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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Friend used our baby name (without knowing), should we pick a new name?

57 replies

rosewater20 · 09/02/2020 03:55

DP and I are expecting our first baby (a boy) in a couple of months. We have very different name preferences and have only been able to agree on the name Rowan. We wanted a name that is Irish in origin in honour of DP's family (the middle name will honour two of my relatives). We have gone through about every Irish name, and none of them felt right. We love the name Rowan and spent months referring to the baby by that name.

DP's best friend had a baby boy last week and named him "Rowan." We see this friend and his family about four times per year as they live a few hours away. However, DP's friendship group is very close and interconnected. They think it is odd that we are still considering using the name Rowan and have told us we should pick a different name.

I am of the opinion that no one owns a name and we can name him Rowan if we like. That being said, I am now slightly worried that the name might be too trendy?

The only other name that we seem to agree on is Kieran. But we don't love it as much as we love Rowan.

Do you think we should pick a different name now that DP's friend has named his son Rowan? Is Rowan too popular and trendy now? And are there other names of Irish origin that are similar to Rowan (I don't like Roan or Roman).

Help!

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Bedroomdilemma · 09/02/2020 06:08

Yes, Ronan I think is nicer.
Kieran should be slept Ciaran, no K in Irish I understand. There’s also Cian and Cillian, with a similar feel.

ColdCottage · 09/02/2020 05:44

Id still use the name. They don't live close by and you don't see them often.
Agree just explain that you'd been planning to name your son that long before they announced their sons name so they don't feel you "stole" it. Nobody owns a name. Only person I wouldn't use same name as would be a sibling of mines child.

waltzingparrot · 09/02/2020 04:53

Ronan

Helini · 09/02/2020 04:46

Call.him Rowan. Just explain to original Rowan's parents beforehand to give them the heads up.

eaglejulesk · 09/02/2020 04:22

If you want to call your child Rowan then do so. As you said, no-one owns a name and you don't have to change a name you agreed on months ago simply because someone you don't see very often has used the same name for their baby. I think it's odd that they think you should pick another name, and especially that they have TOLD you to pick another name.

TillyTheTiger · 09/02/2020 04:12

How about Rohan?

MarthasGinYard · 09/02/2020 04:07

Had your DH discussed the name with his BF?

I personally would think it odd if my BF called her dc the same as mine.