Should we think of a new name???

megnbrandon

My husband and I moved to Honolulu back in July, and found out in September that we're pregnant. After discussing baby names, both of us have absolutely fallen in love with the name Kai for a boy. We've told a few people, and for the most part everyone has loved it, but we've heard a few comments that we shouldn't name it that because we're not Pacific Islander, and we're not originally from Hawaii, therefore we shouldn't name our baby a Hawaiian name. I personally hadn't thought about that, and I know we're the parents and get to make the decision, but now I'm starting to second guess it. Should we try to come up with something different? I don't want people making fun of my kid!!

Hawaiian Honey

UM...If it were me, I'd tell those people where to stick it! Kai is a beautiful Hawaiian name that ANYONE can use. Don't let those few people discourage you. I don't think anyone will make fun of him at all. To think that you have to be from a specific place to name your child from that region is crazy. A lot of us here on the board are not from Hawaii but gave Hawaiian names or middle names to our kids. We love Hawaii and wanted to incorporate the culture and history and beauty of the islands into our childrens names. I'm sure that's part of why you picked it too. Don't let other people's opinions influence you girl! You go with what you love!!!

Hawaiian Honey

Oh...And by the way...Welcome to the board!!!

MrsIH

Hawaiian Honey:

UM...If it were me, I'd tell those people where to stick it! Kai is a beautiful Hawaiian name that ANYONE can use. Don't let those few people discourage you. I don't think anyone will make fun of him at all. To think that you have to be from a specific place to name your child from that region is crazy. A lot of us here on the board are not from Hawaii but gave Hawaiian names or middle names to our kids. We love Hawaii and wanted to incorporate the culture and history and beauty of the islands into our childrens names. I'm sure that's part of why you picked it too. Don't let other people's opinions influence you girl! You go with what you love!!!

So well said!  We gave our little guy a Hawaiian middle name because we were engaged and married there and visit as often as possible  I say if you like it, go for it!  I agree with what Jaime said 100%. 

lelekay

I wouldn't change it!  You love Hawaii, and even live there....that's plenty of a connection, IF you feel you need one.  Lot of people on this board gave their children beautiful Hawaiian names, even if they aren't from there.  If it's a place you love and you love the name, go for it!

inamra

No! I wouldn't change it if you guys love it Also, even though Kai is a Hawaiian name, it isn't just Hawaiian...it's also just a general Asian name. But regardless, it's a great name, so I would totally stick with it!

Welcome to the board

myday1708

I wouldn't change it either! You love the name and it's special to you because you just moved to Hawaii. Yet another reason not to tell people your name before the baby is born!! People need to keep their opinions to themselves!! 

FYI, I am an example... My parents have just moved to Hawaii when I was born. They are from Chicago and LA, totally not Hawaiian or from Hawaii. I was supposed to be Cynthia! But they saw the name "Malia" and fell in love with it..... So I'm Malia. I love my name. I love that it's Hawaiian. My parents still live there and it's my home... So I named my daughter's middle name Leilani to honor my side. 

Another suggestion... How about the name Kainoa? Pronounced Kai-Noah. You can call him Kai or Noah for short. I LOVE that name... :-) 

lola808

I wouldn't change it. Since I also live in Hawaii, I can totally see some people making those comments, but I don't agree. If you love it, go for it!

MrsNJSwimmer

I would keep it.  Who cares what they think!

kinibruin

hahah even though it's settled, i want to add yes to kai

mrspresley

ditto what all the others said

welcome to the board!

megnbrandon

wow, thanks everybody for the feedback! i think we'll for sure stick with that name. and from now on we've decided not to tell anyone the names we've picked, so for a lot of people it's still a secret. you've all definitely helped me feel so much more comfortable with our decision!!

oh, and thanks for the welcomes too!