Samuel/Sam and Joshua/Josh are both fine names, but very popular. If I were to pick between the two, I'd go with Samuel. It's obviously not quite as popular as Joshua, and it hasn't been in the past either (I grew up with a LOT of Joshuas, for example, and only one Sam -- a cousin named for his father).
Sean -- I like this a lot. It's familiar but not too popular, and still fits in with the current trends.
Cole -- Also a great choice.
Seamus (Shea) -- love this. Probably my favorite from your list. Seamus is an uncommon, traditional name that everyone's familiar with. It also has the oh-so-popular Irish roots, without the overwhelming usage of Aidan, for example, and offers the hip, more modern-feel nn Shea. Basically it fits the trends without being at all trendy. Perfect. ;)
Thanks so much for your feedback! One thing that I probably should have mentioned.....our last name is Ellis. Do you think Samuel and Cole sound awkward with the ln Ellis?
"Do you think Samuel and Cole sound awkward with the ln Ellis?"
Yeah, a little. Also Seamus, which sounds rhymey, since both have 's' endings.
I think Sean has by far the best flow with Ellis, and it's a nice, understated Irish-American classic (unlike Seamus, which seems a little over-the-top Irish; e.g., the only Seamuses I've ever known were either from Ireland, or both parents were).
Samuel and especially Joshua are very popular and Cole seems a little trendy. It's at about the same level of popularity as Sean, but without the history.
Samuel/Sam and Joshua/Josh are both fine names, but very popular. If I were to pick between the two, I'd go with Samuel. It's obviously not quite as popular as Joshua, and it hasn't been in the past either (I grew up with a LOT of Joshuas, for example, and only one Sam -- a cousin named for his father).
Sean -- I like this a lot. It's familiar but not too popular, and still fits in with the current trends.
Cole -- Also a great choice.
Seamus (Shea) -- love this. Probably my favorite from your list. Seamus is an uncommon, traditional name that everyone's familiar with. It also has the oh-so-popular Irish roots, without the overwhelming usage of Aidan, for example, and offers the hip, more modern-feel nn Shea. Basically it fits the trends without being at all trendy. Perfect. ;)
HTH
~Kelli
Powered by CGISpy.com
Love the name Cole!
Nancy
"Do you think Samuel and Cole sound awkward with the ln Ellis?"
Yeah, a little. Also Seamus, which sounds rhymey, since both have 's' endings.
I think Sean has by far the best flow with Ellis, and it's a nice, understated Irish-American classic (unlike Seamus, which seems a little over-the-top Irish; e.g., the only Seamuses I've ever known were either from Ireland, or both parents were).
Samuel and especially Joshua are very popular and Cole seems a little trendy. It's at about the same level of popularity as Sean, but without the history.