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Baby names

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Original poster

Is it OK to use my sister's new stepson's name?

38 replies

beanlet · 25/03/2010 12:57

We're having a boy, and both of us have always liked the name Alexander. However, my sister has just got married, and reminded me that her husband's son's name is Alexander (aged 14). They live on the other side of the world, and won't see each other often, if ever -- is it OK, do you think, to go ahead and call our baby Alexander?

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StuffedFullOfNothing · 25/03/2010 16:32

I'd use it - why not? The son of his new uncle by marriage who he has never met and who lives on the other side of the world? Would be very silly for you not to use the name, IMO.

mathanxiety · 25/03/2010 16:28

I wouldn't use it -- agree with Patsy99. You could maybe use something close to it, like Alec, but using the name itself I would avoid.

confusedfirsttimemum · 25/03/2010 15:26

I'd use it. It's a reasonably popular name, so I'm sure the step son knows other people with his name already. Also, he's 14, not 4...

caen · 25/03/2010 14:32

reasons even

caen · 25/03/2010 14:31

Does your sister live on the other side of the world from you or does his son? If the dad will see your son more often than his own you shouldn't use it IMO for the reason's Patsy gave.

StewieGriffinsMom · 25/03/2010 14:26

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

taegsmum · 25/03/2010 14:24

it might make the step-nephew feel special - as though u had named your baby after him

BridesheadRegardless · 25/03/2010 14:15

They may never see each other.

I'm sure ths boy on the other side of the world would not be too upset that his dads new wifes sister has also called her baby Alexander.

Even if/when they did meet, kids often see having the same name as a 'bond' rather than feeling possesive of thier name.

well my ds's do anyway.

(note: my ds's don't have the same name as each other, that would be silly)

jellybeans · 25/03/2010 13:28

I wouldn't use it and made sure not to use any other family names (even cousins/step family etc).

Patsy99 · 25/03/2010 13:22

Actually, I wouldn't use it. I don't think it's about how often you see them, it's about a child's position in the family. It's important that they feel unique, as if they occupy a special place and this might well undermine that for your step-nephew. Also, would you use the name if it was your sister's birth son? If not, it seems to send out a signal that your step-nephew is not part of the family somehow and your sister presumably wants him to be integrated with his grandparents and cousins. If it would hurt your sister's/nephew's feelings (and I can understand why it might) I would avoid.

SqueezyB · 25/03/2010 13:14

hmm, I don't think I would, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't!

BridesheadRegardless · 25/03/2010 12:59

Of course. that would be a ridiculous rason not to use a name.

FlouryBap · 25/03/2010 12:59

of course it is ok, Alexander is a fabulous name. did she remind you in a 'don't call your baby that' way? if she did she is being silly.