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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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Samtsirch · 29/03/2020 22:20

Parents are allowed to choose a name for their child.
If the name causes the child significant pain as an adult , they can change their name by deed poll.

Nimello · 29/03/2020 22:20

Just don't do it. Unless your surname is Horatio or George or some such.

Echobelly · 29/03/2020 22:20

I think it's fine - if you look at some classic novels (Wuthering Heights is one that springs to mind), you will see examples where a man has a first name that is a surname from one side of the family.

concernedforthefuture · 29/03/2020 22:19

I know someone who did this (she wasn't married to the baby's father but was engaged to him when the baby was born). The relationship failed and now she has a child that has the name of her current surname, e.g she's called Mary Harrison and her son is Harrison Smith. It's a bit confusing to be honest.

chuffincold · 29/03/2020 22:18

My brother's first name is my mother's maiden name (minus a 's') and my son's middle name is my maiden name (minus a 's')
They both have their own identity 😁

yatapina · 29/03/2020 22:15

@IDontLikeMondays88 personally I wouldn't, a colleague of mine daughter have her child her surname as a first name and i do think it's a bit naff as her identity is basically the last part of her parents. She doesn't even have a middle name of her own.

My DH is 4th gen of his name, he hates not having his own name (although that's plant because he doesn't like his Dad). We never even considered it for DS as a result!

AJTracey · 29/03/2020 22:14

I think its a nice idea!

Chinks123 · 29/03/2020 22:13

Also my first name is my deceased grandmas name, and we shared the same surname. Neither of us had/have a middle name so I literally have the exact same name she did. I never met her but my dad persuaded my mum to use it as a homage. I love the name but do sometimes wonder whether my grandad likes saying it all the time still.

NuffSaidSam · 29/03/2020 22:11

'I find the comments about identity surprising as many many people are named after relatives, albeit their first names, as that is thought of as fine.'

I don't like that either. He's going to his own person, not a living memorial to 'the family' or some relative. He should have his own name. That's just my opinion (that you asked for).

But ultimately as pp said, do what you want!

Chinks123 · 29/03/2020 22:10

I used my mums maiden name as my sons middle name, ideally it sounded ‘cuter’ as a girls middle name but it works for him too. It didn’t really work as a first name but if it had I would use it. I’ve always loved it and wished it was my surname so wanted to get it in somewhere,

yatapina · 29/03/2020 22:10

@st3tut0y3r having a different surname to your kids doesn't make them any less of a family unit and it's definitely not "distancing" yourself from them.

It's a choice about your own identity, piss all to do with the relationship to the child 🙄

Pixilicious · 29/03/2020 22:09

My cousin has my aunt’s maiden name as his first name. I really like it. It was my maiden name too so maybe I’m biased though... I do regret not giving my DD my maiden name as a middle name though.

Original poster
IDontLikeMondays88 · 29/03/2020 22:07

I use my maiden name at work, and my husbands name more generally. So I do a bit of both.

OP posts:
Original poster
IDontLikeMondays88 · 29/03/2020 22:06

I’m not giving him a different surname from me though - I use my husbands name.

I am interested in people’s opinions - but I though people might think it a bit odd or naff. I find the comments about identity surprising as many many people are named after relatives, albeit their first names, as that is thought of as fine.

OP posts:
Verily1 · 29/03/2020 22:05

Lots of names work for this

Baxter
Campbell
Mackenzie

WalledGarden · 29/03/2020 22:05

Why not keep your name as you’re so keen on it, and give your baby his own first name and your surname?

Skyrain · 29/03/2020 22:04

I know 2 people that did this. I think it’s lovely and a way to keep the name in the family. Mine would not have worked!

Essexgirlupnorth · 29/03/2020 22:04

My friend did this she lives in the states though where surnames as first names are more common and they call him a short form of it.
Wouldn't work with my surname though. It is a nice idea depending on what the name actually is

GoneFishingAgain · 29/03/2020 22:04

Traditionally very common to do this in Scotland.

s3tut0y3r · 29/03/2020 22:03

It used to be common for boys to take their mother's maiden name as a middle name. My grandfather had Baker as a middle name. It's a great idea! Personally though I wouldn't want to have a different surname to my children. I like the feeling of a family unit. Why give them a surname that you don't want? You are distancing them from you imo

purplerainn · 29/03/2020 22:02

But you sound very keen to use it despite people's opinions that you asked for, so just go for it, it doesn't really matter what other people think.

purplerainn · 29/03/2020 22:00

Personally I would just use it as a middle name, but I do know a couple (not married so different surnames) who called there baby the mothers surname as their first name and their surname their fathers surname, a few people found it odd as did I (personal opinion) and it was an uncommon name but each to their own, I wouldn't though.

Original poster
IDontLikeMondays88 · 29/03/2020 21:58

We will use it as a middle name whether it’s a boy or a girl I expect but we do like the name and we are struggling to come up with much we both like, hence me wondering about using it as a first name. Lots of children are named after relatives.

OP posts:
Frankenheimer · 29/03/2020 21:58

I think it could be great as a middle name.

Iwasbornonchristmaseve · 29/03/2020 21:57

My aunt’s son has her maiden name. I think you should do what makes you happy