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Baby names

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

Original poster

Is it naff to call a baby boy my surname

106 replies

IDontLikeMondays88 · 29/03/2020 21:45

For example names like Christie, Nichol, Miller, Walker, Ellis are originally surnames and I know men with these names.

But would it be naff to call baby my maiden name? (Not one of the above).

Baby will take my DH’s surname.

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Whatsyourflava · 30/03/2020 11:30

OP I’m the one that said about divorce. My own mother just chose a new random surname when she divorced (no real reason that was just what she wanted to do). Could be an option for you too

Original poster
IDontLikeMondays88 · 30/03/2020 10:47

So I am not too concerned about the second child concern, as I am 41, so thinking a second child quite unlikely.

However the fact that I do still use my maiden name a bit I take on board. Also the point about divorce.

Sorry not to say the name but as I said it would be outing and I actually am not sure what the name actually is, changes the principal of what I’m asking.

OP posts:
userabcname · 30/03/2020 09:23

Yes I think it's a nice idea. I'd only say what happens if you have another son? Should you maybe use it as a middle name so you can give it to both? If you don't mind not having it available for a future second son or plan on an only child then go for it!

Whatsyourflava · 30/03/2020 08:55

If you and DH were to get divorced ( sadly very very common ) what surname would you use?

Whatsyourflava · 30/03/2020 08:55

Sorry I can’t really help much if you can’t tell us the name @IDontLikeMondays88

Couldn’t you set up a new MN account and start a new thread

TheYearOfTheDog · 30/03/2020 08:33

It was a tradition that worked better when women didn't keep their own names and didn't get divorced.

Now, at work, as a Tucker (example) I'd hate to be referring to my son Tucker. (I'm substituting Tucker with my own surname in my head). It'd just be a bit odd.

Sparklypurpleunicornsaremyfav · 30/03/2020 00:56

My grandma had her mum's maiden name as middle name, my grandpa had his mum's maiden name as his middle name, they then gave their first born son my grandpas/great grandma's maiden name as middle name so therefore my grandpa and uncle had my great grandma's maiden name as a middle name, just as my son has mine. I think it's a great tradition

M0mmyneedswine · 30/03/2020 00:42

As you sometimes use your maiden name i wouldnt name a child that. A friend of mine has done this and it sounds ridiculous as people think hes called Jackson jackson if they dont know her partner as well

strawberrylipgloss · 30/03/2020 00:19

Are you planning on more than one child? The second child might feel less special if they don't have you maiden name as their middle name?

I don't know why this popped into my head but I had a sudden image of Arrested Development at the name George-Michael. I hope the combination of you maiden name and your h's name isn't a famous name like that. 😂

JKScot4 · 30/03/2020 00:06

If you still use your maiden name at work, people might be confused at your son being called George George 🤣
Middle name is fine not his first name.
My DD3 has her GM maiden name as a middle name.

DrSheldonCooperPHD · 30/03/2020 00:04

DS1 has my maiden name as his first name

eeehbyegum · 30/03/2020 00:02

Owen?

Astronica · 29/03/2020 23:56

I really like the idea. This seems to be something done more in the past than today. I don't see any problem with it, and I love that connection with family that it signifies.

anotherlittlechicken · 29/03/2020 23:48

@WaxOnFeckOff Grin

I do know an Onions family near me. Grin Also a family with the surname Scragg and a family with the surname Dollop and another family with the surname Pratt. I'm not kidding!!! Shock

Grin
WaxOnFeckOff · 29/03/2020 23:40

There are always exceptions Grin

anotherlittlechicken · 29/03/2020 23:33

James Corden's wife's surname was Carey.. And that is a nice name for a girl IMO.

As I said it depends massively on the surname. I mean what if your surname is Onions or Bogtrotter! Grin

Flordelice · 29/03/2020 23:26

I think it’s a nice idea

FourDecades · 29/03/2020 23:23

I used my maiden name as ds1 middle name as it's also a boy's name. However spelt it slightly differently so ds had his "own" name

WaxOnFeckOff · 29/03/2020 23:22

But it's not odd anotherlittlechicken. It works with most names I think.

anotherlittlechicken · 29/03/2020 23:19

Exactly @yearofthedog Having your mum's surname as your first name is a bit odd, unless (as has been said) it's George or something very like that (or something like Taylor, or Tyler, or Harrison which are all okayish names... )

it REALLY depends on the name. The OP not giving it away is understandable but not helpful.

WaxOnFeckOff · 29/03/2020 23:18

Who is James Cordon? Did he call his son Cordon? I do hope not

Well as the thread is about giving the child their mothers maiden name as a surname then that's not the same as given the fathers is it?

It's like mother is called Jane Elliot, get's married and is now Jane Smith, has a baby and calls him Elliot Smith. Completely fine. It works with lots and lots of names and especially in Scotland it's relatively normal for children to have surnames as first names, usually boys but I've known a few girls too. (Ainsley, Lindsay, Clare etc)

TheYearOfTheDog · 29/03/2020 23:14

big difference between getting your mum's surname as a middle name and getting it as your first name.

anotherlittlechicken · 29/03/2020 23:14

@IDontLieMondays88

They are not in Scotland though, or anything to do with Scotland... Those weren't the real names. (I would never post anyone's real names on here... like you won't. Wink )

And the names this woman has sound ludicrous when strung together.

TheYearOfTheDog · 29/03/2020 23:13

No I wouldn't. People suggested this to me as my surname was considered a cool name in America around the time he was born.

I think it would be confusing. Or there would be scope for confusion. It's just unnecessary.
.

Original poster
IDontLikeMondays88 · 29/03/2020 23:11

@anotherlittlechicken what you have described is very normal / traditional in Scotland

I have my mums maiden name as a middle name and no-one bats an eyelid.

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