To tell the name & sex or not?

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-13-2004
To tell the name & sex or not?
3
Fri, 01-07-2005 - 9:05pm

My first child we found out the sex and told everyone the name. For the next babies I would like to keep the sex and/or name secret from people until the baby is born.

If we:

Don't tell sex-tell baby names:
I am afraid someone would steal our future name for the opposite sex.

Don't tell the names-tell the sex:
I am afraid that one of my preggo friends will claim the name first (even if they are due after me).

Don't tell sex or name: Either one of the above can happen.

My family and friends aren't evil-but I have had a name "stollen & claimed" before. Let's face it-our very best friends are usually on the same page for names. I hate to put too much thought into claiming a name-but my hubby and I don't agree on that many names to change it every week.

Anyone in the same boat-what would/are you doing? Thanks

Avatar for amykrisb
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-30-2003
Fri, 01-07-2005 - 11:17pm

Although I like having the surprise, we went ahead and told everyone our names at Christmas time. One reason is that my cousin just chose our first name for her child's mn. I decided that we'd better get the word out quick before someone in the family uses it as a first name!
LOL

I can't help you with the sex decision--we're adopting from China so everyone already knows that we will most likely have a girl.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2003
Sat, 01-08-2005 - 11:17am

How about coming up with a list for both sexes, then showing your list to family and friends and saying that you are considering these names for future children too. That way, you are in a way "claiming" them as your own for this child and any future children.

Another idea, though risky, is to ask any potential parents in your group, what names they are considering. That way you'll know if yours are "safe" - in which case you don't have to tell yours. If they are considering some of your names, you can let them know that you are considering that name too...it may make them remove it from their list. :)

Okay...I'm rambling...

I think if you want the name and sex to be a surprise, keep them a secret. I'm sure that you must have a few names you are considering - so if one is "stolen" will it really matter?

Hope that helps a bit... :) It's what I would do! :)

Good Luck!
Elaine

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 01-08-2005 - 2:24pm
DONT TELL the sex- that is a fun surprise! BUT DO TELL the names... I hate playing the "name claiming game" but my sister in law started it and ya know what? I'll play if she wants! LOL! so claim the name!!! that's my 2 cents worth!