Two First Names?

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-17-2004
Two First Names?
8
Fri, 04-06-2007 - 9:48am
i lurked around here a lot when we thought our baby was a girl, but since we've had a 4d u/s done, we know for sure it's a boy. that was a very short name list. we have a name, i just want to know what you all think of a little boy having 2 first names, then a middle name, then the last name. our name is: Carter James Everett. carter james has been our boy name for the longest time, but i've always really wanted to use the name everett. it was my grandfather's middle name and he recently passed away, so it means even more to me know. i asked dh about the two middle names, and he said no, carter james is his first name. any thought?
TIA
brittna

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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-29-2005
Fri, 04-06-2007 - 10:38am
I like it. Double names aren't all that uncommon anyway, especially when James is part of the pairing, so I don't think many will find it too unusual. Carter James is a fine double name IMO, Carter James Everett sounds just as lovely (often hard to accomplish with more than two names, but this definitely works ), and I LOVE the meaning behind Everett. Perfect. ;)

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Fri, 04-06-2007 - 10:41am

Well, you'll probably hear all kinds of quibbling about whether to call it two first names or a double name or a triple name or whatever.

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-29-2005
Fri, 04-06-2007 - 10:59am

Jazz makes a good point about common usage as either a double name or two middles names.

I didn't think to mention this in my previous reply, but if you really want Carter James treated as a double fn, rather than James being the first mn (as you dh already expressed a dislike for ), just makes sure you put "Carter James" -- both names -- in the fn slot and simply Everett in the mn slot, and continue to do so on all forms (for doctor's offices, school, etc.). If the full Carter James double name is listed on the fn line, it will be looked upon as such, at least for official purposes (ie. on his BC and school enrollment forms). These institutions are used to dealing with such issues, and will honor your/his wishes to be called by both names.

Just something to keep in mind, especially when filling out the birth certificate. ;)


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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-17-2004
Fri, 04-06-2007 - 11:13am
thank you! esp. for the part about the birth certificate, paperwork and such. i've been wondering about that part. and i'm glad you think all the names sound good together (of course i totally agree) i appreciate your feedback!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Fri, 04-06-2007 - 11:17am

If he wants to drop the double name when he gets older, wouldn't it be easier to do if

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-29-2005
Fri, 04-06-2007 - 11:39am

<<>>

Technically speaking, it's possible, but I really don't think it'd be that difficult no matter what order/placement on the birth certificate. I've known plenty of Mary Beths and Maryanns (all one name or double names, just using these as examples) that have gone exclusively by Mary as adults. I also know quite a few people that go by their middle, rather than fn, for all practical purposes (work, school, friends, etc.), and they don't generally have a problem. To me that seems much more complex than simply wanting to drop James from the double name as an adult. It's actually not that different from many other adults that use a shortened form of their name a majority of the time. Carter would be to him what Rob is to Robert, basically.

Also, since he'll be called Carter James on a daily basis, it's just as likely he'll identify more with James, and possibly choose to drop Carter at some point. In that case, it'd be even easier if James were already listed on the fn line. ;)

Now in most other cases I can see the arguement either way, but in this particular instance it seems keeping both Carter and James in the fn slot makes the most sense all around. The father has already expressed a dislike for having two middle names, rather than a double fn, and it also seems to give Everett the special separatness it deserves (holding the mn slot on it's own, rather than simply being thought of as a second mn). I'm not saying that's what the OP or her DH had in mind with the double name, but it does seem to give more credence to the use of her grandfather's mn rather than seeming like an obligatory family name tacked on after the fact, KWIM?

Just my take on it (and I don't mind the quibble, Jazz).


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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-09-2005
Fri, 04-06-2007 - 12:11pm

It's not horrible, but I do think it would cause unnecessary confusion. To be honest, James is SUCH a common mn, so I would just drop it altogether and use Carter Everett, or even Everett as a first name. I definitely think you should make sure Everett is included in there (as a fn- could use nn Rhett), not only because it is stunning, classy, and uncommon, but also because it's your grandfather's mn and that significance is so important.

HTH,
-Nikki


                             
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-14-2003
Fri, 04-06-2007 - 2:04pm
I, personally, would never give my child - boy or girl - 2 fns. But I don't really care if others do it. It's just my personal preference in naming my OWN children. Carter James sounds nice.