following tradition dilemma

OrangeFox · December 2015

So I am just a few weeks away from my due date and DH and I can't decide on a name. My biggest dilemma comes from tradition. My first name is S. But I am also the 5th generation of S. (Great-great grandma on down). My great grandma was the fifth daughter. Her older sister was told she could pick and name and picked her mom's name.

When my parents named me the idea was that I would be called by my middle name. And I was. Until I was in kindergarten and I decided I wanted to go by S instead of my middle name. I don't remember this but evidently I told my teachers that I wanted to be called S. I've kind of gone by both names my whole life since. It has never seemed confusing or weird. My family calls me by my middle name and anyone I have met since the age of six calls me S (including husband, in-laws, professional, etc).

But now I'm pregnant, with a girl. And the question is should I carry on the tradition???? I love my name. I always have. But I am VERY torn regarding naming my child after myself. What do you think? Here are my options:

A. Use S as a first name. Call her S.
B. Use S as a first name. Call her by the middle name.
C. Use S as a middle name.
D. Forget about tradition and use two altogether different names.

bbiutmcph · December 2015

I would do D or C and at least give her a name kind of her own

AL_TwinCities · December 2015

I am all for tradition IF it feels right. Sounds like you don't feel like this is the right choice for your daughter. If you want to keep with tradition, giving her Sibyl as a middle name feels very appropriate, and it is common for a parent's name to be given to the child as a mn. Good luck with your decision!

satuttle1014 · December 2015

If you are unsure maybe go with making Sibyl as the middle name. And that way she could go by her FN or Sibyl.

penelope4612 · December 2015

Either C or D. You could always name a future daughter Sibyl if you have one and you're ready this time around.

magsugar13 · December 2015

OrangeFox · December 2015

penelope4612 said:

Either C or D. You could always name a future daughter Sibyl if you have one and you're ready this time around.

I am 99.9% sure that we won't have another child. If a medical miracle baby shows up down the road I suppose I could consider this option.

Sassenach1743 · December 2015

Either use it as a middle name or not at all. I feel that if you truly wanted to keep with tradition then this wouldn't be so difficult. It's okay not to use it if it doesn't feel right. Do you have any other names that you like?

mylilwildflower · December 2015

Unpopular opinion but since it is such a tradition in your family, I personally would name her Sybil and call her by her middle. Once you tell doctors, schools, etc what name she goes by I don't think it will be too much of a hassle. Or, use it as a middle name but I wouldn't ax it all together.

LadyDi711 · December 2015

To begin, I have to ask - what does your SO think? Does he care either way? Or does he have some name ideas of his own? While I love the idea of honoring family and traditions, if the both of you don't love it or love the name for your child, don't do it - leave it as a MN. It's also a pet peeve of mine when parents name their children something as a FN but refer to them as their MN. IMO, your first name is what you should be called first.

OrangeFox · December 2015

My husband doesn't care. He wants to have a say in the final name but is okay with using Sibyl if that's what I want. I think he would prefer not to call the baby Sibyl but doesn't mind using it as a first name.

Ultimately, he's very easy going and likes most all of the names left on my short list.

nurse714 · December 2015

I am a fan of tradition, so I would name her Sybil, especially if I loved my name.
I chose option C only because you don't seem to be sold on it as a first name, but I wouldn't want to stop the tradition altogether.

VitaLuna · December 2015

I'd put it in the middle name spot.

gemini2005 · December 2015

I would follow tradition and use it as a first name and just give her a fantastic MN. I think it's a nice story to tell people and it's a beautiful name.

PhoebeJune1984 · December 2015

C or D

Bringmemylongswordho · December 2015

Middle it cause Sibyl us an awesome name.

Sorry been drinking.

JadaBlue · December 2015

Another vote for the middle name spot! My husband has always gone by his middle name and it's more of a pain than you might expect.

MamaWren919 · December 2015

I think it should be her middle name.

avalentine81 · December 2015

Middle name

Boonhilde · December 2015

B. Go with it! You know how many men name their sons after themselves!?! Why not women?

OrangeFox · December 2015

Thanks for all the input. Seems like most people think middle name. I'm still undecided but appreciate the opinions.

Knottie1442268460 · December 2015

CaboBride2015 · December 2015

C or D

saham07 · December 2015

I LOVE tradition and family history........so I pick B. Sounds like it worked well for you.

oceanchild · December 2015

B! Tradition

ksteeb611 · December 2015

Sibyl
It's great!

g8trkim · January 2016

I'm really not a fan of naming a kid after yourself. My husband and his dad have the same name and it's super annoying. He hates it! I vote middle naming it to keep it in the family plus it's lovely, but I really feel each kid deserves his/her own name.

following tradition dilemma

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