My boys list needs a lot of work. Boys names have never really come easily to me, but I’ve managed to collect about thirty-five that I’d be relatively happy to name my son. Combos, categories and explanations a work in progress, but I’m happy enough just to find some names that I love. So far, I've roughly categorised them into three groups but... that might change. Enjoy!

- my usable shortlist

Also known as my top ten, these are the names I love more than any others, peculiarly drawn to for no reason I can name. The order changes occasionally, but the contents generally remain.

• Reuben "Rue"

Reuben is a Hebrew name meaning "behold, a son". Reuben is my top name currently but I can't find all that much to write. Reuben is a

• Darcy

Darcy is an English from French name meaning "from Arcy". Of course, at this point of time, Darcy is inexplicably linked to a certain person.

• Jasper

Jasper is a Persian name meaning "bringer of treasure."

• Lewis "Lewie"

Lewis is an English variation of Louis meaning "renowned warrior".

• Edmund "Ned, Teddy"

Edmund is an English name meaning "fortunate protector".

• Evan

Evan is a Welsh variation of John meaning "the Lord is gracious".

• James "Jamie"

James is a Hebrew name meaning "supplanter".

• Theo

Theo is

• Cedric

Cedric is a Celtic name meaning "bounty".

• Alistair "Al"

Alistair is an English spelling of Alasdair, itself a Scottish version of Alexander, meaning "defending men".

- the best of the rest

Some of my most long-standing names, which I'd be happy to use if for some reason my whole shortlist was vetoed. Some of these are newer while others have been on my list or radar forever. They are strong, dependable and feel like coming home.

• Beck
• Beckett "Beck"
• Bennett "Ben"
• Charlie
• Felix
• Hollis
• Hugo
• Jack
• Lennox "Lenny, Knox"
• Leo
• Maxwell "Max"
• Oliver "Ollie"
• Robert "Rob, Robbie"
• Rory
• Willoughby "Will"

- under consideration

These are the names on the fringes, ones which I find myself drawn to but am not necessarily sure if they are the ones. This section fluctuates, but not often, as boys names rarely stand out to me, but those that do end up here.

• Beau
• Elijah "Eli"
• Knox
• Morgan
• Peter
• Reid
• Riley
• Thomas "Tom"
• Vincent "Vince"