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Baby names

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Original poster

Is it tacky to give your son their fathers name?

36 replies

SheWillBeLoved · 17/01/2009 21:08

Everyone in my family seems to have done this at some point. Same with DP's. He was quite shocked to learn that I didn't automatically assume that the baby would take his name if it were a boy

I'm named after my mum, have a brother named after my dad, and my brothers and sisters except one have done it too. Always the boys taking the fathers name though, never girls taking their mums names. DP is also named after his dad. Seems to be sort of a family tradition but not neccessarily one I feel the need to continue.

Any opinions on this?

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nappyaddict · 17/01/2009 21:21

As a middle name fine but I think it's confusing as a first name.

Tidey · 17/01/2009 21:17

NotADragonOfSoup

Doozle · 17/01/2009 21:16

I think it's a nice thing to do but if you don't want to, then why should you?

kidcreoleandthecoconuts · 17/01/2009 21:15

I wouldnt do it.

I know in some cultures its a given. For example in Ireland first born boys are often named after their father.

freakypenguin · 17/01/2009 21:15

yep - DH's family has the tradition that the first boy has father's name as middle name and we upheld that.

surely it would just be confusing. even if not for you, imagine the difficulty of your descendants attempting to piece together their lives in a 'who do you think you are 22nd century' style.

we get confused because the victorians insisted on doing it. i think we are duty bound to show we have learned from the victorians' mistakes.

NotADragonOfSoup · 17/01/2009 21:15

Or Big Dick and Little Dick [childish snigger]

Original poster
SheWillBeLoved · 17/01/2009 21:15

See these are my thoughts on it. I've always said to my mum "Why did I get your name? Just because i'm the 7th ( ) that's no excuse to not think of a name and just land me with yours!"

I do think it can be nice if the name is nice, but it also does get confusing constantly referring to my sisters kids/partners as 'big' and 'little'

OP posts:
Tidey · 17/01/2009 21:14

Never found it tacky, but rather boring and confusing, everyone having to refer to 'Big John', or 'Young John' for example... Personally, I wouldn't do it.

noonki · 17/01/2009 21:12

I always find it strange, as if any boy is expected to be a mini version of their dad and visaversa

and that they are not a person in their own right.

DragonLowFatSpread · 17/01/2009 21:11

not tacky.
but not necessary either.
and i personally think it's healthier for children to have their 'own' name.
middle names are for the family names i think.

NotADragonOfSoup · 17/01/2009 21:10

I don't think it's tacky but I do think it shows a lack of imagination. As a middle name it's fine, IMO, but not as a first.