New! Thanks for the suggestions!

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-14-2006
New! Thanks for the suggestions!
4
Wed, 05-17-2006 - 3:10pm

This is my second post to this board. This is a lot of fun and I really appreciate all of the suggestions.

My next question is how do determine what names you can't use? I mean I feel like names of nieces and nephews are totally off limits, but what about names of close friends and their kids, cousins, old friends, etc. Just wondering what others think of this.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-29-2003
Wed, 05-17-2006 - 3:15pm
I say friends who live in your city/town are off limits. But if you live in Topeka and they live in Santa Fe, it's fair game. Family is different...family you see or anyone that is first cousin is off limits or if you are especially close to others, don't use their kids names. Anyoen you see and interact with should be off limits.
Avatar for haarlasr
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Thu, 05-18-2006 - 9:33am

I agree that names of people you see on a regular basis should generally be off limits. However, there are exceptions... if the name you love is a family name that you'd always planned to use, and it also happens to be the name of your friend's child, I'd use it anyway.

Very common names like John, Joseph, Katherine, Emily, etc. aren't necessarily off limits either, IMO, b/c you probably already know several people with those names.

If there's ever any question, I'd run the idea by a few family members or friends to get their opinion first.

JMHO,
Stephanie

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2006
Thu, 05-18-2006 - 10:30am
I think it depends on many factors. If everyone agrees (may be ok), if you are naming the baby the same name because you like it (probably not a good idea) or if you are naming it after someone for a special reason (may be ok), if it will cause conflict( def. not!). If you have a close friend that is sick, real close to you, moving (etc.) it may be a compliment to him/her. I know someone whose best friend moved away when she got married and her friend named her first daughter after her...but they both agreed on it. That would probably be the most important issue...everyone being ok with it. And, I'm sure everyone has heard of someone naming a baby after someone that has passed on. That is very common. Sometimes just as a middle name too. When it comes to naming the same name as a neice, nephew, cousin, a friends child, etc. that would be, IMO, too confusing to everyone. I wouldn't. There are so many names out there! Good luck!
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-22-2006
Thu, 05-18-2006 - 1:54pm
Personally I am really picky about this situation. I think if it is a friend that you see, or even talk to on the phone a lot, then its off limits. Family members are definatly off limits (unless you are honoring them or never met them).