Would it be weird?

Randa&Jerm

DH and I both kind of like the name Benjamin.  However there are 2 factors that are making me question using it.  The first is that our last name starts with an S so his initials would be BS and we have even considered using James or Jeremiah for a middle name so the initials would be terrible.

But the other issue is that Benjamin is the name of an ex-boyfriend (and old friend of DH) son who is 8 years old now.  We don't ever really see these people so it?s not that close but still see some of our old circle of friends and they would know that the names are the same. 

What would bother you more, the initials or the boyfriend?s kid connection?  Do you think that either of these are a deal breaker or am I over analyzing like I tend to do with names.  It?s not a name that I am completely in love with, but its one of the few names that DH and I are ok with and both like.

zaramarie81

Benjamin is a classic name. It would be different if your ex's son had some really unusual name because then yes, it might sound like you're copying them (which given the circumstances could be awkward) if you two were the only ones in the state with those names. But Benjamin is hardly in that category... it's a great name that many little boys have and isn't associated with just one family easily.

I also personally think initials are overrated lol. Most people never notice them, and the only time I  worry about them is if the initials actually spell out an offensive word. Regarding BJ, the middle name will hardly ever be used or said (but if it bothers you, pick a different mn - I find mn's to be easier to decide on than first names). Regarding "BS"... eh, I don't really see it as a big deal, as again, it doesn't really spell anything bad and people were rarely, if ever, notice, imo.

 

BLPL101

My BIL is Benjamin S. No one has ever mentioned the BS thing.

AwBeth

LOVE the name Benjamin!  Neither scenario would deter me from using it.  My intials (first and last) were BJ growing up, and I am not scarred for life.  It really wasn't a big deal.  And I agree with PP about your ex.  It's a classic name.  I wouldn't worry about it.  Good luck choosing!

MrsWiggles

My brother's initials are BJS. When he was young family sometimes called him BJ but I don't think it's ever been a problem.

Also as far as I know my mom is the only one that ever points out that his initials are appropriate because he's full of BS. 

beaureve

Nothing you mentioned would be a deal breaker for me. Benjamin is a lovely name and I would still use it

MicahBaviere

zaramarie81:

I also personally think initials are overrated lol. Most people never notice them, and the only time I  worry about them is if the initials actually spell out an offensive word. Regarding BJ, the middle name will hardly ever be used or said (but if it bothers you, pick a different mn - I find mn's to be easier to decide on than first names). Regarding "BS"... eh, I don't really see it as a big deal, as again, it doesn't really spell anything bad and people were rarely, if ever, notice, imo.

 This. I knew a boy in grade school named BJ. Real name was Brad James or something like that. It never occurred to us to make fun of his initials. BJ was just his name, as normal as if it were IL or NB or any other random set of letters.

I wouldn't find the ex-boyfriend's son's name an issue. If you love the name and it doesn't have bad associations for you, use it. We've decided on Abigail if it's a girl. That also happens to be the same name of a neighbor girl from my childhood who I absolutely hated. But time heals and changes and now I think it's a beautiful name and can't wait to call our little Bee by it if it's a girl.

jolynn326

I grew up with a B.S., and it was not a big deal in the slightest. The other situation would give me pause, but not keep me from using a name if it were THE name, KWIM?