Which Boy Name do you prefer?

Question

Hi all,
My husband (American) and I (German) found out that we’re expecting a baby boy. Very exciting! 🤗💙 Now here is our dilemma: deciding on a boy name. 
We both agreed to incorporate my German background and want a German name that also sounds great in English. 
We both love the spelling of Theo but it would be pronounced Teo. Option 2 is Tillman which is a common German first name. The short version would be Till. 
Which one would you prefer and do you have other ideas?
Thanks!

Answer

I prefer Tillman, I think with Theo people are going to pronounce it with the H his entire life and to me that would be a little frustrating and annoying.

Answer

Matteo will shorten easily to Teo without the lifelong frustration of ‘silent H’. 
Kurt, Thomas and Christian are all readily understood in both languages 😊

Answer

My husband is a Theo and my uncle is a Tillman. I originally had a long post typed out weighing the pros and cons I’ve encountered with both their names... but it made me realize that it shouldn’t matter. Not in a “name your kid whatever you want! Call them HRH Toothbrush Mufasa Eggplant with wild abandon!” way, but in the sense that ultimately you’re thinking about a name that would honor heritage and hold meaning for you. 
Yes, if you went with Theo (with the silent H) you would run into native English speakers mispronouncing it all. the. time. But you wouldn’t be naming him an English name, you’d be naming him a German name... And it would also open up the opportunity to let the heritage and meaning behind it shine. “Actually, it’s pronounced Teo. It’s the German pronunciation, to honor his family.” 
I have to thank you for this post. I’ve been pining over the idea of naming any future daughter Isolde, after my Oma. But I was holding myself back worrying about what other (native English speakers) would think or how they would pronounce it. So writing my response to your post helped me to realize that ultimately I don’t care. Heritage and honoring family trumps judgement from others for me.

Answer

The h in theo isnt silent

Answer

If you like “Teo” then don’t include the H. He will ALWAYS be called Theo. I prefer that wayyyy over Tillman

Answer

Ughhh I love the name Tillman!!!! It is so cute!!! My little German/American cousin's name is Shane. I wish his name was Tillman!! In my opinion it's better than Teo.

Answer

I would pronounce the H in Theo for sure. Not say Teo.

Which Boy Name do you prefer?

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