Baby names - honoring FIL

northernvabride · November 2011

So, I was telling DH when we found out FIL was dying, that we should possibly think of honoring FIL in some way with the baby's name. We had a girl and boy names already picked, and neither name currently does this. Now that we know it is a girl, that makes it a little more challenging. So, give me some ideas. FIL's name was John. I was thinking of names that start with J (our current final selection for name begins with an A) or trying to do it in the middle name somehow, but I have no ideas for the name John.

BabyHatch · November 2011

I just read your other post...so sorry to hear about your FIL. :-( F cancer. My thoughts will be with your family.

What about just using "John" as the middle name since you had already decided on "A" for the first name? I know that might sound weird to some people but I actually think its kind of cool because its an unexpected name for a girl. When people ask about it, she'll be able to say it was her grandfather's name.

In full disclosure, DD's middle name is in honor of DH's grandmother. It was her last name (Laroque) and people are genuinely curious about it when they hear it. It's nice bc we get to think about his grandmother each time someone asks.

I_love_cupcakes · November 2011

What about keeping your first name and using a "version" of John, like Joanne or Joanna?

JKM416 · November 2011

Do you have any options regarding FIL's middle name? What about giving DD3 the same initials as him?

My dad's name was John, so he joked with my mom about naming me Johanna. Also, he and his father (whom he was named after) both went by "Jack" in daily life instead of John. It's a bit of a stretch, but something like Jacqueline might work.

Could you use something with the same meaning / origin as John? John has lots of male derivations (Ian, Sean, etc.) so maybe there are some female offshoots?

So sorry you and DH and his family are going through this. I hope you're able to come up with something that you like, and everyone else appreciates your thoughtfulness.

MrsPhilDunphy · November 2011

I've met women named Johna and Johnetta. They're not my favorite names, but as middle names with a special meaning they would probably be lovely. Also, I think Joan and Jeanne are various derivatives of John.

mcatmay · November 2011

Jane might work as a middle name - close to John in sound and not very common these days. Otherwise, the other suggestions you've been given are great.

QueSrah · November 2011

Johanna? What about working from "John" in another language? Giovanna?

You could work from the Jewish tradition of picking a J name generally to honor him.

Sofka · November 2011

the 1st name that comes to mind is Joanna or Johanna or variations of that. Google "girl names that start with J" to get ideas

umdbride · November 2011

My grandma was named Jacqueline after her dad, John, because Jack was a common nickname for John. There's also shorter spellings or variations like Jaclyn, Jacquie, or Jackie.

Does FIL have a middle name that might work better? Or did he have something he loved or was known for that you could turn into a name?

northernvabride · November 2011

I like all these thoughts everyone. FIL is Irish, so it would be nice to tip our hat to that heritage somehow. Also, really like Johanna, but Anna is my name, and so I worry it will look like I am honoring myself.

umdbride · November 2011

northernvabride:
Also, really like Johanna, but Anna is my name, and so I worry it will look like I am honoring myself.

I had this concern about DS's name in that the first syllable is very similar to my name. One of my friends reminded me that DS will only be known as my child (or introduced by me, which was my concern) for such a short time - the rest of the time (and for most of his life) his name is his, indedpendent of mine - I'll just be known as "DS's mommy" to most people. Think about how many people know you and use your name daily but have no clue what your mom's name is.

preissless1 · November 2011

So sorry to hear about your FIL.

Check out this Wiki link regarding John and what it is in other languages, including the feminie form. Personally, I love the name Gianna (Gee - ahna) but I can see where you would worry that it looks like you are honoring yourself.

CapitolBaby · November 2011

I think Jocelyne is so pretty, and most of the letters of John are there.

CapitolBaby · November 2011

Another thought - I think June is so pretty.

kastle · November 2011

I've always loved Jane. June is super cute, though.

i'm sorry your family is going through this.

NowDNAtoo · November 2011

When I read his name was John my first thought was Johanna. I don't think people would necessarily think you're using your name when saying Johanna.---You could also pronounce it Jo-hon-ah or John-uh instead of Jo-anna and that breaks it away from sounding like your name.

tomandcourt · November 2011

northernvabride:
I like all these thoughts everyone. FIL is Irish, so it would be nice to tip our hat to that heritage somehow. Also, really like Johanna, but Anna is my name, and so I worry it will look like I am honoring myself.

Sean is the Irish form of John--maybe you could play off of that? There are lots of good names (and explanations) at https://www.babynamesofireland.com/

amh_navyblue · November 2011

BabyHatch:
What about just using "John" as the middle name since you had already decided on "A" for the first name? I know that might sound weird to some people but I actually think its kind of cool because its an unexpected name for a girl. When people ask about it, she'll be able to say it was her grandfather's name.

My grandmother took this approach with my youngest aunt. My grandfather died when she (my grandmother) was pregnant and she used a feminine version of his first name for my aunt's first name, but then used his middle name as my aunt's middle name. I think there's a lot of latitude with middle names.

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