Same name?

blessedandhopeful · November 2013

We found out we are having another boy! I don't like a lot of boy names to begin with, so naming another son is already seeming to be a challenge. DS1 is Sean, and one of the few names I (kind of) like at this point is Ian. It fits my criteria that it can't be shortened to a nickname, and it is somewhat Scottish/Irish/English in origin. We have a fairly common Scottish clan name as a last name. Problem with Ian is, it technically comes from John just like Sean does. So....they are the same name...in a way....? Am I overthinking this? Would it deter you to have two of your kids share their name's origin? Like, "you couldn't think of anything else?!"

Other names I like but probably won't be able to use are Owen, Colin (the whole colon thing is keeping it at bay), and Reid. Feel free to make suggestions you think might fly!

Thanks!

homediva · November 2013

I wouldn't worry about them having the same root, myself! They are totally different name and make a cute sibling set.

smerka · November 2013

I don't think anyone except a name nerd would know that Sean and Ian came from John. I really like Ian and would have used it myself except it wouldn't work with our last name. What about Connor or Conor?

Nechie122 · November 2013

I agree that most people probably won't make the connection. These days, you could probably even get away with Jack and John.

Since you like Irish names, what about Ronan, Kieran, Liam or Ryan? Or Thomas, Patrick, Keith or Ethan?

But if Ian is the name, it don't think it's weird to use it.

Paradisemoon · November 2013

Ok name nerd here! My MIL named two of her three sons forms of John. The brothers and I crack jokes about this ALL the time. And what makes it even weirder in that my DH's twin has a completely left field name.

Dr.Loretta · November 2013

You're overthinking it

maplesugarkisses · November 2013

Over thinking it

I love the names Patrick and Owen! I also really like Caleb and Caelan

CopperPoppy · November 2013

I agree that Sean and Ian are different names even if they share a meaning. I think it's kinda cute to share a meaning for brothers.

My neighbor is chip (real name is Christopher) and he has a brother named dale. Now those kind of pairings are not cute...you're fine.

MaryBB77 · November 2013

I think Ian & Sean are nice together. Didn't even know Ian came from John tbh.

Other suggestions: Liam instead of Ian or Colm instead of Colin.

Ciaran, Ronan, Connor, Cathal, Cian, Cormac, Lorcan or Niall.

ErinMichelle0909 · November 2013

My little bro is Ian, goes by middle name. He was given that name because it is Scottish for John. This was to avoid saddling yet another generation with the name John Johnson, yet it keeps the tradition alive. Love it.

Belle3184 · November 2013

I like Ian and Reid a lot. Owen is good too.

capulet · November 2013

I probably wouldn't do it. But I'm more likely to know the origin of the variants of John than most people, because DH and all his brothers have MNs that are variants of Jon. I don't think it's a big deal, though.

FWIW, I have a friends whose three boys are James, Ian, and Colin. I like all three names, as well as Owen.

emmy236 · November 2013

I like Ian but I'm a mommy to a Reed so I will definitely advocate that name as well. Also really like Kellan, Owen and Brooks

jessicaluvsjason · November 2013

I think Ian is fine to use, and I like it. I'm not crazy about nicknames either. Reid is on our list, so I love that one.

dreemkin84 · November 2013

I totally think of colon when I see Colin spelled this way. But I like it spelled Collin and then I don't think of colon at all. I like all your names mentioned except Reid. I hear it sooo much. my suggestions: Isaac, Ryan, Orion, Evan, James/Jameson (just think it would make a cute sibset). GL!