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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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seeker · 05/01/2013 12:06

So Elizabeth and Beth is fine? Sam and Samuel?

cece · 05/01/2013 12:07

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 · 05/01/2013 12:07

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

MardyBra · 05/01/2013 12:07

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

sleepyhead · 05/01/2013 12:08

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

Clary · 05/01/2013 12:08

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

SuperChristmasScrimper · 05/01/2013 12:09

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 · 05/01/2013 12:15

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

MardyBra · 05/01/2013 12:16

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

bigkidsdidit · 05/01/2013 12:18

I would think it was very odd.

SuperChristmasScrimper · 05/01/2013 12:19

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

SirBoobAlot · 05/01/2013 12:23

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 · 05/01/2013 12:24

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 · 05/01/2013 12:27

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 · 05/01/2013 12:28

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

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

Viviennemary · 05/01/2013 12:29

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

AgathaTrunchbull · 05/01/2013 12:38

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.

lockets · 05/01/2013 12:59

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

mrscog · 05/01/2013 13:06

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.

lockets · 05/01/2013 13:14

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Clary · 05/01/2013 13:15

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

Clary · 05/01/2013 13:16

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

GuffSmuggler · 05/01/2013 13:21

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 · 05/01/2013 13:25

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 · 05/01/2013 13:27

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