Help UK mums ( mainly) - what's your thoughts on the names Augustus and Xavier?

Nice names, I prefer Xavier as Augustus seems quite old fashioned and it isn't very common but I don't think in a good way. Not trying to insult the name in any way though! X

@Andrea thank you, someone else said it's quite old fashioned too. I like Xavier but neither my husband or I have any Spanish links so not sure if it's weird to use? We just like the sound of it. I'm really overthinking it and it's giving me anxiety. Have you got any other suggestions?? I have found boys names so difficult.

Bless you, I don't think it matters that you have no Spanish links, the name sounds nice and that's all that matters! I will name some of my favs similar: Zayne, Ezra, Eliyza, Levi, Elias, Tyler, Alexander, Miles, Hunter

I know you asked for UK moms, and I’m not from the UK, but I personally instantly think of Julius Caesar Augustus (Octavian). I see you worry that you don’t have any Spanish links, however you aren’t possibly naming my your child that because it’s Spanish, you’re possible naming your child that because of its meaning or perhaps you think it will really match your little guys personality, or if your spiritual history soul.

@Andrea thank you. I really like Elias but one of our friends called her son that in the last year so sort of ruled it out for us I think. Glad to hear people don't think it's weird having no Spanish links.

@Zoee thank you, it means new house from what I have read online which is sweet. We just like the sound of it. Not sure if that's a good enough reason to pick it 🤷‍♀️ I am doubting myself so much now.

I'm a Finn and I don't think you have to have Finnish links to use a Finnish name. So use the name if you like it. Liking the sound of a name is enough.

Xavier Augustus flows better ❤️

I’m so sorry but the first thing I thought of when I saw Augustus was Augustus Gloop from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 🙈 I like August though! I’m not really keen on Xavier, nothing wrong with it it’s a nice name, it’s just not my taste. But I don’t think not having any Spanish roots matters! Both my girls have Irish origin names but we don’t have any links to Ireland.

@Katrina Augustus gloop was what I was a bit worried about! But wasn't sure how popular those books are these days for the young generation to know about it. August does seem to be becoming more popular. Fair enough about Xavier, we can't like everything. Do you have any suggestions for me, I am so stuck and stressed.

Xavier is my favourite, my partner is Spanish however for my daughter her name is just English, for my son we've picked a completely Spanish name, so it's fair for one of each. I personally wouldn't worry about the origin of the name, it's wether you like it or not x

Love them both

I think they’re both gorgeous names, but both are so different! I’m a sucker for a nickname too and I know most people probably wouldn’t agree with me but Gus would be super cute! I’m all for uncommon names. My daughter is called Bronte, Greek Origin I believe😬 but we have no Greek relations or any sort of ties! I personally don’t think that should be a dealbreaker, if you love a name(s) then that should be your reason for making your choice☺️ Apologies, I feel like I waffled so much there😂😭

@Charlotte no you didn't waffle at all. It's really helpful to hear lots of different views before we get to a position where he is registered and can't then change it so easy!! I think Gus is cute too. @ Andrea Although Augustus is old (and ignoring the connection to Charlie and the chocolate factory) old names seem to be making a big comeback so it might not seem so old fashioned in a few years but of course there is no guarantee of that and I wouldn't factor that into my decision) but maybe it's just that bit too far and not so popular for a reason! 🤦‍♀️

My other worry about Xavier is does it sound too much like saviour? And could that be a reason for being teased??? I am over thinking everything!!!

My son‘s birth mom named him Xavier and we’re changing it. Just not a big fan for us particularly and he just doesn’t look or feel like an Xavier to us, but it’s not a terrible name and I know lots of other cultures with the name. Xavier not just Spanish so if you like it go with her I’m pregnant now and the names I picked are definitely out there lol they’re very different and not from my culture either so

I love Xavier. That’s in our top 2 if we ever had boys!

I suppose how popular the book/film is would depend on parents and whether they would read or watch with their kids! I’m obviously just thinking from my own perspective and when I worked in a school Roald Dahl books were still read a fair bit! I think Gus is such a cute nickname 🥺 Angus was our top boy now and he would’ve had the nickname Gus if we’d ever had a boy! This was my boys list but I’m not sure if any of them are the same vibe as Augustus and Xavier! Angus Logan Nathan Aaron Kai Killian Harvey Fraser Myles Elliot Eli Ethan Liam Caleb Reuben

I know others have said it, but Augustus immediately made me think of Augustus Gloop from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I personally wouldn't use it. You could maybe go with August or Audrey for something similar. I love Xavier, the only thing I would say is I know a Xavier who pronounces it ex-ave-ier and he often gets people pronouncing it z-ave-ier

@Katrina thank you, Im gutted about the Charlie and the chocolate factory link as that is putting me off now. I don't mind it being old fashioned and not popular but don't want him to potentially be teased for the link with the book. I love Caleb and Ruben but Ruben I think is very popular maybe a bit too popular for me and Caleb was the name of the family dog so that rules that out unfortunately 🤦‍♀️

@Amy we have been pronouncing as zay-ver but worry it sounds like saviour too much and I've been advised of professor X from the marvel films and not sure if that's going to lead to teasing in any way.

Love love love Augustus (Auggie) as a first name!

@Maddi me too but the Charlie and the chocolate factory link is worrying me unfortunately

I didn’t even think of that! I think Xavier is popular atm and really nice (I was a nanny for a little French American boy with that name a few years back!) But if you like Augustus more then go with that, I’m sure people won’t make the link! Xx

I have always been told to pronounce it ‘zavi-air’