Going by middle name?

ald531

Hi ladies,

 I'm a long-time lurker but this is my first post. I'm expecting my second boy in February. DH and I are finally agreeing on names after much discussion, but we're stuck.

We really love Spencer and would love to use Thomas (MIL's maiden name) as his middle name. However, our last name starts with a D, so the initials present a problem. We're talking about naming him Thomas Spencer and just calling him Spencer, but I'm worried that it will be a pain when he starts school. Has anyone dealt with this? Is it a big enough problem to choose another name?

 

We also like Henry Thomas, but Spencer is my favorite! It's a family name on my side so we love the idea of using a name from each side. DS is Jack Tyler (Tyler is my maiden name).

 

Thanks ladies!

sharksfan

Yeah, don't give your kid those initials!  I don't think there is anything wrong with Thomas Spencer and going by Spencer.  I work at a school, and lots of kids there go by their middle names.  That being said, do you have other MN options?

ald531

Luckily my husband pointed out the STD initials because I didn't even notice at first! That could've been bad.

We like William as a MN too, but I'd prefer to use Thomas. I've always been a big 'name them what you're going to call them' person, so that's why I'm struggling with calling him by his MN.  I guess I just need to get over it!

MrsTBird

If you're going to call them by their mn, then I would prefer it would be for family reasons. For example, I have a friend named James Ryan, after his dad James who has a different mn. My friend is called Ryan. However, that's just my personal preference. Plus,the initials STD are pretty bad! If you're totally set on the name, then go for it! 

MrsKatieW

I have six people that go by their middle names in my family. My sister (hates her first name) started going by her MN when she was about 13, beyond professors that couldn't remember/cared that she went by her MN it's never been an issue. And I have an aunt, uncle and three cousins that all share first names with a parent so they all go by their middle names. I don't think it's ever been an issue for any of them.

monlyn9

As a teacher, I have several students that go by middle names for various reasons. I always ask on the first day of school if students go by different names and this is no different that someone going by a nn (like Michael being called Mike).

Personally I prefer Spencer Thomas (that's my DS's name) but I agree with the initial issue. 

anvloveskme

My mom, a coworker and a person I work with regularly all go by their middle names.  I think it's more common than people think.

ap142193

My husband goes by his middle name and I don't think he ever had a problem with it in school.

ald531

It's good to know we won't be dooming him to a life of constantly correcting everyone. 

 

Thanks for the replies!

mamainseptember

Yeah definitely don't give him those initials! I had a friend in school named Alexandra Stacy S. She was tortured! I also had a friend in high school who went by a nickname of his middle name lol everyone thought it was fine!