Really like Henry but already have a Harry - help!

[Spellcheck]

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?

[seeker]

So Elizabeth and Beth is fine? Sam and Samuel?

[cece]

I know someone with two sons - William and Billy,

Go for it I say if it really is the only name you can agree on.

[Clary]

LOL @ Sam and Samual. I know someone who called their children Luke and Lucy which I thought was a bit odd!

[MardyBra]

Don't do it. It's the same name. I agree with the Daniel/Danny analogy.

[sleepyhead]

I'd have thought there was a fair chance that your son Henry would get the nickname Harry at some point.

[Clary]

Doh! Samuel of course. William and Billy for brothers, really???

[SuperChristmasScrimper]

Oh my God please don't do this. There are so many names out there, why let your existng son think he is so unimportant that you gave another child what most people will consider to be the proper version of his name!

[Mosman]

It's the same name IMO I'd think it very strange.

[MardyBra]

I would smile and nod, but secretly laugh at you.

[bigkidsdidit]

I would think it was very odd.

[SuperChristmasScrimper]

Mardy, I don't think I'd be able to swallow the laugh down tbh!

[SirBoobAlot]

I wouldn't do it. And if someone told me they had a Harry and a Henry, I would look at them like they were mad. And would regularly get confused as to which child they were actually talking about.

[susiedaisy]

I know someone who has done this and they were completely unaware that it is suppose to be the same name, but tbh not many people under the age of 25 even realise the names are connected as Harry has become a popular name in its own right, it was the older generation that thought it was odd, anyway the kids are now 10 and 14 and no one mentions it all! So I would say do it if you want!

[Alisvolatpropiis]

I wouldn't do it.

It's like having an Ian and a John. Or an Elizabeth and a Bethan.

Also,everyone will be reminded that Harry is a nickname for Henry as Prince Harry takes on more official royal duties and is called Prince Henry,as he was at his Olypmic appearance.

Harry was a standalone name originally,Welsh,spelt Harri. But I think even fewer people know that! Henry VIII was known as Harry before he became King

[SirBoobAlot]

Bryan and Ryan? William and Billy? Sam and Samuel? SERIOUSLY?

Do people not actually think about sibling name combinations... Blimey.

[Viviennemary]

It's the same name. So I wouldn't. It will cause endless confusion.

[AgathaTrunchbull]

Agree with all those above who know they're the same name. Once knew a whole family of siblings with names based on Charles, i.e. Chaz, Carl, Charlie, Charlotte. It's daft.

[mrscog]

But they're not really the same name these days are they? I was being a bit bombastic saying old fashioned idiots and for that I am sorry, but they are two different sounding names - even if traditionally Harry was a less formal nickname for a Henry - and IMO it is not a 'shortened version' either given they have the same number of letters and syllables. You can't really compare it to Sam and Samuel, or Elizabeth and Beth. Harry has no N or Eh sounds in it and Henry has no 'A' sound.

[Clary]

So Elizabeth and Libby (for example) would be OK on that principle then Mrscog?

[Clary]

Ahh Lockets, Cassius is getting an unfair slating on another baby names thread, go stand up for it

[GuffSmuggler]

I agree with others that say this will upset your first DS.

It is hard enough for older siblings when a new baby comes into the mix without one feeling it's been given the same name as him and people WILL say this to him whatever you think.

[mrscog]

Yeah probably - I would think that one was slightly strange, but not particularly - especially if you used Elizabeth in full all the time for the 1 DC. Or Lizzy and Libby - I'd think it sounded really cute!

[Alisvolatpropiis]

lockets two of Lucien Freuds sons are called Francis and Frank. By different mothers but nonetheless very odd!