Which do you like better? Arthur or Calvin

[Oztok5]

My husband and I are expecting our first little one in April, and I'm pretty sure we have narrowed our little guy's name down to either Calvin or Arthur.

I LOVE the nn Cal, but I'm understandably not that fond of the meaning of Calvin (bald, hairless). However, it is a nice, sturdy name, and I think it just has a friendly vibe to it.

Arthur is probably my DH's favorite, and I really like it, but I'm not really a huge fan of Art or Artie. If we could stick to calling him Arthur that would be be great, but I just know that we're going to end up shortening it. Artie may grow on me though...

I'm worried about both of these names moving up the "hipster" list in the future. Neither of them have been moving around much on the SSA popularity list, but I've been seeing Arthur pop up on some baby name idea lists lately.


The middle name will be one of the following family names:

Joseph
Richard
Gilbert - I'm secretly hoping that DH gives in and lets me name a future son this name ;-)
Howard

So, what say the naming gurus of Mothering?

[MaerynPearl]

Id rather have a little boy that plays with a stuffed tiger and has an overactive imagination than a...

what is arthur exactly? an aardvark?

[Biscuits & Gravy]

I like them both! Calvin was a name I really wanted to use after DH's grandfather, but DH couldn't do it. So I voted for Calvin. I like the name Arthur a lot, too. You don't hear it very often, which makes me a fan. My very favorite uncle's name is Arthur and he is one of the best men I've ever known. In my opinion you can't go wrong with either.

[MaerynPearl]

Also like to add...

im somewhat partial to Calvin because I wanted to use the name Kelvin (an uncle I had who died when I was just a couple months old) but the family said no... since my little brother (Kelly, Uncle Kelvins nickname) was named after him so he should be able to name his son Kelvin

[Oztok5]

Originally Posted by MaerynPearl

Id rather have a little boy that plays with a stuffed tiger and has an overactive imagination than a...

what is arthur exactly? an aardvark?

I try not to let a single PBS cartoon alter my opinion of the name, but yes, he's an aadrvark.

[StrawberryFields]

I chose Calvin, I think it is super cute for a little boy and works well for a teen or adult too--especially as Cal. Arthur I am not fond of. If you don't like Artie and go with Arthur Joseph you could use AJ as a nickname.

[cicely_m]

I think Arthur has a better chance of staying down on names list. It's also my BIL's name, and he's pretty cool. That said, I like Calvin better.

[Drummer's Wife]

I voted Calvin, but if you just like the nn Cal, what about Callum?

[thefreckledmama]

I LOVE the name Arthur, but I'm not a fan of Art or Artie either. I would still probably choose it over Calvin, especially with the nn Cal being what I liked about it. Not that Cal is a bad nn, just that you aren't especially fond of Calvin.

[LittleBirdy]

I vote Calvin! There's always the worry that it would get popular but it looks from the SSA site that it's actually falling a little in popularity.

I work with a Calvin... he is super nice. And far from bald and hairless - he has a beard

[PaisleyStar]

I like Calvin, but the meaning would give me pause to think. I like the nn Vin with Calvin, tho. I second the suggestion that if you just like the nn Cal, find something else Cal-like (what about Cal/Kael/Cael/Kale) that has a more meaningful meaning.

[philomom]

I love Arthur for King Arthur. However, Calvin is a great name as well.

[osker]

I like Howard Calvin, then you could call him Cal or Calvin if you wanted to and he could pick Howard if Calvin gave him trouble or became super popular or something.

[limette]

I used to have Calvin on my list but it was ruined for me by a previous boss.

But I still recommend it.

[reneeisorym]

I think of John Calvin (religious reformer) when I think of Calvin and King Arthur when I think of Arthur. I personally don't mind either of those associations.

My husband is Kevin and he gets called Calvin by accident a lot. I bet it would happen the opposite way also.

Arthur is my pick.

[magrat]

I voted Arthur but I like Howard best Howie is such a cute nickname.

[RedOakMomma]

My son's best friend is named Calvin (he's four, almost five), and honestly...I've never thought to look up the meaning of the name. Heck, I love name meanings, and half the time I forget what mine means (something about God...)

I say forget the meaning if you really love the sound of it. Your son will create his own meaning.

[Kirsten]

I voted Calvin. You rarely hear it but it doesn't scream "old man name" either. Arthur is a great cartoon but not my style for a name for a son.

I agree that Cal is a better nickname than Art.

I wouldn't use Gilbert as a middle name if you think dp might give in and let you use it for another son.

Calvin Joseph (with Cal or CJ for nickname options) is my vote!

[nicolebeth]

What about Caleb if you like Cal but aren't sure about Calvin? Though, I have fond memories of reading Calvin and Hobbes.

[evjolin]

have a nephew named calvin, we call him cal and sometimes calvie, but i'm sure he will outgrow the latter. i like it better than arthur!