Italian name when only 1/4 Italian?

[ohbabybaby]

DH is half italian, we have decided on an italian name to use (after someone in his family), probably as a middle name. DH wants to consider it as a first name though.

My problem is:

1. If baby is very fair (like DS1), and with a welsh surname, I think it will look odd, maybe pretentious, and he will spend his life saying 'yes, I am part Italian honestly'. I don't want to pick 2 names and see what colouring he has when he pops out as I am sure to like one of the names more!

2. If baby is dark (DH very dark and Italian-looking) then yes the name will suit him, but he will look totally different to blondy DS1 and with a completely different kind of name, no one will believe they are full brothers!

3. Also the name sounds so lovely when said with an Italian accent or with a scottish or welsh accent, but we live in England and it won't sound so great with the local accent...

I do like the name though and DH's reasons for choosing it.

Any thoughts?

My first thought was that of all the little Isabellas I've met, none have been Italian; ditto for Nico and Luca. And there's also Romeo Beckham and the one from Showaddywaddy. And Marco Pierre White has a complete mixture.

So I don't think it would necessarily matter at all.

Dying to know ... what is the name?

Vittorio, so not one of the Italian names generally used over here!

Meditrina - you re right, lots of lovely italian names used more often, but this is after someone specific so we wouldn't use a different one instead.

Of course you can use an Italian name! What is it?

Colouring at birth doesn't always say a lot anyway. Both my DC were born with very dark hair and quite dark colouring. Both are now blond and DD is very fair. DS was really quite dark for his first year, I got a lot of questions about him not being DP's / being left in the sun. Disbelieving s. Now he's just vaguely olive skinned.

x posts. Beautiful name .

Well my son has a French name and is 1/4 French. It's also the same as the English version, just spelt differently, so no doubt some people we meet just think I'm a pretentious twat. Those who know us, and whose opinions matter, know that he has a French name for a reason. So, your points 1 and 2 don't matter IMO. I'd be slightly concerned about point 3 though.

You'll get lots of brownie points with your MIL.

I think it would be fine :)

I know of someone who has an Italian name and fair colouring and I've never thought twice about it.

Just seen the name. Don't worry about point 3 - it sounds fine.

If I was having a boy it would be a French name but no connection besides a love of food and wine!

I think its a great name and there are many Welsh people with an italian heritage as well so I think the names usually flow together well.

I know an Italian man with auburn hair, so I wouldn't worry about colouring too much

I don't think it matters about only being 'a bit' Italian anyway..if you love the name, go with it.

I think it's lovely!

My DH is half Italian and we have a DS with an Italian name. Although my DH is very swarthy and looks Italian, my DS is 100% me with light blonde hair, blue eyes and very pale skin.

No-one has ever said anything about his first name and I think it suits him.

If you both like the name, go for it.

Not all Italians look like extras from the Godfather; they can also be fair with blue eyes and blonde hair.

I'm 1/4 Italian with an Italian name (well Italian-ish, it's pretty recognisable). Was fine as a kid, had an Italian surname too so sounded pretty cool. I liked having an unusual name! I shorten it now though, it got too much of a mouthful!

I'm fair too - doesn't matter IMO.

Love the name too BTW.