Surnames as First Names!
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| Sun, 09-04-2005 - 12:11am |
I'm from the South, and here, it's not uncommon at all for parents to give their children--male and female--first names that are actually family surnames. I know girls named Tenley, Laughlin, Allyn, and Sullivan, and boys named Jones, Hughston, and Fitzpatrick (nn Fitz) after their mothers' maiden names, and I love all those names.
I guess it's probably not entirely uncommon in any region. At any rate, here's my question: what do you ladies think about it? I love the tradition, and I've thought seriously about naming a little girl Whittington (after my grandfather's mother's maiden name). I'm nowhere near actually having a baby, but I still want to pass family names down to my children, AND I actually LOVE the name. But anyway, I shared this thought with a friend the other day, and she was horrified. I didn't pursue the subject, but now I'm wondering whether her shock was due entirely to the name itself, or to her loathing of surnames as first names.
Any guidance is welcome--about the name or about the tradition.

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I don't know if it's Southern or not -- never thought about it being a regional thing! I live in the midwest, and it seems that every kid in this area is named Haley or Jacob! :)
I love the thought of using a surname as the first name, if it sounds nice. Unfortunately, my family's surnames are all pretty strange for first names! That said, I think Whittington is an exceptionally neat name!! I think it's a beautiful name for either a boy or a girl. What would you call him/her for short? Or would it always be Whittington?
in any case when it's time to name your little one, i'm sure you'll choose wisely and it will all fit! good luck:)
My cousin was given a surname as first name, Callan. While it isnt a bad name, everyone in my family always thought it was very strange that she had 3 last names for a name. i think that while some names may be great, unique and a welcome change from too popular and overused names, that it should be thought over very carefully.
Lizzie
I'm from the South as well, and I know and love this tradition.
Nonetheless, I think Whittington is far better on a little boy/man than a girl/woman. He could shorten it to "Whit" if he was the type that prefered a "lesser" name, because, let's face it, "Whittington" is a big name with "surname" written all over it. It comes with some weight attached.
That's what makes it a great choice for a son.
I love surnames on girls as well, but IMHO they have to sound feminine in order to work well. I know a Lowrey, a Hedren, and even a Bellery. All very feminine, I think.
Anyway, that's just my opinion.
Good luck!
Amy
I added an A to my maiden name and gave it to my 4th dd for her first Middle name it goes really well. her name is Emily Keitha Colleen she's 6 1/2 and she has a unique name I have not run into any other Keitha's... and she get's called Emily Keitha sometimes.
my #2 dd's 1st middle name is out of my dad's first name his name was Sylvester and I broke it down and took Tyler out it and named her Brittany Tyler Dianne
my other dd's are Jessica Gayle Anne she's my oldest and then dd #3 is Sarah Elizabeth Irene
I say go for it what matters is that you like/love the name..
Good luck.
Rita Mom 2 Jessi, Britt, Sarah and Emmi
Rita
Hi.
FYI. I love the surname idea so long as it doesn't compete too much with the rest of the name. Sounds like that's what your people do there. I have seen a few here also in PA.
Hope this helps when you're ready.
Sandy
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