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Baby names

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Original poster

Really like Henry but already have a Harry - help!

132 replies

Spellcheck · 05/01/2013 10:32

Please can I have some opinions on this! Expecting my DC4 (DP's 1st) in a few weeks. It's a boy, and we are really stuck for names. I am a teacher and therefore most names remind me of some of the children I teach so I don't want them as they are already 'taken' IYSWIM. The only name we really, really like is Henry.

However, my first son is Harry. It's a name in it's own right, I didn't call him Henry and shorten it, so surely as they will both have different surnames, it would be ok to call DS2 Henry?? Some friends have called the idea into question, and now I've thought about it so much I can't think straight.

What would you think if a friend did it? Or should I say sod what everyone thinks and go for it anyway?

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Purplehonesty · 05/01/2013 10:34

Oh go for it. Not many people I know would realise that Harry is actually short for Henry.
Both lovely names Wink

mrscog · 05/01/2013 10:34

I wouldn't think anything if a friend did it and I love the name Henry so I'd just go for it! Henry & Harry sounds good together imo!

mrscog · 05/01/2013 10:35

And YY to purple - I didn't know for years that Harry was a shortening for Henry (how is it a shortening anyway with the same amount of letters???!).

saffronwblue · 05/01/2013 10:36

I think it is the same name, but I am a random person on the internet to you, so I think you should go with what you and your DP want.

Welovecouscous · 05/01/2013 10:36

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ISpyPlumPie · 05/01/2013 10:46

Honestly? I wouldn't but there were quite a few generations of Henrys-known-as-Harrrys further back in my family so maybe that skews my opinion and I know Harry has become a name in it's own right since then. Still essentially the same name to me though, but both versions are lovely.

louloutheshamed · 05/01/2013 10:48

I have a Henry and to me Harry is vv similar, it would be like having a Katherine and a Katie or an Elizabeth and a Beth.

seeker · 05/01/2013 10:50

It's the same name. As any fan of the royal family will tell you.

happystory · 05/01/2013 10:56

I wouldn't do it. Don't think your ds1 will thank you for it when he's older

MoetEtPantsOn · 05/01/2013 10:57

Do as you like (Henry is a great name) but bear in mind that reactions through life will be same as on this thread and with your friends. There will always be people who think that you have two sons with the same name and others who don't.

lockets · 05/01/2013 10:58

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GoldPlatedNineDoors · 05/01/2013 11:00

Well I suppose Jack and John are the same name and I wouldnt think that was odd.

Harry and Henry are too similar sounding for me - its almost like having Harry and a dd called Harriett

MorrisZapp · 05/01/2013 11:02

I wouldn't, sorry. They are the same name.

HappyNewBleurgh · 05/01/2013 11:04

I think they're too alike, but probably because I know they are the same name. I'd also make the John/Jack connection as well.

WhispersOfWickedness · 05/01/2013 11:04

I view them as the 'same' name as well, sorry. Henry is great though!

wigglesrock · 05/01/2013 11:07

Its the same name, I have always known Harry as a nickname for Henry. I would equate it with using Danny and Daniel.

CheeseStrawWars · 05/01/2013 11:12

I think it's the same name but also bear in mind:

Letters will be address to "Mr/Master H Smith" - how do you tell whose post is whose?

Yelling "Henry!" or "Harry!" in park or wherever - hard to tell which name you're calling, from the child's point of view. Confusing for all concerned.

QOD · 05/01/2013 11:13

I know someone with Bryan and Ryan ... Go for it!

NotLongUntilXmas · 05/01/2013 11:15

I didn't realise they were the same name, but then I accidentally named two of my DDs with the same name, one is the French version.

Clary · 05/01/2013 11:17

Harry is a diminutive for Henry - Prince Harry is actually called Henry, and Henry VIII ws known as Prince Harry or Prince Hal as a young man.

So on that basis I think it's the same as calling your children Billy and William. I woudn't do it myself.

lottiegarbanzo · 05/01/2013 11:20

They are the same name but Harry has become a very common name in its own right in recent years and I imagine many Harrys and their parents don't even know it's the same.

What is the age difference between the two boys? If it's large, they may not actually spend a lot of time together as the years go on and will have different friends and acquaintances. With a different surname they certainly won't be confused and only family will necessarily know they are brothers. That's a reason to go for it.

There may be a sense though, that you appear to be 'starting again' with a new family with the new DP, disregarding what went before. That may not be what you wish to convey.

In the end, do whatever you want, of course.

almapudden · 05/01/2013 11:24

I woukdnt. It's the same name. Equally, I wouldn't have a Jack and a John, or an Emily and an Amelia.

AuntieShirley · 05/01/2013 11:33

I am afraid I see them as the same name too. I don't even think they are similar. They are the same name. There must be something else you like?

mrscog · 05/01/2013 11:57

Ignore these old fashioned idiots - call your son's what you like - if someone can't hear the difference between the two they should be calling their GP for a hearing test appointment!

mrscog · 05/01/2013 11:58

Bugger, in my irritation I added a 'panic' apostrophe in sons!