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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU? Cousin named baby extremely similar name to mine

101 replies

DazedAndConfuseddd · 20/02/2026 08:34

My cousin (husband's cousin but I've been close with her for 13 years) recently had a baby boy and named him Albie. My 2 year old son is called Alfie. Feeling very uncomfortable with how similar their names are. They could have chosen from thousands and I just don't understand how someone wouldn't consider that or my feelings.

We are very close and they will be growing up around each other. She didn't even give me a heads up or check if I had an issue beforehand. I feel pissed off and upset.

For context, Alfie is a rainbow baby who has his own serious health conditions. He was a miracle baby and his name was something we spent a long time manifesting and talking about with family. My husband doesn't see the problem and almost gets annoyed at me for being annoyed.

AIBU by getting upset? I haven't brought it up to anyone and I won't, I just need someone to vent to!

OP posts:
Sartre · 20/02/2026 08:35

But it’s not the same name?? It’s like you have a child called Jack and your cousin choosing Jackson. It doesn’t matter, they’re separate names. Same name and you’d have more of a point, this is a non issue.

SpikeyHousePlant · 20/02/2026 08:35

Get a grip!

chateauneufdupapa · 20/02/2026 08:35

YABVU. They are not the same name, yes they sound a little alike but that’s no reason to be annoyed. She has the right to name her baby whatever she likes.

wandawaves · 20/02/2026 08:36

Of course YABU.

UniquePinkSwan · 20/02/2026 08:36

Ridiculous

Octonaut4Life · 20/02/2026 08:37

They're different names, it's not an issue.

Simplesbest · 20/02/2026 08:37

Yeah YABVU

anxietyangel · 20/02/2026 08:37

They’re similar but they’re not the same. I wonder if your sensitivity is more deep rooted than just about a similar name, because that seems a bit extreme

neleh87 · 20/02/2026 08:37

Alfie comes from Alfred and Albie comes from Albert. I suppose you have to think would you have been annoyed if the two names were Albert and Alfie?
Also they are two years apart so your son 's name is well established.
I don't think I would have even considered giving you a heads up but I also didn't keep our name ideas secret.

SunnyRedSnail · 20/02/2026 08:37

@DazedAndConfuseddd YABU!

Really?? Is there something else to this? Because those names are totally different!

Silverwombat · 20/02/2026 08:37

It sounds like you and her have a lovely friendship and it will be lovely for your boys to grow up together. I get where you're coming from and your feelings matter, but I do think you'd be unreasonable to hold this against her / say anything as I don't think she's done anything wrong. Please use Mumsnet etc to vent and don't let this spoil things between you.

Weeklyreport · 20/02/2026 08:38

Manifesting a name. You are kidding, right?
She's not your cousin. The names are different. No one owns a name. Your child is not any more special than hers. Alfie and Albie are both very common names at the moment, it's not like you've chosen something unique.

Nannyfannybanny · 20/02/2026 08:38

No one has a patent for a name
She didn't check with you or give you a heads up.Seriously..

Applespearsandpeaches · 20/02/2026 08:38

Expecting her to ask permission to use a name that sounds a bit similar to your child’s is ridiculous. I could understand if they had used Alfie but anything else I think you’re being unfair.

ParmaVioletTea · 20/02/2026 08:39

Of course YABU.

It’s not the same name. And even if it were your cousins world doesn’t revolve around your feelings.

We have a lot of shared names in my extended family - they’re inherited and very traditional names. it gives us all a sense of belonging.

So these 2 children will know they’re connected. It’s lovely, really.

TomatoSandwiches · 20/02/2026 08:39

You are being ridiculous.

EmeraldShamrock000 · 20/02/2026 08:39

It is not the same name. You are being ridiculous.

SheSpeaks · 20/02/2026 08:40

Alfie and Albie are cute together. Also extremely current in their vibe, as the fashion for diminutives becoming given names is very recent. Alfred and Albert are different names. Your little ones name is nice, extremely popular and has been in the top 10 or 20 for years now. Albie has come up to the top 20 more recently probably as an alternative to Alfie. That’s trends, when you choose very popular names because you like them - others do too!

enjoy your babies and being a new aunt!

FloralAmber · 20/02/2026 08:40

So Albie and Alfie are second cousins? They have different names and aren’t closely related so it’s fine. Those are really popular boy names.

DazedAndConfuseddd · 20/02/2026 08:40

Wow ok thanks guys. Real person on the other side of the screen here. Obviously not the safe space I thought it was my bad 😕

OP posts:
Mischance · 20/02/2026 08:40

This keeps arising on here. It is such nonsense ... and in this instance not even the same name!
Two of my many GC have the same name ... noone cares a lot. They are just known as Big B and Little B.
Get a grip indeed!

Daisylove1 · 20/02/2026 08:41

By all means, vent here! But do not speak to cousin about this, you’ll come across as precious and unhinged. They’re different names

Thundertoast · 20/02/2026 08:41

Thats not what manifesting means...

SquareSweetsThatLookRound · 20/02/2026 08:41

There will be plenty of Alfies when he gets to school!

Mischance · 20/02/2026 08:41

A jot!

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