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Baby names

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

Original poster

Cousins with the same name

44 replies

Cocobutter27 · 14/06/2025 19:35

Do you know any examples of this? What is the general consensus?
said name has been a girl name I wanted to use since I was a girl for sentimental reasons. is it now out of bounds?
I am 30 weeks pregnant with a girl and this is consuming me currently. I go from thinking it is no issue to thinking I simply cannot do it.

Girls will have different surnames, nicknames could be use when they are together and they are not likely to be at the same school.

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Koazy · 14/06/2025 21:36

I don’t know any cousins who have the same name. I wouldn’t copy a name always used unless you never see them.

OldGothsFadeToGrey · 14/06/2025 20:29

Yes my whole family. 4 sisters. All named their kids after their dad. We just refer to them by first and middle name, so John Joseph, John Jack (not real names).

My Grandad’s siblings all named their first son after his dad too. My Grandad, his son. And 2 nephews all have the same name. They don’t have middle names and only one of them has a different surname..so for them It’s Fred senior, Fred junior, young Fred, and Fred Smith. It’s not an issue.

Shetlands · 14/06/2025 20:26

Call your daughter the name you've set your heart on. People won't muddle her with her cousin! if they need to distinguish they'll say Milly Smith or Milly Jones or maybe use middle names Milly Jane or Milly Ann. Some might even say Big Milly and Little Milly but outside of the family it won't matter anyway.

Original poster
Cocobutter27 · 14/06/2025 20:19

It is a family name on my side so not worried about looking like copying as that is not the case was just wondering how common if at all this was.

OP posts:
Nicebrightday · 14/06/2025 20:12

Okay if it’s a family name after a shared grandparent perhaps, but I wouldn’t otherwise.

Cadenza12 · 14/06/2025 20:06

Had it in our family, in a family of 4 boys 2 shared names with their older cousins. Never caused a problem. Personally I always thought it showed a lack of imagination.

GreyhoundGal1 · 14/06/2025 20:00

I personally wouldn't. It would be too close for me as they share grandparents, and I'd want my kid to have a unique name within the family. But only you know your family and how close they are.

ARichtGoodDram · 14/06/2025 20:00

If it's a family name it's absolutely fine.

I have the same name as my cousin.

My DD3 has 3 cousins with the same name as her (one has the same birthday as well).

All family names. If it's just a randomly popular name then it's a no-no imo, but family names are fine.

Moreteaandchocolate · 14/06/2025 19:58

Sorry but I’d choose a different name.

BoleynMemories13 · 14/06/2025 19:53

My biggest concern would be the confusion for the shared grandparents. They'll always have to clarify which of their grandchildren they're talking about by adding extra information. How close in age will the children be? If it's a few years or less I'd definitely avoid it as it will be so confusing for them having 2 grandchildren close in age with the same name.

Personally I'd use it as a middle name, but give them their own unique first name within the family. It's a shame giving up a name you love but two cousins with the same name would be much too close for me.

wanted2BThalia · 14/06/2025 19:45

We have 2 x Max, 3 x Oliver and 4 x Paul. All first cousins, although there are 42 of us. I think you use the name you love for your daughter and don’t worry what anyone else thinks.

Shesellsseashellsnotinmystreet · 14/06/2025 19:44

Unless they will share a classroom go for it. My mil's dm had 2 dd's. Gwendolyn and Lynn.
That's odd!

Turtles4543 · 14/06/2025 19:44

Got a few the same in the cousins, don’t think anything of it

MargotTenenbaumscoat · 14/06/2025 19:42

We have family names that are shared by multiple relatives over generations. It’s not uncommon in my friends either.

Coffeeishot · 14/06/2025 19:42

It's not as prevelant now but it used to be. Common to have same name cousins because they were named after grandparents, my extended family has 4 same name cousins. I don't know if its as popular though.

JustAnInchident · 14/06/2025 19:40

Definitely not. That would be beyond weird imo and could well cause a fall out.

bchaslsbfhe123 · 14/06/2025 19:39

If the cousin is already here then no defo don’t use the name.
pregnant at the same time and it’s a name that has been thrown around maybe.

it would also be a lot for the older cousin to maybe think she is a role model for the new baby. This could become weird as they get older.

Berlinlover · 14/06/2025 19:39

My cousin and I live in the same small town. We have the same first name and surname, I’m five years older than her. I know you said yours would have different surnames but if I was you I’d choose another name.

McCartneyOnTheHeath · 14/06/2025 19:37

Don't call her the same name as her big cousin, it'll look like you copied. Pick a different name.