Second Opinion on a Surname as a First Name

psumel13 · August 2010

So I posted a few weeks ago about using my maiden name, Callahan, as a first name if we have a girl. Some of you said it might be confusing having family members that still use that name. I was thinking of spelling it Kallahan instead with the nick name Kallie. I know many of you are against using a K in place of a C but I thought it might be a good alternative. Honestly what do you think?

HappyMrsK · August 2010

I don't see how it would be confusing. I think it would be weird to use it but spell it differently. I would stick with Callahan.

plunderb · August 2010

HappyMrsK:
I don't see how it would be confusing. I think it would be weird to use it but spell it differently. I would stick with Callahan.

ditto

Puddlejumpers · August 2010

I would use the original spelling, especially if you are honoring your maiden name. I have a friend who's maiden name was Crawford and that's what she named her little boy. I also know a Smith (named after his mom's maiden name.) I think it's nice. If my maiden was more than 1 letter off from my married name, I would consider it was well!

lfrackie · August 2010

I like it with a K!

braveangel2 · August 2010

HappyMrsK:
I don't see how it would be confusing. I think it would be weird to use it but spell it differently. I would stick with Callahan.

This. If you're going to use it, spell it the family way.

BelleBaby · August 2010

It's the same name. It will be pronounced the same. If you're going with it, spell it with a C.

k*princess · August 2010

Its the same name, pronounced the same way, being used for the same meaning- just now you misspelled it. What is the point? The only way the difference will ever be known is in writing, where it will look pretty awful. Sorry, but its not a good idea.

amwadas · August 2010

HappyMrsK:
I don't see how it would be confusing. I think it would be weird to use it but spell it differently. I would stick with Callahan.

I agree.

Jo&Kel · August 2010

Spell it the correct way. There is no need to put a K where a C belongs.

It is not confusing and is a great idea.

AndLyn · August 2010

If you were using the name to honour your family, I think it only makes sense to spell it Callahan. You can still call her Callie if you like that nickname.

queenbone · August 2010

If you really want to use it, keep the familial spelling.

honkytonk_kid · August 2010

I really dislike Kallahan, but really like Callahan.

It doesn't make any difference in pronunciation, and I can't see how it would be confusing to see it in writing- it would be obvious who you are talking about.

You're honoring your family, I would use the familial spelling.

wheelenl · August 2010

It would be more confusing to use a name familiar to your family and (essentially) misspell it.

PoetSorrow · August 2010

Definitely do not use a K. But have you thought about just going with Calla? You could call her Callie and it would still be naming her after your family but it's a much more feminine way to honor them.

starlight8323 · August 2010

(Still) don't like the idea of using your maiden name (especially if it's Callahan), but if you do use it... definitely stick with original spelling.

kristinrvb21 · August 2010

Love it! We are thinking of doing the same thing for our LO. I was going back and forth with the spelling too. I say we just go for it, honor the name. My brother made a joke that when I call her name at family evens all the relatives will turn around. He is a brat