How do you feel about this name for my son?

Question

My husband and I just came up with it. The name's Callahan Falcon McNeal. We wanted to honour some people who've died but have meant the world to us, my mother and by husband's uncle. My mother's maiden name was Callahan, she died from cancer earlier this year. My husband's uncle was actually named Russell, but he got the nickname Falcon somehow and everyone called him that. He died in '04 in a car accident. Callahan would probably be shortened to "Cal" by the way. So, what do you think? Is it a bit too much or is it cool? Thanks a million to all who answer :-)

McNeal is the last name by the way! We can't change it (sorry lol). Falcon is the middle name and Callahan is the first. (clearing things up).

Answer 1

I like it. A lot of people are giving you grief about the middle name, but honestly, how often are middle names used? He'll probably LIKE having Falcon as a middle name because it is different, but still has that "cool" factor to it.

Callahan is a great name, particularly when shortened to "Cal" - Cal McNeal has a nice 'flow.'

I like that you are putting thought into the name and choosing a name to honor special people in your life. Someday when your son says "I hate my name, why'd you name me that?!" (they all do, no matter how great the name is, they all seem to hate their name at one time or another in their life), you'll be able to patiently explain who he is named after, and he will have some sense of pride that you chose to name him after people who meant so much to you. And he will have a special story attached to his name - people like 'story names' - I know, everyone always asks me where my name came from, because mine is unique as well. (I, too, was named after someone my parents respected a great deal)

In the end, it is YOUR choice, and I think you have put a lot of thought into it. Not just "I like it because its cool" like so many people these days. Your son's name is his name for the rest of his life, and it sounds like you've chosen a name that he can be proud of, and one that will 'grow well' with him as he grows into a man.

Answer 2

Callahan is a great name, and what a lovely way to honor your mum. And Cal makes for an easy nickname.

Thing is, that with your last name, Callahan McNeal also sounds a bit like a television detective. It's the tiniest bit fictional, and rather hyper-masculine.

And so adding "Falcon" to the mix makes the name aggressively male. This may or may not suit your son, but I think it feels a bit over the top.

Callahan Russell McNeal would be a nice way to honor both loved ones, and works even if your son doesn't grow up to be an action hero.

Answer 3

Umm...I don't think Callahan is good as a first name. I'd use it as the middle name, and go with Russell for the first name. Russell Callahan McNeal is so much better.

Answer 4

I like Callahan Russell McNeal better.

Answer 5

The whole thing is a bit much. Callahan isn;t bad though. Either if Falcon. McNeal isn't great though. But if it means so much to you, then I'd say use it! Good luck!

Answer 6

I like the name Cal, it's cute. Not crazy about the middle name but nobody will really know about that name for the most part. It's a great idea to honor people. Just think, though, would they want you to actually name your son that? For example my grandfather passed away at a fairly young age and hated his first name. Nobody ever named any of his grandkids that because he never would've wanted that.
But Cal McNeal is adorable.

Answer 7

Callahan is cool, but Falcon is a bit much. Both are unique, but I think Callahan Russell McNeil would sound better.

Answer 8

I don't really like Falcon at all. But, if you really want to honor your husband's uncle, just use his real name. Callahan Russell or Russell Callahan sounds great!

Answer 9

I like Falcon Callahan McNeal better.

Answer 10

Callahan makes me think of the movie Tommy Boy.
but I actually really like it.
Falcon..not so much..even though the falcons is my favorite football team.