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Baby names

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

Original poster

Name too close to a family members name

38 replies

justwondering22 · 01/01/2023 11:04

We love the name

Noa if our Baby is a a DD

However we have recently found out that DH has a great Nephew called Noah who has just turned 1.

As we have just found out you can see that we are not close at all. However his one brother is close so he would have a Niece called Noa and a Great Nephew called Noah.

Also DH Mother and Father would have a great grandson called Noah and a Granddaughter called Noa.

We really love this name or wouldn't even be contemplating using it.

DH's family is very very big so loads of names we couldn't use as we are close to them.

What's your honest opinions please?

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Amadeaa · 01/01/2023 13:05

I would use it

user1492757084 · 01/01/2023 13:03

Think of another name. There are thousands of good names.

Noelle
Zoe
Zoa
Moana
Joanna
Bridget
Jane

toastofthetown · 01/01/2023 12:28

If you've been completely unaware of baby Noah's very existence for the best part of a year then it doesn't sound like you're close with that branch of the family so I wouldn't amend my baby name choices on their part. I'd also ignore ignorant comments on Noa as girls name from Mumsnet users. Noa is an established Hebrew girl's name and is moderately popular in England and Wales (ranked 264th at last data collection). People might hear Noa and assume it's a boys name, but that can happen for many other unisex names (Alex, Robin, Charlie, Sam, River, Rowan etc.) and it's just a simple correction.

Ursuladevine · 01/01/2023 11:24

I think the more pertinent question Op is whether you really do want to name your daughter… Noa

Ursuladevine · 01/01/2023 11:22

Also DH Mother and Father would have a great grandson called Noah and a Granddaughter called Noa.

boo hoo 😂

midnightfirework · 01/01/2023 11:21

Absolutely fine if yoy truly love the name. I would keep looking but if your heart is set on it then that's what you must do.

M0rT · 01/01/2023 11:20

I think it's fine because when talking about the children the context will say which they mean.
Especially as they will be opposite sex. "We had Noa to visit today, she's starting to crawl" vs "we met Noah in the park today he had a great time in the playground ".
I have a large family with plenty of the exact same name across and in generations and if they are not nicknamed then the surname or parents name is used when talking about then. So Mary Smith or Mary Jones or John's Mary to mean John's daughter Mary instead of Mark's daughter Mary.
It's fine, I have a common name for my age group and get full named by people who already have a friend or family member with my name it doesn't bother me at all.

strawberriesplease · 01/01/2023 11:19

HeatAndEat · 01/01/2023 11:13

Noa would spend her entire life explaining she is not Noah and is a girl.

Don't do that to her.

Exactly.

Do wish people would think this through more. It makes children so apprehensive and defensive and becomes a part of their personality

Ursuladevine · 01/01/2023 11:19

Op you can’t seriously be thinking about not naming your child this name you and your partner love because of your BIL and in laws and making life marginally, teeny tiny bit harder for them?

ChristmasCakeAndStilton · 01/01/2023 11:18

I'd do it.
They are different generations.

scrivette · 01/01/2023 11:17

I think it will be fine.

My grandparents have 2 grandsons with the same name and their step grandson also shared the name, it was never a problem.

LadyWithLapdog · 01/01/2023 11:16

I wouldn’t have a problem using the name.

HeatAndEat · 01/01/2023 11:13

Noa would spend her entire life explaining she is not Noah and is a girl.

Don't do that to her.

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