Name Help is a series at Appellation Mountain. Every week, one reader’s name questions will be discussed.
We rely on thoughtful community comments to help expectant parents narrow their name choices. Thank you in advance for sharing your insight!
Susanne writes:
I’m hoping for fresh name ideas for our third child.
Our first two boys, John Alexander (“Jax”) and Michael Peregrin, ended up with traditional first names because that was the only common ground my husband and I shared. Whenever I suggest an old-fashioned name that could stage a comeback, my husband often associates it with people from his past — peers he doesn’t want to remember.
Apparently naming trends are offset where he grew up in Southeast Asia: names popular a century ago here were used more recently there.
We’d like a three-syllable name (because this is baby number three) that we can both agree on. We also want to avoid names ending in “O” so they don’t rhyme with our family name.
For boys, I’ve considered Samuel and Benjamin, but I’d love less common options. I like Malachi, Josiah, and Orion, though my husband dislikes those. He only suggests Benedict, which isn’t my favorite.
For girls, we had agreed on Eliana, but now I know a few girls with similar names. We both like Abigail, but it’s very common locally. My list also includes Leora (he dislikes it), Vivienne, Eleanor (an honor name), and Adelaide, though none feel quite right yet.
What do you think?
Read on for my response, and please leave thoughtful suggestions in the comments.
Dear Susanne —
Congratulations on baby number three!
You’ve chosen names for your sons that are mainly classic with a twist — Jax as a modern nickname for John Alexander and Michael’s unexpected middle name, Peregrin. I’m confident we can find a name for your newest that strikes a similar balance between tradition and freshness.
A three-syllable name would be lovely and symbolic, but first it helps to reconcile the two different naming tastes you and your husband have. When partners draw from different cultural references, common ground can be harder to find, but it’s not impossible.
Below are boy and girl name suggestions that aim to sit between traditional and distinctive, and to work well with John “Jax” Alexander and Michael Peregrin.
Boys
Bennett – If he likes Benedict and you like Benjamin, another Ben-name might bridge the gap. Bennett feels modern yet classic, pairs well with Jax and Michael, and ranks around #123, so it’s familiar without being common.
Dominic – A pan-European name with saintly roots that doesn’t feel overtly religious. It offers nicknames like Dom, Nico, or Nick, meets the three-syllable goal, and sits comfortably between traditional and fresh.
Ezra – Traditional with an edgy sound. Ezra is mainstream enough to be familiar but uncommon among adults, giving it a distinctive, contemporary feel.
Forrest – A nature-surname option that fits current trends for names like River or Mason. It’s recognizable without being overused.
Giles – Shares style with Miles but avoids repeating the M initial used in Michael. It’s vintage and underused today, offering character and distinction.
Malcolm – Has an old-world vibe that pairs nicely with Benedict and other classics. Recognizable yet uncommon, it’s a strong traditional choice.
Raphael – An elegant, underused classic with the appealing short form Rafe. The spelling with “ph” feels a touch more refined and fits your existing sibling names.
Roman – Evokes strength and a timeless quality. It’s distinctive, stylish, and widely appealing.
Simon – Traditional without being overly common, Simon complements Samuel or Orion in tone and pairs well with Benedict.
Of these, Dominic, Raphael, and Malcolm are particularly strong choices. Dominic and Raphael meet your three-syllable preference; Raphael slightly nudges ahead as my top pick, though Giles or Simon could also work beautifully with Jax and Michael.
Girls
Your girl-name list leans toward elegant, three-syllable options. Eliana is ornate, while Eleanor, Adelaide, and Abigail are more tailored. Vivienne and Leora sit between those styles. Any could be a sister for Jax and Michael, so here are additional suggestions that keep to that classic-but-not-bland tone.
Caroline – A classic that feels familiar yet not overused. It’s a graceful companion name for Michael and John.
Elena – A sleeker alternative to Eliana with the same luminous quality. It’s related to Helen and shares some resonance with Eleanor.
Eliza – A spirited, slightly spunky option derived from Elizabeth. It’s traditional but energetic and pairs well with Jax and Michael.
Juliet – Romantic and tailored, Juliet (or the slightly more frilly Juliette) sits well alongside Eleanor, Adelaide, or Abigail.
Louisa / Lucia – Both offer a Lou- sound family. Louisa is understated and underused; Lucia can be pronounced in different ways depending on preference, giving you flexibility.
Rosalie – A vintage floral name with charm and personality, striking a good balance between familiar and distinctive.
Sabrina – Familiar and literary with pop culture echoes, Sabrina is a slightly off-center choice that feels modern-sounding while remaining recognizable.
Overall, I particularly like Sabrina as a slightly unexpected pick that complements names like Benedict and Orion. If you prefer a more traditional route, Eliza is a lovely, middle-ground sister name for Jax and Michael.
Now over to readers: what would you name a sister or brother for John “Jax” Alexander and Michael Peregrin?