Would you use this name?

almostjennifer

Katherine is on our list.  We would use the nn 'Kat.'

I have a 23 year old cousin named Katherine who goes by Katie.  I haven't seen her in two years, but will likely see her this summer at a family wedding.

I really don't see an issue with it as it's hardly a unique name and my cousin isn't really involved in our lives (lives 600 miles away), however, apparently her mother (my aunt) got word that we were considering the name and is slightly miffed about it.  Her response was apparently "there are millions of names, why use one that is in the family."

WDYT?

erikaplustim

Is it a first cousin? If so, that would be too close for me.

plunderb

I'd use it. They're not likely to be confused.

Fletch82

I would use it. It doesn't sound like you will see her that often and Katherine is a classic name. It's not so unique that your aunt can say you ?stole it?

bawags

1st cousin? maybe not....2nd cousin, probably.

But if I had to see the aunt all the time and she is the kind of person who holds grudges, I would steer clear of it.

 How about making the spelling different? Catherine is a legit and lovely spelling...you can still call her Cat

bsinno

Joy2611:

I'd smile and say "It's a great name!" to my aunt if she ever said anything to my face. 

Yup, I'd use it.

 

DITTO 

magpie1127

I'd use it. I don't see how anyone who named her daughter Katherine could be upset by it being used by someone else.

almostjennifer

Thanks for the feedback, ladies.  I think we will keep it on our list. 

alohamora

I'd use it.  It's a nice, classic name.

Renee1105

I would use it.

amypogg6

Definitely use it!!!!!  It is a beautiful common name. It is not like she used some unique name that you are copying!!

kayjay10

amypogg6:

Definitely use it!!!!!  It is a beautiful common name. It is not like she used some unique name that you are copying!!

This!  Kat and Katie are not close IMO and you never see this cousin.  Use it!

jallascalla

magpie1127:

I'd use it. I don't see how anyone who named her daughter Katherine could be upset by it being used by someone else.

+1

Agreed, I don't even remotely see the big deal here. It's a lovely name, I say use it!

 

BC&LM

almostjennifer:

Katherine is on our list.  We would use the nn 'Kat.'

I have a 23 year old cousin named Katherine who goes by Katie.  I haven't seen her in two years, but will likely see her this summer at a family wedding.

I really don't see an issue with it as it's hardly a unique name and my cousin isn't really involved in our lives (lives 600 miles away), however, apparently her mother (my aunt) got word that we were considering the name and is slightly miffed about it.  Her response was apparently "there are millions of names, why use one that is in the family."

WDYT?

Your aunt is being way too sensitive about this! I have two cousins I am very close to and see regularly, so I could never use either of their names.  However, if it were a cousin that lived hundreds of miles away, I would totally go for it. Your aunt doesn't have a trademark on the name.

[Deleted User]

I don't see why not. If it was a very unique name I would hesitate, but in this case I don't see a problem.

blu-eyedwife

I actually agree with your aunt.  I ruled out any names that are used in my (albeit small) family for the same reason.  There are millions of names out there, why would I use one that was already being used in my family?

(And for the record, I have two cousin Bens and two cousin Rebeccas, and while they're not necessarily close with each other, my family is close with both and we have to use first and last names to identify them.  And the two Bens just moved close to each other, so even though they hardly interacted for 18 years, they now see each other All.The.Time.)