Use of Family Names

DandelionAZO

Curious what others would do. My side has a very small family (and some people that we just wouldn't want to name a child after) and thus limited family names. DHs side is large with many wonderful people and names. We have used a name from my mom's side and two DHs mom's for current children. I am less concerned about using a name from DHs dad's side because we are using his last name. I would like to do something for my dad's side but there are very limited family names to use (especially those that go with our potential names). Would others force a family name, be creative with a family connection or do not worry about it? I guess I would feel bad that this child didn't get a family name too.

Our current list of names includes Nora(h), Elena, Helena, Jane, Josephine, and Georgia.

Possible family names from my dad's side are: Myra and Perry. There are mostly boy names on this side: William, Thomas, and Ottis. Also my maiden name would be a horrible middle name, imo.

Other possible family names are: Jeanette, Jean, Patricia, Leigh/Lee

Also we don't mind variations of a name to honor someone.

Spin313

What about Wilhelmina for William...?

While it's nice to use family names, don't feel like you HAVE to if you don't love any of them.

jnnfrrose6

I'm a big fan of using family names. That being said, DH and I are having a hard time agreeing on a girl's name, so we will probably use a name we like (non-family) for the FN and a family name for the MN. if this one is a boy, we don't have any issues with this, though.

Sassenach1743

Variations from your list could include:

Georgia Leigh

Nora Jean

Patricia Jane

Myra Jane

Perry Jane

Elena Jean

Dr.Loretta

Don't worry about it

DandelionAZO

I feel obligated to the baby more than the family.  Something I may need to get over.  \

My maiden name is Scottish.  Perhaps I could pick as Scottish name as a nod to that side instead.

luluwoo

I would just pick the name that you love most. If it works out, use a family name as the middle name. If not, use another name that you love.

meglette417

My middle name is Janette - spelled that way b/c one of my grandmother's was Jane.  Noticed you liked the name Jane so maybe his works.  Always loved my middle name.

Ceridwen21

I think it's nice to use family names, but only when it doesn't feel forced.  I don't love changing the name and claiming it is to honor someone.  It just feels watered down for me.  Only exception to that would be making a name more masculine/feminine to suit the sex of the child (ex. Georgia for George, Philippa for Philip.

blu-eyedwife

I'm a big fan of family names, but I don't think you need to go tit-for-tat on which side they come from.  Both my brother and I have family names from my dad's side.  Nothing from my mom.  No one feels slighted.

emoxymoose

I don't like using family names because of the struggle you described above. If you don't like any of the names then I wouldn't kill myself trying to stretch my imagination to find something that works. Just choose a name that you love.

queenbone

We used my maiden name for DS2's MN. It is a McName and not very middle name-y.

I like Jeanette and Patricia from your list. I think they would work well in the MN spot.

Josephine Patricia

Elena Jeanette

Nora Jeanette

The only combo I would avoid is Georgia Lee. I'd imagine her to be perpetually draped in the Confederate flag.

queenbone

Also would you consider Patrice? It is the French variant of Patricia so it might flow better with some of your -a ending FN options: Helena Patrice.

DandelionAZO

Patrice is a not option.  Thanks for the suggestion.