POSTS

Tweets by @appmtn
Visit Appellation Mountain's profile on Pinterest.

Copyright © 2023 · AppellationMountain.net on Genesis Framework · Privacy Policy · Log in