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Baby names

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

Original poster

Is it my place to say?

30 replies

JoellaStar · 20/03/2023 18:54

My brother has a 2yo daughter and another on the way. They are planning on using a name for daughter #2 that would rhyme with #1s and is the same amount of syllables. Think Mia and Tia or Ella and Bella.

What I'm thinking of saying is not that I think this is terrible or stupid or anything but just to suggest that maybe it would be a better idea to choose a name that isn't almost identical. My dad is on the same page but our mum has told us not to ruin the moment.

What do you think?

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KnickerlessParsons · 22/03/2023 00:52

I know a lady called Gemma who named her daughter Emma. Each to his own.

burnoutbabe · 22/03/2023 00:04

Having thought about it, my sister and my names rhyme. But that's because we both use shortened versions of our full names within the family. Both ending y type names -so Harold and Laurence would be Harry and Larry.

So I assume it's fairly common for that type of rhyming.

Luredbyapomegranate · 21/03/2023 23:10

If you get on with them I think it’s fine to say - it’s sweet - but maybe you should call her Annabel nn Bella so if when they are grown ups they can be more different if that’s what they want

Can’t see any harm in that

user1492757084 · 21/03/2023 00:44

Hopefully the nick names will differ and give some clarity.

SunshineAndFizz · 20/03/2023 21:04

No don't say anything. You said they know they rhyme and they like it - it's their kids they can do what they like. What are you going to achieve except offending them.

FictionalCharacter · 20/03/2023 20:34

You can't do anything about it, but the children might get fed up with it as they get older and might choose nicknames to avoid being mocked at school or seen as the "cute pair". I think it's a terrible idea, but some parents can't seem to be able to see beyond the cute baby/toddler stage.

ShapesAndNumbers · 20/03/2023 20:32

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Whataretheodds · 20/03/2023 20:28

Given they know and think it's cute, what makes you think you'll be able to change their mind?

It's not offensive/suggestive isn't obviously going to expose the children to teasing.

Just leave it

Twoinapod · 20/03/2023 20:23

It’s none of your business so stay out of it.

Marsyas · 20/03/2023 19:26

My cousins rhyme, it has never been an issue for them so far as I know. Like Amy and Jamie. But not that. Nobody in the family ever said anything negative and it was just a fun thing to us growing up.

Roselilly36 · 20/03/2023 19:13

I would keep my opinion to myself tbh OP. Their baby, their choice.

TidyDancer · 20/03/2023 19:10

Oh dear, it's very cringey isn't it? I would feel embarrassed for them and sorry for the kids because people will be judging them for doing this. but I don't think there's really any way for you to comment on it.

Original poster
JoellaStar · 20/03/2023 19:08

"Look, there goes Tim and Jim!"
I wouldn't like it.

OP posts:
Original poster
JoellaStar · 20/03/2023 19:07

Yes well my thing is I wonder if they've thought through having children so close in age at the same school who go by almost the same name. And they might want not want to have matchy matchy names. And as someone has mentioned what about calling out for them. Idk. It's nothing serious I just wonder if they have really thought it through and why there isn't another name they like that doesn't rhyme

OP posts:
JumbledE · 20/03/2023 19:05

The only way I can imagine bringing this up is in a casual way such as ‘I love the name but are you not worried about constantly having to repeat yourself to get the right child to answer?’ Or something else that isn’t offensive but might allow them to explain their reasonings. Might be better than you sitting on the ‘itch’ and then them finding out you’ve been discussing it with other people and it causing more of an issue later down the line. 🤷‍♀️

Wrongsideofpennines · 20/03/2023 19:04

This will inevitably annoy the children. When they're being called down from their room or in from the garden or 'Bella come here and clean up your mess' - it will be frustrating to not be able to hear which child is being called.

Original poster
JoellaStar · 20/03/2023 19:04

They know, it's part of the appeal for them. I find it cringe and feel as though I need to warn them for the sake of their kids. However they're both normal names, nothing youneek or outlandish

OP posts:
ourflagmeansdeath · 20/03/2023 19:01

Ohhh if they know it rhymes, then don't say anything

Babybunting123 · 20/03/2023 19:01

It's up to them. Unless they're giving them a name that is utterly ridiculous or cruel, you shouldn't say anything.

ourflagmeansdeath · 20/03/2023 19:01

I'd say just casually make a comment I suppose?? Like just say "Oh I've noticed how their names rhyme, did you do that on purpose??" in a bright voice, don't seem like you judge it, just make it normal. If they say yes it was, then from then on ignore it as it isn't your place.

Original poster
JoellaStar · 20/03/2023 19:01

Ok, I think I'll take your points on board. I suppose it feels like an itch that I'm tempted to scratch but I don't want to cause any offence so I'll keep it to myself. Mother knows best lol.

OP posts:
nc13467 · 20/03/2023 19:01

I'm sure they know they sound similar. Maybe that's what they like. I'm not sure highlighting such an obvious fact would do anything other than making it clear you think it sounds daft?

Smartiepants79 · 20/03/2023 19:00

I would suspect that that’s one of the reasons why they love it.
unless the name is going to cause actual potential distress later in life then the answer is always, stay out of it! Especially if you value your relationship In any way.

Original poster
JoellaStar · 20/03/2023 19:00

They definitely know they rhyme, and yes they think it's cute.

OP posts:
MolkosTeenageAngst · 20/03/2023 18:59

Agree with all those saying that of the names obviously rhyme there’s no way they haven’t noticed and it’s obviously a deliberate choice to choose matching, rhyming names. It may not be to your taste but telling them that is more likely to be seen as offensive than helpful.

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