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Baby names

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Original poster

'Stealing' a friend's baby's name

31 replies

BonaDea · 08/02/2013 16:57

A v good friend of mine has just 'pinched' our top boy's name. Completely unintentional, and she didn't know we liked it, so of course I'm happy for her (grrr). We actually don't see them very much and don't even live in the same country any more. But of course we have mutual friends. Do you think it would be wrong of us to use it as well?

Another favourite name is the name of the baby of a former (close) work colleauge of mine - NOT an unusual name at all. Do you think that is any more acceptable?

Just wonder whether there is an ettiquette here I should be following or should I just say 'sod it' and use the names we like?

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Hassled · 08/02/2013 21:27

Oh use it anyway. If you're not right next to each other then I can't see how it will be a problem. Your mutual friends won't bat an eyelid.

Rhubarbgarden · 08/02/2013 21:26

I think I'd go back to the drawing board and come up with something different.

HouseOfBears · 08/02/2013 20:55

I would probably go with your favourite name, but have a conversation with your friend first saying that you've wanted to use it all along and you hope they dont mind - I don't know a single person that would actually say "no I'd rather you didn't use the same name, it's mine!" Smile

rachel234 · 08/02/2013 18:56

It is not so much 'stealing' but about 'identifying' so if you are happy for your child to share a name with your friend's child or colleague, then go ahead and use the name. There are thousands of lovely classic names around, especially if you look beyond the top 100 or even top 250. Is there no other name you love?

HariboAndWine · 08/02/2013 17:28

This situation has happened to me except I was the unknowing 'stealer'. My very good friend lives in another country too and I have no problem whatsoever with her using the name too Smile

orangepudding · 08/02/2013 16:59

In your situation I would use the names you like. You don't see each other anymore so it doesn't matter!

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