name game (take II)

The hubby and I have always enjoyed discussing possible names for our children.  Even before we were convinced we wanted children, we had a list of names that we tossed around.  That list has changed over time as we add and delete names with the changing winds.  Here's what we thought on the topic 3 years ago.  

We've pretty much settled on Baby A's name (of course we reserve the right to change our minds at any point).  She will be Sylvia Mar Vassar.  Sylvia is David's paternal grandmother's name and Mar is a variant on my paternal grandmother's maiden name.  Sylvia means forest and my grandmother's name means horse.  Mar also means sea in Spanish, so we like how well they fit together (forest/horse, forest sea).  L will also be pleased that we didn't pick Soraya, which has been on the list or any other name that sounds similar to a disease...

Now, Baby B's name has been much more difficult.  Seems that boy names are either super commonplace or totally wacko.  We're looking for something in the middle.  We also are trying to keep in mind my German/Chinese roots and the hubby's love of all things latino.  Plus, our kiddos will have Mexican, German, Chinese, and East Texan/Louisianan relatives, so we are trying to find a name that everyone can pronounce.  I also have a hangup about names that are super common.

So, here's our short list for the time being.  The number is the ranking of the name for babies born in 2010 according to the US social security administration.

Gabriel         #21 (3.2/1000)        God is my strength (Hebrew)
Lucas          #35                       Man from Lucania (Greek); Bringer of Light (Latin) 

Nicolas        #162 (w/h #38)    Victory of the people (Greek)
Diego           #85                      Supplanter (Hebrew)
Leonardo     #150                    Strong as the lion (Germanic)
Rafael          #257                    God has healed (Hebrew)
Stefan         #869                     Crown (Greek)

The hubby also really like Sebastian, which I adore if pronounced the way it sounds by Spanish-speakers, but not so much by 'Mericans.  And since I'm the one writing this blog entry, I'm leaving it off the list.  :)  I also think it would practically be simpler if the kiddos had different initials and since I'm not as much into the matchy matchy as some, I sort of veer away from S names.

We have gotten some interesting suggestions from friends and relatives alike.  One cousin's wife suggested Barbara and Kenneth (Ken & Barbie).  Another friend is determined to find a name that begins with V, possibly so that he can throw the double peace sign, which is, of course, #35 on the list of "Stuff Asian People Like."

Any thoughts?  Votes?  We of course reserve the right to ignore anything you say, but we are interested (unless we disagree).