How bad would it be...

bunniekrissy

DS1 is named Evander Jonathan, with Jonathan being my husband's first name. We are now expecting our second son. I had never considered using my dad's name (first or middle) for a middle name because my dad's name is John, which is so close to Jonathan, and I don't particularly care for Emil, his middle name. However, now that we're seriously thinking about names for our new little boy I find myself wanting to honor my dad, either with his first or middle name in the middle name spot.

So is it completely out of the question to have both Jonathan and John as middle names for our sons? I am reconsidering Emil as well, but I think with some of the more unusual first name choices on our list it would be too out there as a full name.

I've also thought about and really liked the idea of using Emilia for a girl in honor of my father, should we ever have a daughter, but who knows if that will happen.

Scarlett&Gatsby

You're honoring two different people, which is what counts, so I don't see a problem with the similar MNs. FWIW, though, I love Emil! ETA: clarity

Helenahhandbasket

It's totally fine IMO.

Dr.Loretta

I think it's fine.

But I also love Emile, and like Emilio, as Emil variations

Ceridwen21

Totally fine to use John as a MN. I like Emil as a MN too.

PB&J714

I think it would be just fine!

lifeonthehill

I see no problem with it.

brownmouse

What are the first names you are considering that you think won't go well with Emil? 

queenbone

1) I would keep Emil on your list, especially in the MN spot; it is a nice underused name.

2) Since they are different names, and each honor different people, I don't see anything wrong with using both Jonathan and John for MNs. The similarity kind of makes a nice bond between brothers too.

LisaG09

I think both work equally well.

diamondduck13

You're fine. Though I agree with PP to avoid an E name for your second so they have different initials.

ap142193

I have a friend with 3 daughters and all of them have the same middle name - Kate.

ho11yday

Definitely don't have a problem with using John and Jonathan as they are different names with different meanings.

bunniekrissy

Thanks all for the input. Emil is definitely growing on me as a middle name!

hischelseababy - Thank you!

@brownmouse - Well, we have a pretty extensive list right now that we haven't narrowed down much, but we (or I, at least!) like a couple of Scandinavian names (I am half Swedish) which I am not sure about pairing with Emil because it just might be "too much." For example, Rorik. We also have some "old man" names like Arthur or Gilbert which might seem too stuffy with Emil. However, some of the more contemporary, or traditional Biblical names we like I think would work very well with it.

mh89

I think Emil or Emilia would be best. Two John middle names isn't my cup of tea, but do what you think works best for your family!

BlessedMomma07

Scarlett&Gatsby said:

You're honoring two different people, which is what counts, so I don't see a problem with the similar MNs. FWIW, though, I love Emil! ETA: clarity

I agree, it's perfectly fine. 

laurendom

My husband and his brother both have their fathers name for their middle name.

mmb248

I don't have a problem with John and Jonathan.  How often do you really use MN?  Plus, the MN is usually said with the last name, so Evander Jonathan LastName will sound pretty different from FirstName John LastName.