Names already in my family...ok to use?

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-13-2005
Names already in my family...ok to use?
4
Sun, 11-06-2005 - 10:03am

I am the youngest in my extend family. Most of the names I like, either first or middle, are names my family memembers already have, i.e. Aunts, cousins, second cousins. Is it it ok to use these names again for my children. Their last name would be different but I'm mostly worried about family gatherings.

Thanks for your input.
Stephanie

 

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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-11-2005
Sun, 11-06-2005 - 10:28am
I think it depends on how close you are to them. Or whether its their first or middle name. I think it would be fine to use an aunt's mn as your child's fn, but I wouldn't use the first name of someone you see a lot, unless you have the intention of naming your child after them. It really depends on how much you see the person. If its a lot, I wouldn't use the name. Tell us what style of names you like and we could suggest a few!
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2005
Sun, 11-06-2005 - 10:31am
I think it depends mainly on how often you see these people. If you are talking about family gatherings that happen once or twice a year, I wouldn't worry about it at all. If you see them a couple times a week, then you need to consider whether it will be too confusing. Also I think it depends a little on how old the others are who already have these names. If they are also small children, there is much more room for confusion than if they are adults. Also if they are children, their mothers are more likely to feel you "stole" thetir name whereas an adult is more likely to be honored that you chose their name. You could always ask those involved how they would feel if you use their name/their child's name. But I really don't think it will cause too many problems in most families. (I come from a big family and there are lots of names that are repeated or very close variations were used to honor people ie Carolyn/Cara Lynn, Marilyn/MaeLynn/Marilee, etc)


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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-30-2003
Sun, 11-06-2005 - 10:39pm
I'm in a similar situation. Both my husband and I come from HUGE families. His dad is 1 of 10, and my mom is 1 of 14. It's so hard to find a non-ridiculous name that isn't already used. I'm afraid to reuse names, because I think that people would get jealous or think the baby is named after the person who shares the name. I think it's fine for middle names, but first names I'd be wary of, unless you want to name the baby after a relative who means a lot to you.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 11-07-2005 - 10:55pm

Here's what