Need opinions!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2008
Need opinions!!
2
Sat, 05-31-2008 - 8:47pm

We are considering the name James for our son, who is due in a few months. We both like the name, but the one problem is that I have an uncle "Jim" whose given name is James. Not that we have ill-feelings toward this uncle, but there would be no reason for us to single him out as a namesake.

Can you choose a name for your child that is the same as another family member's without everyone assuming that he is named after said family member?

Also, can you name a child James without everyone calling him "Jim?"

Thanks!

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2007
Sat, 05-31-2008 - 8:57pm
Yes, you can, and IMO you should use the name that you really love or you will likely have naming regrets later on. Jim is common for older Jameses, but I never hear it for little kids. Like Bill, Jim doesn't seem to get much use in the new generation. So personally, I wouldn't worry about it. Actually, I think he'd be more likely to be called Jamie than Jim - just as little Williams are sometimes Wills or Liams now, but not Bills. But so many little ones go by their full names now, plus James is a short name - all in all, I'd bet most people will call him James, unless you give him a different nickname.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-09-2005
Sat, 05-31-2008 - 10:14pm

I would see no probably with this, and doubt that anyone would ever call him Jim these days. Unless you specifically say to your uncle that the baby is named for him, I doubt anyone will assume it.