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Baby names

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

Original poster

Can I do this? Or is it weird?!

28 replies

IHateThinkingUpANewUsername · 14/04/2021 08:18

I’m debating giving baby2 (if a girl) the feminised (sp?) version of child1’s middle name(boy), as a first name. It’s not a family name, just so happens we like both names.

Not the real names but imagine:
Samuel Patrick with younger sister Patricia. ‘Samuel’ is only known as Sam, doesn’t get full named often so few people actually know his middle name...
The fact I’m trying to defend the situation makes me think it’s weird though!

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Bluntness100 · 18/04/2021 18:32

No one uses middle names so it’s fine,

Biscuitsneeded · 18/04/2021 18:31

Not at all. My cousins were raised as Catholics (my Dad lapsed, but aunt most certainly didn't). One of the many sisters got given Marie as a middle name. Before too long another sister comes along and gets Marie as a first name!
Weirder than that, have been doing the family tree, and it turns out my grandmother (same branch) had a sister who died of Spanish flu as a baby, and when the next female baby was born they just gave her the same first name!

MimiDaisy11 · 18/04/2021 18:25

It's fine. I doubt anyone will notice the connection. Most people don't know the middle names of others. Apart from my closest family and partner I couldn't tell you anyone else's middle name.

partyatthepalace · 18/04/2021 16:36

It’s fine

MyHolyWine · 15/04/2021 09:20

No one else will know, but the daughter might care. Only got the recycled middle name of my big brother? I wouldn’t do it, not when there’s thousands of alternatives available.

blindmansbluff · 14/04/2021 23:56

Seems ok to me, my niece's both have the same middle name as my sister asked the older one to choose a middle name for her sister and she chose her own!

bumbledeedum · 14/04/2021 23:43

First name* not surname Blush

bumbledeedum · 14/04/2021 23:42

@Vodkabulary

I know a family with 3 boys the middle name for the oldest is the first name of 2nd child and then the 3rd child’s name is the middle name of the 2nd child

Eg
Thomas William
William Stephen
Stephen Daniel

My partners family is like this. My OH's middle name is his younger brothers surname.

Barely anyone realises this and certainly no one cares.

Chilldonaldchill · 14/04/2021 20:19

I think it's fine.

SGChome20 · 14/04/2021 20:16

I think it’s actually pretty adorable, almost like big brother is out there protecting his wee sister somehow. Maybe I’m weird though!

PollyThePony · 14/04/2021 20:15

I honestly wouldn't give that a second thought! Totally, totally fine Smile

Junebabe · 14/04/2021 20:14

I don't think it's weird at all!

Moonface123 · 14/04/2021 19:51

If you like it, then go with it.
I do feel on here there is a tendency to over complicate the naming of a child. In real life most people will politely say how nice it is but have no real interest in child's name, never mind middle names and siblings names.
So you choose what feels best for you.

pigglepot · 14/04/2021 18:52

I do find it a bit lacking in imagination I'm afraid sorry! And Oliver and Olivia as first names is just plain weird!

TatianaBis · 14/04/2021 18:49

There was someone on here called Olivia whose brother was Oliver.

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 14/04/2021 18:16

Agree with pp, since it's only a middle name for your DS, it's fine. I wouldn't do Patrick and Patricia or Samuel and Samantha though! Grin

LizzieMacQueen · 14/04/2021 16:44

What's weird is if it's the 'same' first name. I worked with a Laurence who's sister is Laura.

Cindy87 · 14/04/2021 16:42

My older sister's middle name is Cindy. My first name is Cindy 😂
So no, I think you're fine.

Cindie943811A · 14/04/2021 16:40

I know of a similar case to Vodkabulary’s. Their grandmother says the children love it and it’s made them feel closer. In that case there are, I think, 5 children.
So no need to worry OP quite acceptable!

Original poster
IHateThinkingUpANewUsername · 14/04/2021 11:00

Cool, I’ll keep it on the table then Smile

OP posts:
Luckyelephant1 · 14/04/2021 10:02

No one will notice or care. Agree with PP who said they don't understand getting so hung up on sibling names and whether they go or clash or whatever. I've never come across it in real life, only on MN.

Vodkabulary · 14/04/2021 10:02

I know a family with 3 boys the middle name for the oldest is the first name of 2nd child and then the 3rd child’s name is the middle name of the 2nd child

Eg
Thomas William
William Stephen
Stephen Daniel

Flymetothestars · 14/04/2021 10:00

(And that's the royals who are renowned for going for safest possible options!)

Flymetothestars · 14/04/2021 09:59

Not weird at all
Think you're overthinking

Prince George's middle name is Louis, same as sibling. No one cares

PinkCookie11 · 14/04/2021 08:27

Wouldn’t enter my head to be honest