Torn between names

I personally prefer Reuben and wouldn’t think of it being shortened to rubs at all. I would keep both names as a shortlist and see which he looks more like when he’s actually here.
You could always use the other name as a middle name ☺️

ok, glad you said that about the shortening of Reuben. Yeah I’m just worried I’ll feel the need to make a rash decision if I leave it until he’s here.. I had in my head I wanted to decide by Xmas. But I’m just gunna chill out. Middle name is already decided, Mitchell after my dad, and not keen on 2 middle names. But I would be doing that if I was stuck on middle name xx

We are thinking about using Reuben and we would call him Ben for short… I like both Reuben and Jude, so no help there haha 🤣.

I like Reuben but a friend of ours has a boy with that name so it's ruled out for us. I prefer it to Jude personally 😊

Never heard of Reuben being shortened to rubs. It’s kind of a stretch. I could see shortening to Rue or Ben but those are both nice. Since that was the only catch holding you back from Reuben I’d say go for it

I think you should keep them both open as options and see what suits baby best when they are born.

I was convinced I wanted Harry. That was the name I always wanted from being young. It was my Great Grandad’s name and I shared a birthday with him. My husband wasn’t as keen and preferred Samuel.
When he was born my husband said it was up to me and that I could could call him Harry if I really wanted. I took my time over it and waited a full day before naming him (I had an emergency C-section so was quite out of it). Anyway, I spent ages looking at him in my arms and all I could think was “But you don’t look like a Harry. You’re a Samuel!”
So we ended up calling him Samuel.

I think you should just wait until he arrives. We had 2 boy names (didn't know what we were having), and as soon as I saw him I said he's Noah isn't he? And luckily hubby agreed. I'm still not sure if he just said yes because he'd seen what I went through during labour but he definitely didn't suit the other name

Ok, thank you everyone for your help. I think deciding after I’ve had him will be the best option then. I’m just a control freak and want everything done.. also terrified of making the wrong decision and regretting something.. I’m like this with every single thing in life as it is.. let alone choosing my baby’s name they’re going to have for the rest of their life! Why does no one talk about the pressure you feel lol?! Xx

I know a Reuben from college, his name was never shortened but any of his friends. Plus I'm always partial to a family name!

I have a Reuben. He is nicknamed “reu” he’s sometimes “reubs” but never “rubs”x

Wait till he arrives and see what he suits. My son was definitely a Reuben when he was born

I would never think to nickname someone with the name Reuben to rubs. It’s more common to nickname it as “Roo” or “Ben/Benny” or maybe even Ruby for fun. But you can always tell people you prefer to only call him his full name. Both names are nice and even Reuben Jude sounds good together because they both have the same “u” sound

Friends son is Ruben and he gets called “ Ru Ru “ or Reubs “
I feel like Ruben is very popular at the moment! Personally lovely Jude xx

Ruben Jude goes so well and as billie said you could use RJ for short which is cute!

I defo think the Ruru and Reubs is an English thing.. we just always shorten names like that don’t we? Reuben not to popular around here right now but maybe in a year it will be? Xx

defo a uk thing 😅!!! Very very popular in Essex ! I know 4 baby Ruben’s / Reuben xx

defo won’t be Reuben Jude as middle name for either is Mitchell. But you’re so right about the nickname regardless.. jude will most likely be lengthened won’t it xx

No help but we are are between Reuben and Rowan if we have a boy 💙

My youngest is Reuben, he is 3months old me and my husband call him Reuby Roo affectionately 😂😍

im not religious at all but I just happen to love both Jude and Reuben which are Jewish names too.. I really love Moses aswell but I do associate that with being very religious. Jude Moses is such a lovely name though xx

Reuben is currently our fav for new boy. We have a Fergus who gets called goose and wanted another animal nickname. Reuben could be rooster or (kanga) roo! Love the idea of Jude in the middle too

I like Rueben since it’s a family name

surname is Paul.. but good point about initials.. I’d already thought about the letter ‘H’ being a no go lol His Majesty’s Prison 😂xx

I named my son 3 days after he was born, I hadn’t even met him yet but I’m glad it’s his name, I feel it’s well suited to him. My partner and I struggled to agree on names except his current one.. if Jude is a name that’s grabbed you recently maybe you’re still hanging on to Reuben xxx