Would you?

Would you name your child the same name (or very close) to the name of a cousin?

We haven't seen this particular cousin in over three years (but I do see my Aunty and Uncle more often). The name we are thinking of is the longer version of the name of my cousin.

Some examples (not using the actual names)

We want
Christopher

My Cousins name is
Chris

or We want
Annabelle

My Cousins name is
Anna

Be honest, do you think it is inappropriate?

TIA
Spring xx

Personally I think that is fine, especially as it is someone you haven't seen in so long. We used my cousin's middle name for DD's first name and are now thinking of using either BIL's or our nephew's middle name for our next bub and these are people we see all the time. I don't see a problem with it, especially as you are not using the exact same name anyway. So I say go for it!

My mum is close to an uncle and aunt with one daughter. I have the same name as that cousin of my mum's only a different spelling. It's nothing that anyone commented on. But then I come from a family where half the men are named John so I suppose having the same name as everyone else is considered normal! (example: cousin Catherine, I am Kathryn or cousin Ellie and I am Elly).

Thanks ladies, I value your opinons.

Keep 'em coming guys.

I don't think it would be an issue - I assume that the cousin is a fair bit older anyway if you see your Aunt and Uncle but not your cousin? In a large family names are bound to overlap a little sooner or later.

ETA - I forgot to say too that a lot of those types of names can have several shorter versions - a name like William for example can have either Bill or Will as the short ones, same with Robert having Rob or Bob. With girls names a name like you suggested Annabelle, could be Anna or Bella/Belle. So if you are likely to shorten it anyway you could always choose the alternative short version.

I don't see it as a problem, I would if it was a brother or sister or even a very, very close friend.
My DH cousin named her first daughter the same name as me, didn't bother me but was funny when out of the blue my DH got a job in WA where they lived. Hadn't seen them in for ever & all of a sudden were having regular bbq's....I was Big Erin & she was Little Erin.

You are right Trill, my cousin is 30+ so quite a bit older. The name we are set on can only really be shortened one way but I don't want to reveal anything more otherwise my pregnancy muck brain will give away the gender (lol).


Spring xx

ETA: How cute Erin, little and big Erin, that is so sweet.

my DH's stepsister called her son the same name as DS and he was born in august

JwithJ: How did you feel about that? Were you a little put out?

Spring, you are such a considerate kind person - but I think it's not about pleasing the masses, it's about pleasing yourself. If you love this name, then I think you should use it. Doesn't mean you have to be rude about it - just let the relos know in advance that you love this name and would really like to use it (or if you don't want them to know the gender, just tell them kindly after the birth). If you don't see them much, there's even less of a problem. By the way, WHAT IS THE NAME ?? ;)

Lee xo

yeah but then i realised she doesnt really think about anyone but herself
whereas ur different u really stopped and at least thought about it lol doesnt matter i call DS jamie instead of james anyway its just a formality lol ur situation is a lot different

Im loving that 'Annabelle' is getting out there now!:dance:

Well my cousins name's 'Kane' and even though we decided on Xavier for a boy, Kane was on the list ;)
And my cousins and I are close! Its surprising as Im the sort of person that a name will trigger a memory and I just wont have it! Even with nice names ;)

Anna is nothing like Annabelle completely different feels to each name ;) And Annabelle's dont get 'Anna'
If you call your son Christopher he will get Chris but you can put a stop to that quick smart.

Spring I say go for it if you and DH love the name.Names are hard to agree on in the 1st place ;) Its not like you see this particular cousin too often and they might feel honored that you've given your gorgeous new bubba the same name as them :)

In my cousins we have 2 girls and 2 boys with the same names - there are 5 years age difference between the girls (and they saw each other all the time!!!) and 13 years between the boys. No issue with it at all ;)

Im having the same thoughts too Spring!
I really like Elliana for a girl, but have a 5y/o cousin, who we see quite regularly, called Elley. Im sure Elliana would get shortened to elli, but i think it would be ok...
But the chris/christopher and anna/annabelle examples are perfectly fine too i reckon!

Wow, so much to think about. The more I think about it the more

1. I don't think my cousin will mind
2. There is a big enough age gap and physical distance that it won't have a day to day impact.

Dh doesn't see a big problem with it so that is a plus.

Oh and Lee, nice try hunny. My brain might be mush but I'm that bad...yet (lol)

I named dd3 the same as my cousin, and we see her a few times a year. It's not an issue in our family, ( well noone has said anything to me anyway ;) ) I actually think my Aunt and cousin were flattered.

I don't see a problem! I like the name Abigail, if I have a girl, thats what I'll call her - and shorten to Abby. My sisters daughter is Gabriella, shortened to Gabbi. Maybe one day there'll be a Gabbi and Abby!