Here we go again!  It’s exactly four weeks until ultrasound time.  And, surprise surprise, we are having trouble deciding on a boys’ name.  I had one picked out but was told recently that it was still be considered (amongst all the other options…which are none).  So we need ideas…

Here’s the rules from Ceili Rain…with a little revision/additions:

1. No normal everyday run of the mill names. If it’s in the top 100 in the past few years then it’s out (okay, Zoe’s name was an exception but we had already chosen it before we found the name lists and it was waaaay at the bottom when we looked). So take out John, Robert, definitely William (since my cousins, all on the same side, think they should all have children named William…I digress).
2. Points for choosing a name from history (that’s unusual) and/or a literary name (but has no history of immoral behavior).
3. It has to mean something good. We don’t want a “hill” for a child nor do we want a “cart driver” or a “brook.” Also all the Mac/Mc names are out since they mean “son of.” Unless you want to name him McMark (hmmm). Here’s another example: Blaine, which I happen to like, means “tall and slender.” What if we have a short and fat kid? What a complex! Double check the meanings, I just didn’t associate that Liam’s name was the equivalent of “strong willed defender.” See what I got myself into! Another example: Zoe’s name means “life.” Ace’s name means “unity.” Josiah’s name means “fire from God.” Pretty cool names to live up to!
4. It doesn’t have to be a Biblical name but…cool uncommon ones are welcome (meaning, no Hosea’s or Hananiah…although I like both, they just don’t flow for me).
5. It has to go with his middle name that we’ve definitely settled on. It’s Ian and it means “God’s gracious gift.” Now, I know that Ian is a really cool first name, however, a friend from church (and I think a blog reader) has a child named Josiah and one named Ian and I don’t want her to think we’re copying her. Plus, I want an uncommon cool first name.
6. Mark mentioned he would like a namesake.  I pointed out that usually the Juniors are reserved for the first born son and didn’t know if I felt comfortable naming a fourth son after his father when the other three were not.  However, if you can come up with a great way to incorporate Mark or Brian and make it unique, I’m all for it and will probably get a nod from Mark.

And this is for a boy’s name.  Given our history, picking out a girl’s name is not hard but a boy…phew…very tough to get unique with that.   So, best wishes and maybe you’ll see your name chosen on here in four weeks!  If you’ve got a cool name, post a comment on here.