naming child same name as uncle but not after him!?

[Ra88]

we really like the name Thomas , but dp has a brother age 15 called Thomas . will be same surname , we are not naming ds after the uncle but would everyone assume that we are ??

Yes.

Does it matter if that's what they assume?

yes because there are 5 other brothers and we don't want them to be by it

I think most people will think you like the name. That's all.

Thomas is a common name, which really helps. We have several in our family, including DBro and DCousin, 15 months apart. I think people will think you like the name - just don't mention the naming after, even to clarify that you aren't! And no one will think of it. Especially in such a big family.

Ps 7 boys!

sorry just to clarify .. 4 brothers my side , plus 1 other brother on dp side ( then plus dp brother who has the name Thomas)

4 brothers!

Mmmnnn I'm wondering the same. I really like my uncle's name and we'd like to consider it for DC2 but everyone would think it really odd if they thought we were naming baby after him!

What do you say if people (including the uncle) say 'oh did you name him after uncle' saying no will cause offence won't it?

No help OP but I'm interested in this dilemma!!

My DB has the same name as one of his uncles. I'm not aware of any offence being taken, but they were known as "little X" and "big X" - would you be ok with that?

Personally I would never give my DC the name of such a close relative, but it's up to you of course.

Would 15 year old Thomas like the idea?

the db would be fine with it and he would be the one who wouldn't really think baby was named "after" him . to be honest I think it's mostly MIL that will be saying he's named after db, to everyone , and anyone!

I wouldn't do it.

And it sounds like you would want to keep saying 'yeshe'sThomaslikeDHBrotherbutnotnamedafterhim'

There are many many names out there. Could you not chose one of those?

My sister has the same name as one of my dads aunts. She isn't "named after" her but, if she didn't like the aunt, sis would have another name.

I'd choose something else. There are lots of other names out there and really no need to pick your partner's brothers name. I think it would be potentially confusing for your dp's family and that bit less unique for your son if there is already someone in the close family with the same name.

I didn't remember until DS1 was about 1yo that my step-sister's husband has same name. Ooops. I didn't grow up with step-sis, have only met her about 3x.

I avoided all names that were already held by close family members (shame really as there are some nice ones). It's just too confusing when any member of the extended family is talking about one of them. There's so many names in the world, I think it's better to give everyone a name that is just 'their own' (in your close family anyway)

Also consider whether you mind your child becoming known as "Little Thomas/Tom" which is highly likely when there is another, older child or adult with same name in the family.

My DH shares his name with his uncle but is not named after him, his mum just liked the name. He's never had to explain that he's not named after his uncle. It's only his gran that labels them as big X and little X.

I say do what you like. And Thomas is a lovely name, my brother and my grandad