"family" names

tct1219

this is not for or against using family-derived names for children.

it seems to me that there are certain names that people like if they are family names, but like less if they are not. for example, i like the name wolfe for a boy and everyone i've told says that it's cute and asks if it is a family name. while no one has said anything negative about it, the fact that people ask that question makes me wonder: is there a reason that a less used/ less common name (especially one that sounds like a surname) seems to be more desirable just based on a family connection?

userdeleted

I think it's because if there is a reason (like honoring a family member) to use a name that seems a little strange it's easier to swallow.

LMS05

I don't personally like the name Mildred, just an example. If someone said that it's a family name I completely understand why they would use it. I love family names and will use them even if they are nms. I think a lot of people feel the same way.?

Tomasina

I understand where you are coming from. Our boy name is Knox, my maiden name, which I really want to use because due to my dad having a stepfather we are the only Knox's. Although, some people think it's cute others are like you cannot use that it sounds like your copying Angelina Jolie. A bummer that she used it first but it was my freakin' name!

We have tried but failed miserably to come up with another boy we like near as much and DH chose the mn a long time ago and we can't switch them. My first and middle are family names and I love being able to share their history. Good luck to you and in the end don't worry too much about what people think now, after they meet your son and associate him with the name no one will think twice about it!

Tomasina

So rereading I realize you may not actually be using a family name, but the last sentence still applies- name your baby what you want!!!

star678

I agree with the first poster.  I am an example of this because I will likely follow my DH's family tradition by giving my DS the first name "Walter"... my own family wants and is encouraging me to do this even though it's not their tradition because they love family names.  However, if I told them I was naming my kid Walter out of the blue, they would probably be like "...why?"

 

 

hollybabe

I think it makes them more acceptable if they're unusual.

JnJHud

Rach03k:

I think it's because if there is a reason (like honoring a family member) to use a name that seems a little strange it's easier to swallow.

This is so true.