Using DS1 middle name for new baby

I wanted to do this, and cursed ourselves for using one of our favourite choices for DC1s middle name. Although at that point after a difficult birth I was adamant there would be no more children...

Ultimately chose another name for DC2 as imagined it could create sibling rivalry issues at some stage.

If there's not another name you can agree on, I think it's fine to re-use it as most people won't know your first sons middle name (this part of the reason why I personally see middle names as a way to honour family members or friends, rather than adding extra names a parents likes - as finding a second name you like as much can be hard). But as pp mention, maybe to be fair you should use DS1's first name as DS2's middle name

Are you going to go the whole hog and give the second child the first childs first name as a middle name ? All the names in the world and you can only think of 2 that you like enough to use , seriously .

my dd2 has dd1s middle name as her first name, we just loved the name so much. nobody has even mentioned it.

It’s totally fine. Always amazed at Mumsnet compared to the general population for having opinions on things people in reality don’t give 2 hoots about! I don’t think it sounds like you can’t be bothered at all, the opposite in that you’ve thought about other names, none sit or feel right so have gone back to a name you both love. It’s a lovely connection between 2 brothers.

If my mum had explained she’d loved my sisters middle name so much that’s why I’d been called it I think I’d find that lovely - not awful. Do it!

Would you bat an eyelid if you knew a friend had used 1 of their DCs middle names for a future sibling?

I wouldn't. Your child may think you couldn't be arsed though.

Wouldn't bother me at all. In fact, I've wondered myself about the acceptability of doing this because I'm torn between using my second favourite name as DC1's middle name when it's born, or saving it for a future child. I don't really want to save it in case I have no more children of that sex though!

This happened with my bils. Kind of a quirky thing but no real issues. They are adults now.

I wouldn't. Give him his own name. What if your older son wants to go by his middle name in future, and you end up with two kids with the same name!

I wouldn’t. Give your new child his own name. Otherwise it’s like you can’t be bothered to think of a name for him. Hardly a great start in life.

I wouldn't. Dc2 will no doubt tell you, you couldn't even think of my own name for me, just gave me DC1's second choice name....
Give him his own name.

Kate and William did it. Prince George has Louis as a middle name.

I thought it was odd when they did but not notably or awfully so.

My personal preference would be for each child to have their own names but I don’t think it’s an absolute don’t do it situation.

As long as your DS doesn’t go by his middle name, I think it’s fine. I’d think you were a little unimaginative but that’s the worst. At least it sounds like it’s a name you won’t regret since you love it so much.