Charlie - Can I Use It?

kcatboston

13 weeks along with LO #2 and DH and I can only agree on one boy's name. Charles (nn Charlie). It's DH's paternal grandfather's name and my grandfather's middle name. We both love it but there are two issues:

1. I have a 1st cousin named Charlie. We've always lived in different states and aren't that close (I see him once every 2-3 years). Is this an issue? Do I need to ask my Aunt if she would be offended if I used the name? I don't really know the etiquette on this.

2. DH's parents are separated and his Mom doesn't get along with any of his Dad's family. I can see her throwing a fit if we name our LO after his grandfather.

So, can I use Charlie or not? Other than that my favorites are Oliver & Henry. DD likes Mason (I refuse) and Gabriel. 

PinkLillyLover

You can totally use Charlie!

NerdyLucy

I think it's fine. 

Your aunt doesn't own the name, and besides, you're doing it to honor a specific person.  Hopefully, your aunt isn't the type to be weird about stuff like that.

As for the other situation, I'd still use it.  Your MIL can go fly a kite.

Helenahhandbasket

Use it!

apc1929

The first point I would say  absolutely use it.  Just because a cousin has the same name is a total non-issue to me and there is no need to ask for permission.

But on the second point I can see the hesitation.   My parents have been divorced since I was a kid and are definitely not on good terms.     I really wanted to use my maiden name as a name for my daughter but ultimately I knew it would literally break my mother's heart to have to call her granddaughter this.   I still hold a bit of resentment towards it but think after all is said and done its just a name and if it will cause discord or any ill feelings than maybe just pick another.   All the sentiment of "that's HER problem" I totally get- I really do- but at the end of the day do you really want that to be an issue?    On the other hand maybe you are underestimating mil and she won't really have a problem with it-- it IS a family name for you as well and its not exactly an uncommon name...      

 

FakeFinn

I don't see any problem. Use it!

kcatboston

Thank you for the input ladies. I'm glad nobody thinks it will be an issue. If we find out we are having a boy I will have DH talk to his Mom and explain it is important to me as well.

@petey1106 - no my husband...sorry I mess up the acronyms sometimes.

Nuclearcupcake

Use it.

jf198400

I agree with the others, use it!

Cat&S

Use it.

Meery82

Use it. I love Charlie! It's definitely a top contender if I ever have another boy.

Kmommy91

Use it. If it was more than once a year that you see them I would think not, but anything less and you should be just fine.

queenbone

It is a family name so you don't need to ask permission. 

You also don't need to worry about other people's drama. Your MIL needs to remember she is a grown ass woman and get over herself. You can't honor everybody with one baby. 

PB&J714

Use it!! If your aunt or MIL are seriously offended by this, they have some other issues to work out. It's a great name, and it's so great that it's a family name on both sides!