Calvin Dewayne?? How do I say no way

Avatar for dabutler
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Registered: 08-12-2003
Calvin Dewayne?? How do I say no way
10
Mon, 10-04-2004 - 2:45pm
without hurting DH's feelings? He has decided that we should name one of our twins Calvin Dewayne if it is a boy and I absolutely hate it. Apparently, this is some old family name (at least the Calvin part), but I don't care. My most beloved family member is my late grandfater, but you don't see me wanting to name the baby Buford. Our other children's names are Joey, Ashlynn, Austin, Eli and Jake - very common names for their ages. I just don't see how he can even think I might go along with this, but I know he will act all hurt if I just tell him I hate it and will not name our child that. Any suggestions??

Donna

EDD 4/13/05

Pregnancy%20ticker
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Registered: 04-08-2004
Mon, 10-04-2004 - 2:54pm
Well, since I have a Calvin, I'm probably no help to you, lol! We get a lot of compliments on his name (and yes, it is definitely an older, "grandpa" name). But it's getting more common for the younger age group (I've met a few other baby Calvins). But, I see your point...your other kids' names are much more "mainstream" in the popularity department, so this baby would kind of stick out in your family. Maybe you could suggest using the same initials, to honor the family member. If you really dislike a name, you should get veto power, no matter who your DH wants to honor. Maybe Calvin as a middle name, with your choice in first place?
Amy, mom to Nate (9), Calvin (7), and Tobias (4). You can find me at my blogs:

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-03-2004
Mon, 10-04-2004 - 2:57pm
Wow! That is a hard one. Calvin is terrible. But I do think of Calvin and Hobbes. But Dewayne! Whoa. That is not one I could consent to. Good luck with that one.
Avatar for midwestmom2000
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Registered: 03-27-2003
Mon, 10-04-2004 - 3:08pm
I don't think Calvin is horrible, but if you don't like it you should not have to use it. How about compromising and using Calvin as a middle name (since it's a family name) and then finding a first name you both like that 'fits' with your other kids names better.

Joshua Calvin

Trevor Calvin

Michael Calvin

Thomas Calvin

James Calvin

Ryan Calvin

William Calvin

Tanner Calvin


Good luck.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-28-2003
Mon, 10-04-2004 - 3:35pm
I like Calvin, especially with the nn Cal. I think it is adorable for a boy and grows nicely with him. Dewayne on the other hand is awful. I would do just about anything not to have that for my child's name, even as a mn. Good look finding a compromise.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Mon, 10-04-2004 - 4:46pm
Would your husband go for Caleb Wayne? I think that would be a great fit to your other childrens' names. Or Callum? You'll have to come up with a compromise since you don't like Calvin. Use initials or as a middle name.

Best of luck,

Dana
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-03-2003
Mon, 10-04-2004 - 9:33pm
I don't hate Calvin at all! In fact, there are two Calvins in the elem. school I teach in (out of 39 students total!!). One goes by Cal.

I have more of a problem with Dewayne. NMSAA. I think Calvin Wayne is nice, and I also like the idea of Calvin as the middle name. And since I have a Caleb, I would vote that Caleb is a great alternative to Calvin, too! He could even go by Cal.

Carrie

Avatar for 3togetready
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Registered: 10-19-1999
Tue, 10-05-2004 - 12:38am
I think a middle name can be a great place to put a name that you are not crazy about.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Tue, 10-05-2004 - 10:28am
Didn't read others but I do have a few thoughts on this:

1. Are the other children named after family? Naming a child after someone is a big deal; it sets that child apart in a unique way. If the others aren't named after anyone...this one shouldn't be either! If this argument could work for you, it would be my first and foremost argument. HOWEVER, if some/all of the other kids are named for someone-

2. Calvin is supposedly the family name, right? Calvin isn't a bad name at all. Give him Calvin. It's after someone, which would be special for this child- and call the baby Cal. Good name that grows up well and fits nicely with others. HOWEVER, if you simply can't stomach that suggestion-

3. Tell him that you didn't plan to name the baby after anyone from either family and that you prefer the two of you sit down and find a name that appeals to both of you. Perhaps you could even already have a list of names that have great meanings. If he gets mad, he'll get over it.

4. OR you could do what I did- I told dh I just didn't want to settle on any one name until I saw the baby (my last pg). After dh saw me go through labor and delivery, he was agreeable to let me choose the first name, esp. after I announced that I "wanted" to use the mn he liked(in your case Calvin). LOL Take care, Ginger

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-04-2004
Tue, 10-05-2004 - 3:09pm

Calvin isn't that bad...it's Dewayne that's just awful. It reminds me of "dimwit"..or someone putting an extra syllable in the name Dwayne (which I never liked in the 1st place)--and adding syllables to names/words is something I also associated with a lack of education.... Dewayne also reminds me of...well, I don't know if you're familiar with them...but these WWF Wrestlers called the Dudley Boys. They were dimwitted hick brothers. Ick!!! I'm sorry, you just have to tell your DH that Dewayne doesn't cut it! How about just Calvin Wayne? Or either Calvin OR Wayne and then something else as either the first name or middle name. But no Dewayne!! LOL...just tell him the naming police will be after him... ;-)


Best of luck to you!

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-24-2003
Tue, 10-05-2004 - 9:12pm
I love Calvin. I've known two, one a boy I grew up with and one a boy I taught........both calm, even-tempered types (which always impresses me 'cause I'm fiery), smart, good-looking, popular, athletic boys. I like the suggestion of Calvin Wayne (I can't stand Dewayne, either).