View Message

Colin or Damian?

We are having our second son this fall and are trying to decide on a name. His surname is a single syllable (and very English), so we are looking at appropriate names with 2-3 syllables. His brother's name is a double syllable, typically Scottish name. We live in the United States. We currently have narrowed the contenders down to two names: Colin and Damian. Any thoughts on either? Alternatively, any other names that seem to fit the mold? As with many parents, we are looking for names that are neither overly common nor overly outlandish...Thanks in advance for any thoughts or advice you might have!
Archived Thread - replies disabled
vote up1

Replies

Colin. It definitely sounds more handsome and has a nice English vibe.
vote up1
My vote is for Colin:)
vote up1
ColinI prefer Colin because it's much more of a Scottish name than Damian.Other suggestions:Aidan
Callum
Ewan
Fergus
Gregor
Lachlan
Maxwell
Melvin

This message was edited 8/14/2015, 7:01 AM

vote up1
Colin!I find Colin charming, classic and underused. I'd love to meet a little Colin. Damian, on the other hand, I don't really get the appeal of, I just think of a nerdy, weedy little boy. But that's just me =)
vote up1
I far prefer Colin over Damien. I suggest Quentin.
vote up1
Colin! I love Colin. I'd use it if I had another boy, but my husband's name is Nicholas and our son's middle name is already that after him. So I think I'd feel weird also having a Colin. Therefore, I must encourage other people to use it. It's such a handsome name.Damian is too dark to me, not a fan. I don't mind it as much when it's spelled Damien, but still. It's just too closely linked to demon for me.
vote up1
Congrats on your newest addition!I think Colin is calmer and overall nicer-sounding than Damian. Damian isn't a bad name, but I find it kind of harsh in comparison. I would go with Colin between the two (and I actually prefer the spelling Collin).Some others you may consider:
Nolan
Dorian
Aaron
Brendan
Conor
Grady
Ronan
Adrian
vote up1
I like both names.
I think Colin sounds more wholesome and reliable and Damian sounds more dynamic and fascinating. Colin is more familiar, I think, and having 2 syllables makes it a shade more approachable. And so it's not as striking.
Colin's sounding like "callin'" (and to some folks, "colon") is what made me take it off my own list. I don't think it's important for other Colins but it would have bothered me if I had chosen the name myself.
Something to think about is, neither name can be shortened easily, and saying three syllables versus two does have some effect... think about how you feel addressing people with 3-syllable names, versus 2-syllable ones. My kids' names are 2 and 3 syllables respectively, and it is noticeable that the 3 syllable name feels longer to say - a little more formal. I don't regret that at all - it's both positive and negative, but it is a thing I've noticed.
More names you might consider: Julian, Adrian, Rowan, Roman, Lucian

This message was edited 8/12/2015, 11:55 AM

vote up1
Colin sounds much nicer!
vote up1
I'm a huge Colin fan, and I really wish my hubby was. I just love the sound, and I could picture several different types of men being a Colin. I see the appeal of Damian, but it isn't my favorite. A bit broody and dark sounding to me.Other ideas:Owen
Ronan
Eamon
Connor
Cormac
Magnus
Isaac
Gregor
Elias
Brady
Dominic
vote up1