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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To name Rainbow baby after Angel baby

212 replies

MeekPoster · 17/02/2021 15:00

After spending the last few months seeking comfort, laughter and wisdom on Mumsnet as a silent reader, I have decided to make my first post. I will preface this by saying that I am open to all opinions and comments, even the ones that may be difficult to read. My question is simply this: Would it be unreasonable to name a rainbow baby after an angel baby? I lost my first pregnancy at 15-weeks after my water broke early. It was a shock that my DP and I were completely caught off-guard by and are still recovering from as best we can. After the devastating loss, my DP was adamant that he didn’t want to name the baby or have a funeral. However, after a week I suggested that we call the baby a name that had been on our list but was more of an unusual and rare name I was certain we probably wouldn’t have used. After we announced the name to a few family members, we were overwhelmed by the positive reaction to the name we picked out. We were told it was one of the “most beautiful boy names”, “something they never heard before” and “absolutely lovely”. We are pregnant again and expecting another little boy. I have spent many hours searching for names that we love, but in my heart, I keep coming back to the name we already chose to give our angel baby and I don't know how to feel about it. If people can name newborns after living and deceased family members such as a father, grandfather, or distance relative, why not an older brother? I think it important to say that I understand this second child is in no way a replacement for the child we lost. Yes, there are many other names we could choose from. But at the end of the day, isn’t the reason why we choose to name a child something because of the emotional connection we attach the name? My reasoning is that the best way to honor our lost son is to have the blessing of being able to raise a child with this same name and to pour a lifetime of love and memories into it. Would you consider naming a rainbow baby after an angel baby? AIBU?

OP posts:
GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 17/02/2021 21:40

I like the names you have in mind too!

Having looked on line, Adeon (ah- day- on) apparently means / meant “wing” which would be a link to your angel baby.

Heulyn (Hay-len) is “ray of sun” which is a nice link to rainbow

They both have a nice sound in my opinion!

HerculePoirotsGreyCells · 17/02/2021 21:55

I'm so sorry for your loss.

My mum was a rainbow baby and the same name was used. When she was older and found out, she found it upsetting. So I wouldn't do the same thing.

MeekPoster · 17/02/2021 23:55

I am in such a better place now after reading the outpouring of empathy and support from all of you. When I made my original post this morning, I had a lot of nerves and I was in a gloomy headspace. However, I'm feeling better now about this decision and I'm looking forward to picking a new name that will have an equally special meaning. There were several posters that mentioned waiting to get to know my son before naming him and I like the thought of that. I think what we'll do is have our Top 5 or Top 10 list and then after a few days with our newborn, see what fits.
@Same4Walls Thank you, I feel happy that this will hopefully be helpful to others in a similar situation. I've always seen MN as a place where nearly every question and debate has been had. When I couldn't find anything on this topic in particular (granted it could have been the search terms I used) I was motivated to make my first ever post with bated breath. MeekPoster is as accurate a moniker as ever!
@Genderwitched I'm with you, this has been such a moving thread and it's so nice to know that people are willing to take time out of their day to help a stranger in need of counsel.
@JimmyJabs - I think the name Eldwin is adorable.
@saraclara and @rooarsome Thank you for the kind words, they mean a lot.
And finally, to @DeadButDelicious I think you may have found the name. Berwin is absolutely magical and I will share it with DP tonight.

OP posts:
KeyboardWorriers · 18/02/2021 00:03

I am so sorry for your loss, and totally understand how much your pregnancy and feelings right now will be tied up in this.

But having seen this from several angles I think you have absolutely made the right decision not to use it as a first name.

I am sure when you meet your baby you will be able to settle on a name that feels right.

Remaker · 18/02/2021 00:03

I’m very sorry for your loss. I wouldn’t name your child after their brother. Firstly I would want to honour the child I lost with their own name. And secondly I think it is a lot of pressure for the child to live up to the name.

Do you speak about the son that you lost? Do you use his name regularly? If you were to use the name for your second son, how would you refer to his brother then?

GalaKC · 18/02/2021 00:07

I am very sorry for your loss OP. I also lost a baby a few years ago so I feel your pain. My case was different as I lost a girl and my Rainbow was a boy, however I chose Phoenix as his middle name as a symbol/ nod to his sister after her cremation. My son is now 10, a very mature 10 may I add, and last year he started asking questions and I decided to tell him about his name. I was a bit worried about his reaction but he loved it and when I asked him how he felt about it, he just said "proud".
Do what is right for you.Maybe using the name as a middle name is the best way to compromise. Massive hugs.

breatheslowandtrust · 18/02/2021 00:43

So sorry for your loss OP. In my husband's culture (where infant mortality is high) naming a subsequent baby after a lost one is very common, and is a way of commemorating them. I used to think it was really weird but can see their point now.
Anyway, call your baby whatever you see fit, all the best for the rest of your pregnancy Flowers

partyatthepalace · 18/02/2021 00:55

Congratulations OP

But no I wouldn’t, it’s his brother’s name, I don’t think he’d thank you for it.

AlwaysLatte · 18/02/2021 00:58

ThanksIf I were in that situation I would call the new baby something different, just as I would if your first baby had survived.

GrimDamnFanjo · 18/02/2021 01:06

Use the name if you want to.
In earlier times renaming was extremely common.
I'd use the name and give your angel baby a really personal unique name with the other name as a second one iyswim.
If this is ok with you and your do it's really no one else's business.

ChristmasArmadillo · 18/02/2021 01:27

I was always very uncomfortably aware of my status as rainbow baby, and that had she not died I wouldn’t have been born. I think being named for her would’ve really added to that in a negative way. I do understand as I’ve had a stillbirth and then a subsequent baby of the same sex...middle name maybe? Or one that means similar?

DeadButDelicious · 18/02/2021 08:27

And finally, to @DeadButDelicious I think you may have found the name. Berwin is absolutely magical and I will share it with DP tonight.

All of my love to you OP. Thanks

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