I know exactly one
Howard, who is well into his 80s by now, I would guess; married to a senior in-law. He's a pleasant enough guy. But the name just does not appeal at all: stodgy in full, and it only shortens to
Howie, which is pretty darn awful.
I love
Ian and
Graham; especially
Ian! I would have used it for my son, but my SIL had just divorced a very nice
Ian, so for the sake of family peace, I didn't. But, my husband's fn is a family one but really dated and unappealing, so he's always gone by his mn. Could you do the same with
Howard - have it as an opener but use one of the others?