7 replies to this topic

[~Nadezhda]

So you might or might not know that Isaac has been my number one favorite boy name for quite a long time.

I've been silently looking for the perfect middle name in a while, but no such luck.
Sure, I've made up a few good combos, even great ones at that, but none of them made me jump up and down screaming "that's the one!".

Isaac comes from the Hebrew name יִצְחָק (Yitzchaq) which meant "he laughs". Another meaning that's been attributed to it is simply, "Laughter".
The meaning may not be the most profound one I've ever seen, but I think "Laughter" is a really positive meaning to have. It casts a bright light on the name

So, I wanted to pick a middle name with a strong meaning, possibly spiritual. I admit I haven't been very fortunate.
My "go-to" combo that I had chosen is Isaac Daniel. Daniel means "God is my judge", which, personally, I like.
And, sure, it's a great solid name, but it's definitely predictable and maybe even --shall I admit it?-- a tiny bit bland.

SO. I've poured over my current name list, which obviously contains name I love, but none of them feel like they match "just right".

I want a name with some history, not a recent invention.
That's generally what I like in a name: that it's got depth and character.

I researched a name that is quite similar to Daniel, but totally different as well.
Damian.
From the Greek name (Damianos) which was derived from Greek (damao) "to tame". Saint Damian was martyred with his twin brother Cosmo in Syria early in the 4th century. They are the patron saints of physicians. Another saint by this name was Peter Damian, an 11th-century cardinal and theologian from Italy.


Saint Damian is quite known in Italy, and we have a church right in my town that is dedicated to him and his brother.
I am not really interested or devout in any saint in particular, but I like the idea that the name Damian belonged to people remembered in history.

Also, since the name Isaac has a strong (and positive) connotation with Isaac Newton, who was a scientist, I find it really neat that Saint Damian is the patron of physicians The names are connected in a very subtle, yet funny way.

What do you think?
Also, which spelling do you like the best: Damian or Damien (variation)?

I admit, I'm not one hundred percent sold on the meaning.
Do you happen to have any suggestion for a good middle name for Isaac? I'll greatly appreciate it.

Here is my name list for reference:

Isaac
Henry
Liam
Nicholas
Joseph
Julian
Ezra
Daniel
Ephram
Jude
Maximilian
Luke
Atticus
Seth
Levi
Asher
Silas
Miles
Justice
Chase
Simon
Gideon
Jonah


Thank you so much in advance <3
Nadia

[Mishada]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Isaac Damian, though I do prefer Isaac Damien (4 a's seems a bit much, so I prefer the e). Beautiful flow, but strong and masculine. Modern but classic. Meaningful enough. I like. I also like Isaac Gideon, Isaac Maximilian, and Isaac Atticus.

If I was using Isaac, I would try:
Isaac Matthias - Matthias seems to soften the name a bit, though it is A heavy, I don't mind so much since Matthias is longer than Damian.
Isaac Nathaniel - Smooth, though a tad boring.
Isaac Benjamin - Mostly because I just adore Benjamin.
Isaac Anthony - Again, because I like the name and the flow seems decent.
Isaac Sebastian - Ooh. Nice flow.
Isaac Theodore - Not a super fan of Theodore but it sounds great here.
Isaac Lysander - For a slightly spicier name, The way I pronounce Lysander really emphasizes the y, so it doesn't sound repetitive.
Isaac Raphael - Sounds really saintly to me.

[~Nadezhda]

Thanks for your help, Mishada! [Btw, on a completely random note: is that your real name? It's so cool! ]

I agree about the Damien spelling... I too think it look a little redundant and heavy, but I thought it was good to get some outside input.
Isaac Gideon is another one I'd thought of! I'll keep it in mind, maybe the combo will grow on me.
In fact, Gideon has risen in my list just recently, and since I'm not sure I'd ever use it as a first name... maybe the middle spot is best for it.

From your list, I had thought about Isaac Nathaniel, but as you said-- it's a bit boring.
Matthias is a name I really love, but I'm not sure about the flow. Isn't the double EYE sound a little too much?

Theodore does sound very good, but I don't know that I would actually use it.
As for Lysander... definitely different! How is it pronounced?

[Mishada]

Nope, Heather is my real name. I'm not super fond of it. Mishada is just a screen name that I've been using for years.

It would be (I-zak)(lye-SAN-der). (I-zak) is the pronunciation that baby name world give, but Idk... when I say it is sounds a bit closer to (I-zik). Lysander is a main character in Shakespeare's comedy "A Midsummer Night's Dream." I love literary names. It means "freeing a man," so if you take Isaac Lysander together, you might get something along the lines of "laughter freeing a man" or "he laughs, freeing a man." Hmm. Fits pretty well.

[~Nadezhda]

I love literary names, too, though sometimes they seem to be a bit over the top, I think.

Isaac Lysander makes for an unexpected combo, that's for sure, and the meaning is actually quite neat. I just don't know that I'll ever use Lysander.. it's not exactly my cup of tea. But still, I think the name is interesting and definitely full of character!

[Katie-Nana]

I think Isaac Damian is a great name.

More middle name ideas...

Isaac Abram
Isaac Aeneas -- Aeneas means "to Praise" so it would be "Laughter to Praise"
Isaac Bonito
Isaac Giovanni -- "God is gracious"
Isaac Lasaro -- "whom God helps"
Isaac Maadan (mah ah dahn) -- "Delight of God"
Isaac Massimo
Isaac Tobiah/Toviah -- "God is good"

[Remy Hadley]

I like Isaac Damian <3 Though I know a boy named Damian who gives me the cutest image in my mind on the name

I really like Isaac Lysander though! It sounds super handsome!

~Hadds

[Mishada]

I like Isaac Damian <3 Though I know a boy named Damian who gives me the cutest image in my mind on the name

I really like Isaac Lysander though! It sounds super handsome!

~Hadds

Thanks Hayden (may I call you Hayden? Do you prefer something else?). I like Katie's suggestion of Isaac Giovanni. Sounds really Italian and really handsome to me.