Boys names when father insists on "Bainbridge" as middle name

[ifIsaynodontjustaskdad]

DH has a family tradition, first born male every generation gets Bainbridge as middle name.

Problem is what can I put in front of it. DH has suggested Harris as a first name to appease my dad who only had girls. Two downsides: initials HBL (horrible to his friends ) but also would saddle little lump with three surnames and I have visions of a future of bullying ahead of him.

Does anyone have any suggestions for boys names? I would like to build a collection and do an elimination list

So far I like Joseph and Charlie and could maybe live with Harris if I can be persuaded that the poor thing won't get daily beatings at school but that's it... hence our problem.

Dixon. It's the only way.

Or ditch the tradition?

Three surnames is a bit much I think. You could call him Harry and tell your Dad it's after Harris? (or even put Harris on birth cert but always call him Harry)

Personally though I'd ditch the tradition and choose first and middle names you actually like. He'll be getting his surname from DH anyway (I presume).

Why would you marry someone who has that family tradition???

You don't actually have to use the middle name, anywhere, ever. In any case, it sounds like an additional surname, rather than an additional first name.

I like both Joseph and Charlie.

Maybe you could relegate it to a second middle name. DS has two middle names because exP insisted he should be allowed to choose a name.

You could give two normal first names and then Bainbridge as an extra middle name. Our baby will have four names as my surname will be a second middle name for them. I think that's fine.

Example:

Robert John Bainbridge Smith

The two normal names at the beginning cancel out Bainbridge.

What poorly says. I had a friend who had an extra 'middle' name (Hamilton) with two normal girls' names before it.

Daisy my dad's family has the same tradition, if any of us had been boys we'd have been something Hambley Harris (suppresses shudder).

It does mean a lot to him, he has had it inflicted on him and is bizarrely proud of it.

Minipie I did think about Harry - unfortunately I know a rather vile Harry (another reason I don't want Harris as a first time).

I do like the extra middle name idea, though worried as I am Catholic, so poor little job will eventually get a Confirmation name as well

I rather like Dixon, though I get the feeling I am missing the joke

Agree with others, have it as second middle name. We are having 2 middle names to appease both sides of the family.

Don't read too much into initials, our son will be either HEIH / HIEH, or EEIH/EIEH, both could have teasing potential but meh, I'm not that concerned really.

Yes, I would definitely go for a second middle name. Lots of very posh people have this: posh name, normalish name, family name, surname.

Works rather well, but increases the chance of the initials spelling something unfortunate!

sorry didn't see poorly's post before I wrote mine

I think it's nice to have a family link, if DH won't drop Bainbridge then I'd asked if you can pick first name or at the very least another middle name...?

I agree with Yellowflowers, It's not his surname and for everyday life the child will just be call eg. Joesph or Joe L(Surname).

Not: Joesph Charles Bainbridge L(Surname)

I have a friend with 3 middle name. Filling our forms can be a pain so i'd try and make them short, hard i'm sure.

I want to use my maiden name for our first son so I don't see a issue with it. In Scotland it's quite common to give your child and family name as or part of a middle name. I'd just go with it...clearly it's important to your DH family and Bainbridge isn't that bad..I've heard some shockers.

Not sure if that helps? :) :) x

On initials, you only really need to worry if they spell out 'POO' or 'BO' or something that will automatically make kids snigger.

I wouldn't worry about the confirmation name either. How often do you use yours? The more the merrier with middle names.

Sorry you wanted names:
Harrison, Harris
Henry / Harry
Charles / Charlie
Peter
Jonathan
Joesph
Simon
Andrew
Toby
Rory
Thomas
Guy
Hugh / Hugo
Edward / Eddie / Ted / Teddy
Benjamen / Ben
Archie
Josh

What about eg:
Henry (nn Harry) Rory Bainbridge L(Surname)
Toby Andrew Bainbridge L(Surname)

Hope you find something soon?

I'd drop the tradition.

dixon bainbridge

Thanks EricNorthmans .... I would not have known that, though still liking Dixon, and Highlandlass I actually like almost all the names on your list thank you though Guy, even though I like it, makes me think of hmmm Stephen Mangan {drifts into happy day dream}

thanks, Eric - was beginning to feel rather alone there. I love Dixon Bainbridge.

What about James? That was the only name that leapt into my mind. Good luck

Joseph harris bainbridge surname sounds nice! I like joseph!

Oh dear. I would have to drop this tradition. Bainbridge?! If not, definitely a nicer middle name first and a nice 'normal' first name, like Joesph, Charlie etc. I really like Harry but obviously it does put you off if you know someone horrible with a name.

What about Harrison as a first name? Could be shortened to Harry and it includes the Harrison part.

We have a similar situation with boys taking their father's and grandfathers names as middle names. We named ds after his great-grandfather, so I hope we don't have anymore boys - we used up all the names up already :).

I know a lot of people say ditch the tradition, but I love tradition. It's something that distinguishes your family as being different to everyone else and gives your ds a story and identity.

I would go with something like Joseph rather than a first name which can be used as a surname such as Harrison.
Also you should pick it as your dh has picked Bainbridge.

Don't drop the tradition - it's lovely to have family traditions... that's what having children is all about - family!

Any name will go with Bainbridge, people are so rarely called by ALL their names, it's really not an issue. If you are going along with the tradition surely it means you get to choose whichever first name you like.. whatever you choose will be just right!

John Harris Bainbridge L(surname)

I like the idea of the first name beginning with J since I also like James and Joe.