Name Sage: Baby Names for Another Boy

Becky writes:

My husband and I are expecting our third baby. We have a son, Jackson Owen, and a daughter, Scarlett Olivia, and we will be welcoming our last child, another boy, this spring. My husband loves Barrett, but I just can’t get on board with it. It sounds strange to me, and my kids point out that it rhymes with carrot, ferret, parrot... I suggested Logan and Wyatt and finally got my husband to agree to one of them, but then I changed my mind again. Will it be too popular? Does it sound odd in adulthood? Does it go with the only middle name we could agree on? (That’s Odin – my husband wants to continue the “O” pattern in the middle names.) I think I’m the problem. I just can’t find a name and stick with it! Help, please.

The Name Sage responds:

I love this line: I think I’m the problem! Because I believe anyone who truly loves names sometimes feels that way. Finding the perfect name can be a real challenge, especially when you already have two children with strong and meaningful names. Your older children have solid, modern-traditional names that are both timeless and current. It would have been unusual to meet kids named Jackson or Scarlett in 1984, but today they are common choices for a generation.

Barrett is a bit of an outsider. While it fits well with Jackson and Scarlett, it’s much less common than those two. In 2014, Barrett ranked at number 346. If you’re worried about popularity, Barrett is a great choice. It has a strong sound and a certain robustness that evokes old American traditions. But if you’d prefer a more familiar name, I can understand why it doesn’t feel like the right fit.

Logan is the logical choice for Jackson and Scarlett’s brother. The name has gained remarkable popularity in recent years and has been among the Top 20. Like Jackson, it started as a surname and has a cheerful, friendly sound. Logan also has some cultural resonance, as it appears in many media and stories. Except... Logan Odin? I think that’s a dealbreaker. There are many great O-names that could work:

• Logan Orion – Orion has a mythological connection and a strong, celestial sound.
• Logan Oliver – Oliver is a classic name that remains timeless and pairs well with Logan.
• Logan Orlando – Orlando brings a touch of exoticism and a hint of adventure.
• Logan Osborn – Osborn has a strong, traditional sound.

If Odin is off the table, that brings us to Wyatt. Wyatt seems like a great compromise. It shares the -tt ending with Barrett while having its own unique character. Wyatt currently ranks at number 39 in the U.S., which is less popular than Jackson or Scarlett, but still a common choice. There’s something slightly Old-Western about Jackson and Wyatt as brother names, but that’s also part of why they pair so well. Wyatt has a strong, masculine vibe and could also connect to American history, as it’s often associated with cowboys and the Wild West.

While I think Wyatt Odin is the obvious choice, let’s consider a few other names that could also fit well:

• Beckett – A bit more popular than Barrett, but not as common as your favorites. Beckett has a modern sound and could be a nod to your name while also having a literary connection, as it reminds one of the famous playwright Samuel Beckett.
• Declan – Declan is an up-and-coming Irish import that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It has a charming, nostalgic sound and could work well with Jackson and Scarlett.
• Holden – Holden shares the long 'o' sound with Logan but is slightly less popular. The name has a literary connection to J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” and conveys a sense of depth and intelligence.
• Levi – While Levi is an Old Testament name, it evokes denim – making it a robust Americana choice, similar to Jackson and Wyatt. Levi also has a certain modernity that makes it appealing.
• Julian – Like Wyatt, Julian is in the U.S. Top 100, but not so popular that it’s everywhere. Julian has an elegant sound and a cultural depth that makes it a great choice.
• Landon – There are a handful of two-syllable names that start with 'L' and end with 'n', just like Logan. Landon is the obvious alternative, and I think Landon Odin works in a way that Logan Odin doesn’t. Landon has a modern sound and could fit well with the siblings.

My favorite from your selection is Wyatt, but if your husband is open to another O middle name, I think Logan Orion is also very appealing. Both names have a strong, positive vibe and would fit well in your family. Let’s do a poll to see which name scores the best, and please add any other suggestions for Becky and her family in the comments!

About the Author

Abby Sandel is the creator of the baby name blog Appellation Mountain and mother of Alex and Clio. She has a passion for names and their meanings and helps parents find the perfect name for their children.

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