Internal Name Conflict

TheWop

So we have the name Reese on our list.  I really like the name, and when we found out we were having a girl, this name felt right when I said it outloud.  I can't explain it, I could just feel it.  My hang up is that it goes against the trendy rule DH and I had, so at the same time it feels wrong.  When talking about girl names in the beginning we wanted a normal, yet uncommon name, and I still do, but this name totally throws everything off.  The name Reese popped up randomly and we both really liked it even though it feels trendy and is getting popular.  I try to refer to baby as different names also (the other names on our list Renee, Colette, Maggie (Magdelen)), but it doesn't feel the same right now.  DH isn't trying to change my mind either, he says if I "feel" like the name fits, he's not going to argue.   

Anyone else have a conflict like this? If so, what did you end up doing?  Do/did you regret not naming one way or the other?  Am I being totally ridiculous and totally overthinking this?  I go back and forth everyday.  We won't name her until she's born, and we still have a ton of time, I was just curious.

MelodyKate

Absolutely! I'm not even pregnant yet and I struggle with this! DH and I amicably (and quickly) agreed on names one night over dinner before we even got married- it just kind of "happened." However, that was 5 years ago, and now Ava Katherine (our top girl pick) is sooooo common that I can hardly stand it! Both names are family names and I really, really love the name if you take the trendiness out of the mix, but I hate the idea of naming my kid the 2011 equivalent of Jennifer. I know I will probably end up with Ava Katherine, but I can't commit to it until I know there's nothing I like better that is less trendy! And the "family name" thing is hard to get around, too!

And I'm not even pg yet- BFN this morning   So I hear ya! Bigtime! 

 

MrsFinn810

My DD's name is Reese. It was my husband's lifelong favorite name for a girl, so even though it may be "trendy" now, I don't think of it as such. I like it best out of all the names on your list.

FWIW, I love that my DD's name is Reese! It just sounds nice in conversation, if that makes sense. It's short and sweet, girly but strong, and looks nice written out. I'm glad we went with the name my husband picked. No regrets!

I don't think you're overthinking it, because picking out a name for another person is a big responsibility! But, really, if a name feels that right, don't let popularity stop you from using it. If a name you love is popular, it just means that other people love it too, so it must be a great name! Of course, there are exceptions to this rule (LOL), but IMO Reese is a great name!

GL deciding.

frasey

I totally hear you on not wanting to use a name you love even though its trendy. The only thing though, is that I tend to associate the name Reese, or Rhys, with a boy. I know I know.. the actress.. but still. I think its a more common boy's name these days. But I still love it! Just go with it.

braveangel2

We had the same issue. We loved Emily but it was the number one name for something like 20 years. I can't tell you how many Reese posts we have. I think it stems from Reese Witherspoon, so I don't see it going away any time soon. We went in with with the popular name Emily and a lesser-known name that shared some of the same traits. I asked my guy what she looked like more, and he said the lesser-known name. I love her name, and I'm glad we went with something less popular.

TheWop

feffy11:

It can be hard!

Remember that you'll be [name]'s mom. Do you want to be [name]'s mom, or is that not you?

Or try looking in the mirror and saying: "It's nice to meet you, I'm [name]."

Also, try this: https://www.babynamegenie.com/baby-name-test-drive.php

 

Edit for clarity. Also, I think all your names are great.

Thank you.

I have tried it all.  Saying it in every situation I can think of- even angry ones!

dairygirl19

WOP! You know I love you and I think you're overthinking this.

If you love it and it feels right, go for it! It's all that matters in the end.

You know I'm about as boring as it comes in the name department and I don't think Reese is trendy at all, but still normal and nice. Trendy is subjective depending on where you live and who you know. It's popular here in Bumpland for example but I don't know a single one in real life.

Colette is nice too! It's on our list after my Mom.

I have internal conflicts about names and our rules all the time. Now I have a list a mile long I can't decide on for one reason or another. I've finally hit the screw it point, took off anything with a valid "no" reason and plan to go with my gut/what I love on the rest.

kmwills

Go with your gut.  If you love Reese, do it!  As far as it being trendy, I grew up with a girl named Reese in the '80s, so while it wasn't as popular then, the name has been around for awhile.

Mcbaby82

Im right there with you... I can't seem to get Addison out of my head. My husband and I have loved it for years... and after some infertility and plently of time... It is all I can picture! However, it is trendy ... and becoming overused.. but i still can't seem to get my head away from it!

 

Good luck deciding.. I have no answers

Allie30

I think you have to balance it out in your head. I was against "trendy" but the only name we really liked that was "trendy" was Sophia. (which is #4 or something on SSA). Reese isn't even in the top 100, so don't worry abotu it TOO much. She's not going to be one of a dozen in her class.

If I absolutely LOVED Sophia more than any name ever, I might have done it. As it was, I picked a name that wasn't in the top 200 and since my baby was born, I've met five others! Turns out that just because it's a low trend nationally doesn't mean it's not popular locally (it's #50 in DC!)

If Reese feels right, go with Reese. 

Clerk9

I'm wrestling with a similar issue.  The name that I feel like is most *right* for our LO (which, interestingly, isn't my favorite choice!) isn't popular or trendy.  But it's the one that I'm most concerned about with potential trouble for bad nicknames.  It's impossible to predict whether this will ever be an issue or not, so I don't know if my hesitation is warranted or if I'm totally overthinking it.  It's so tough to try & figure out what will be best for this little person who we haven't even met yet!  

But I think that Reese is a lovely name &, if it really feels right, I think you should go with it.     GL with whatever you decide!!!

manda326

If you feel right calling your daughter Reese then go for it. You have got to like the name and don't go against your feeling because its seems trendy. Personally I don't see how the name is that trendy because I have yet to meet a Reese, male or female.