same name as friend of husbands?

[mamaesi]

My husband and I cannot seem to agree on names at all. We finally found one we both love...but he has a mate who's seven year old daughter has this name.

I think its no problem, because we see them maybe once a year, never with the kids, and only my husband sees this guy occasionally for an after work drink.

But he feels its 'unoriginal' and copying...what do you all think?

ps- he also ruled out Clara, based on the fact that one of my friends, who lives in america, has a daughter named claire...I think they are different anyway!

It depends. Is the name unusual? If it is then it would be a bit odd to suddenly come up with the same name imo. But then, saying that, no doubt you could stick a pin into the list of top fifty names and find somebody in your circle of acquaintance with a child with that name...

No to Clara because you have a friend in America called Claire!! that's ridiculous. They are quite different to me. And your friend is on another continent. and she's of another generation!! Tell him to get a grip! Clara is lovely.

I think it would be fine to use the names. You'll know someone with most names you consider, if they're not very unusual at the moment.

Use whatever name you like, I think. It is a bad idea to avoid a name you really like because a casual friend has a child with the same name (IMHO). If it were a really good friend who you see often I can imagine it could be a problem for some (not for others).

Clara and Claire are different names and a friend in another country really shouldn't be stopping you using a name you like.

All the best, enjoy this lovely time and try and find a name you are both happy (if you can). Good luck and congratulations.

I'd say fine to use the name, no-one own's a name anyway.

As long as there will be no confusion between the children being close friends or same school then it's fine IMO.

I'd say use the name if its what you want.

On our shorlist for a girl is the name of one of my best friends! I did think about whether we should go for this or not but came to the conclusion that a name is a name - no one owns it and what ever name you choose, someone somewhere will know someone called it!

Good luck!

Use it! Would he feel more constable if he 'cleared it' with his friend? If it's an unusual name this may be an idea but I'm sure his friend will feel flattered!