Baby Name Etiquette?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-30-2003
Baby Name Etiquette?
12
Tue, 10-19-2004 - 2:06pm
Ok. What is the etiquette on baby names? My SIL & BIL are trying to get pregnant, her recently deceased grandmother's middle name was Elizabeth and when I recently told her that Elizabeth was a potential mn for our dd (dec.10)-she mentioned that she is planning on using that for their middle name when they get pregnant. SO, I had taken it off my list but I keep coming back to it. I love it. Actually, I like Elisabeth even better.

Is it wrong to use it bc she is set on it? Should I discuss it with her to see if she minds? Isn't it a SUPER popular mn anyway? What if they don't have girls?! What if they have all boys?! Then we both missed out on using it?

I had Elizabeth and Elisabeth on my list for a long time (actually with dd #1). I am actually considering it as a "first name-middle name" you know like Mary Elizabeth- calling her by both names. Does that make it different than just using it as a "silent" middle name? Would it really matter if we both had daughters with the middle name Elizabeth (possibly with a different spelling)?

Any advice would be great. I know people are funny about baby names when they get their mind set on it, especially when it has sentimental value. I don't want her to hold it against me but on the other hand, I would love to use it!AAHH! I wish Martha Stewart were free and able to answer my post! :)

Thanks,

Jen

12/10/04

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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-01-2003
Fri, 10-22-2004 - 1:50pm

if you both end up using it as a middle name I don't think it's a problem. but you have to remember, regardless of the fact that you "thought" of it first - she has a real reason for wanting it in honor of a grandmother.

just tell her straight out that you don't expect her to give up using it as a middle, but that you did already have it planned as a middle before she told you that and that you are going to still use it.

if these were first name situations, I'd say it's a little different, although I realize it's hard to give up a name you have your heart set on just because someone else plans to use it.

good luck.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-30-2003
Sun, 10-24-2004 - 2:05pm
Thank you! DH brought it up to her dh, just to gage his reaction. He had NO problem with it. I finally just decided to tell her that we had chosen a name. We both are aware that cousins may have same middle name and it's all good!

I am excited now that we have made a decision on a name!

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