To be annoyed they used the exact name

[holeymoleymacaroli]

Just found out that DH's cousin has had a baby (they are quite a close knit family). Had a text to say they had named the baby the exact same first and middle name as our son. DS is 4 and they were both at the christening and have seen him since so they were fully aware of the name. It's not a massively common name so it's not something you expect lots of people to have. I just feel really angry, like they've taken away part of his identity which I know is probably ridiculous. But why copy his first and middle name? His middle name we chose to honour his grandad and they have no family connection to it so I just can't understand it! Just feel like I need to vent somewhere

YANBU that’s really annoying of them! Maybe try feeling sorry for them, they are plainly creatures of very little imagination.

People will jump on to say you don’t own a name and so forth but that’s weird as fuck. First AND middle name? That’s just ridiculous. I’d be annoyed but nothing you can do about it really

That is really strange! I'd be miffed too.

Is it the same surname?

It is strange, even though no one "owns" a name.

Thats so weird of them

Get DH to respond saying Really? Our child’s exact name? That’s an odd choice. What made you do that?

No one owns a name but using both first and middle names of a cousin. Is really weird imo.

So their dads cousins child has the same name....?

Who the fuck cares?

That is really, really awful of them...

And I'm normally the first to say no one owns a name. But that is just bizarre.

How often do you see them?

I know no one owns a name but I d think it's weird to do this, assuming there isn't already a family tradition in place of using the same few family names.

Especially if the middle name is unusual and presumably from your family's side, not your DH's/his cousin's side.

Yes it's weird, unless the middle name is James then that is no surprise even with a slightly uncommon first name.

Are the kids likely to have much of a relationship growing up? It is a weird thing to do but maybe they've always wanted to use this name and it's just an odd coincidence?

My view is probably warped though because I'm from a huge family and share a first name with three of my cousins, and a first and middle name with one, and it's never caused an issue.

They're not a close relative so same first name would be fine but first AND middle if it's not named after a family member or someone important is pretty odd. Are you 100% sure there isn't a reason for the middle name? I'd be a bit miffed too

I think it depends on how close they are to be honest. DH has cousins who we haven't seen for 5 years and we have met their kids (young teens) maybe 4/5 times in their life.
I wouldn't have chosen the same names as it is odd. Angry though? Not really.

It's weird behaviour.

I’d be FUMING!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do they have different last names?

Weird of them, but as the children are not close relatives, it probably won't matter.

I’ve been to many christenings in my time and I can’t remember any of the kids’ middle names.

It’s definitely weird. But it looks odd on their part not yours, clearly your life and choices are so desirable they’ve had to copy you, I’d be laughing at them tbh. What do the rest of the family say about it?

How did you reply to the text? What a weird thing for them to do.

The exact name is strange

I’d be tempted to leave a comment like “son’s name” is really excited to meet “baby’s name”

Me neither. Absolutely no idea what the middle names of cousins’ children are. I’ve seen them a fair few times since birth as well.

It’s possibly a bit odd but I think you’re overreacting.