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Original poster

Is this double barrel cruel?!

117 replies

nellyelle · 14/02/2021 08:30

I didn't change my surname on marriage. (Surname similar to McKinley.)

DH also didn't change his surname on marriage. (Surname similar to McDade.)

Is it really awful to burden our child with the double barrel surname "McKinley-McDade"?! I always assumed it would be out of the question, but now that I'm pregnant I find myself considering it....

I know it's cumbersome and doesn't flow well. However, I also know both our families are very tight knit, with strong identities, (partly why I didn't change my name in the first place!) and I think it is important for our baby to identify with both equally.

(I did think originally maybe it's a better option to middle name McKinley, but I'm not sure.)

Talk me down please 😂

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PracticingPerson · 14/02/2021 08:40

@Standrewsschool

Use one sir name as a middle name? Therefore, you retain the name, without making it difficult.
Yes do this
Labobo · 14/02/2021 08:38

I'd drop the Mc from one name and use it as a middle name - not double barrelled e.g. Eva Kinley McDade.

RaspberryCoulis · 14/02/2021 08:38

Surname as a middle name is very normal practice in Scotland. Double barrelling traditionally wasn't. One of the surnames as a middle name is the perfect solution.

mynameisnotmichaelcaine · 14/02/2021 08:38

Yes, I would either drop one of the Mc's for double-barrelling or use one surname as a middle name.

I wasn't married when my eldest was born, but we didn't double barrel because my surname was a verb and DH's can also be a first name, so it would have been very unfortunate 😂

Zampa · 14/02/2021 08:37

I think that the particular combination of McKinley-McDade is fine. However I'm also a big fan of unusual middle names, so using one as a middle name is an appropriate compromise.

CodenameVillanelle · 14/02/2021 08:36

If they are both Mc surnames I would drop one Mc

TheMandalorian · 14/02/2021 08:36

Just amalgamate the name McDaley.
Or even change all your names.

tinierclanger · 14/02/2021 08:35

I think it sounds good actually! I agree you want a short first name to go with it though.

breatheslowandtrust · 14/02/2021 08:35

I don't think it's too bad. Dc don't use their surname much in primary school anyway (when it would be most problematic) so if it means so much to you I'd go for it.

SacreBleeeurgh · 14/02/2021 08:35

Could you do something like amalgamate the surnames and end up with ‘Eva McKinley-Dade’? Depending what the names actually age of course...

Standrewsschool · 14/02/2021 08:35

Use one sir name as a middle name? Therefore, you retain the name, without making it difficult.

Aceray · 14/02/2021 08:35

As someone who grew up with long double-barrelled name and couldn't wait to change it, I wouldn't.

Bluesername · 14/02/2021 08:35

It's a bad idea. The child can still use whichever surname they like, but the combination of both sounds odd.

CherryRoulade · 14/02/2021 08:34

Double barrel names tend to be naff at the best of times. That would be an eyebrow raiser. Having one as a middle, family name would be better.
If you must, could you drop one of the Mc’s. So McKinley-Dade?

lalalalands · 14/02/2021 08:34

I think it's actually quite cool!

AMSAIM · 14/02/2021 08:33

Hmm its not terrible. It is a mouthful. Id say keep first name simple

Eva mckinley mcdade
Leo mckinley mcdade

I wouldnt have
Aurianna mckinley mcdade for example

But why not

2typesofjungle · 14/02/2021 08:32

You really can't do that to a child, please don't do that!

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