Nephew's name too similar

SouthMinnieAppleMama · August 2014

I have always loved the name Anders for a boy. I'm TTC now and DH and I are discussing names. Our nephew's name is Andrew though. They have always wanted to nn him Drew or AJ (mn is jack) but it's not catching on. Is Anders way too close? WDYT?

plunderb · August 2014

Similar names on cousins don't bother me. It's perfectly common to have cousins with exactly the same name (especially if they are named for a beloved grandparent).

Only you can decide if this makes you uncomfortable. Maybe if they're the only two babies in the family and you're very close, it just feels weird. But I don't think it is a huge violation of etiquette for cousins to have similar names.

ashiscute · August 2014

That's a personal decision I think. It depends on how close you are to that nephew and how much time you spend together I think. I have a nephew named Connor and for that took the name Colin off the table because they were so similar. But he is also my only nephew and we see him quite frequently.

However, I have multiple cousins with the same or different variations of the same name. I don't remember it being a huge issue growing up but families were much bigger then.

duckie23 · August 2014

I think it's too close for my comfort level, but different families have different levels of closeness and sensitivity. How do you think your brother/sister (in laws?) would feel?

AlphabetFish · August 2014

I think it's fine, but then in my family cousins aren't too close. Are these kids gonna see each other on a daily basis, monthly basis, or yearly basis (or less)? If they're gonna be super close, the names might be too similar, but if it's just a "we see each other once a year at Christmas" thing, then I think you're fine.

Maybe ask the parents how they feel?

DaisyZH · August 2014

I think it's fine.

SouthMinnieAppleMama · August 2014

We get our families together twice a month and it's more frequent during the summer months. I think I'll mention it to my SIL to see how she feels. My cousins have kids that all have similar names or rhyming names and when we all get together it's kinda funny. We have a Callie, Halle, Allie & Elle. It's funny watching the kids trying to figure out what parent is talking to who.