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Baby names

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

Original poster

Charley

34 replies

UserABCDEFG · 22/05/2026 15:03

Thoughts on Charley? My cousin has a daughter called Charlie (short for Charlotte), so I want to avoid using the same spelling because I don't want anyone to think that I've copied her child's name.

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NuffSaidSam · 22/05/2026 16:29

I think it's fine to use the same name as long as you're not super close. Even if you are close you can get away with it if there is a big age gap between the kids I think.

I wouldn't go with a silly spelling to differentiate because it's still the same name. The spelling isn't going to make any difference day to day e.g. if you're hanging out together and you call them.

CryptoFascist · 22/05/2026 16:27

Pick a different name. There are many names.

CeciliaMars · 22/05/2026 16:26

It is the same name…

KnittyKnotty · 22/05/2026 16:26

What are the chances of your kids and cousins kids actually knowing each other in the future as I would be tempted just to go with Charlie with the correct spelling.

My DS wouldn't know my cousins kids from Adam.

I literally couldn't tell you the names of any of my cousins once removed.

ExOptimist · 22/05/2026 16:19

Your cousin is going to be irritated that you copied her name. Other people will think the same. The silly spelling won't change that.

TomatoSandwiches · 22/05/2026 16:16

Just pick a different name.

foreversunshine · 22/05/2026 16:14

I echo PP to ask how often you see your cousin.

Regardless, it will still be odd that the grandparents will have two grand children with effectively the same name. You can spell it differently but it's the same phonetic name. Millions of other names to choose from out there - why are you going this route?

WhereTheWeatherSuitsMyClothes · 22/05/2026 16:05

Will your child be a boy or a girl? Will it be short for Charlotte or Charles or just 'Charley'?

How often do you see your cousin? If you have family lunches together every weekend and live on the same street it'd be a big no, If it's just for christenings weddings and funerals, then that's fine. I think the Charley spelling is fine.

Cocktailsandcheese · 22/05/2026 16:04

For a boy or a girl? Would it just be Charley or would it be short for anything?