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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

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Original poster

Surname as a first name...

27 replies

everythinghippie29 · 14/09/2013 23:21

So my DP's middle name is his Grandma's first husband's (who died young) surname. (Hope that makes sense!)

We've been wanting something a bit different and we've been toying with the idea of naming our boy the same name, but as his first name. The more I think about it, the more I like it but I'm a little gunshy to post after the last name I liked got a rather unsavoury response!

It's a traditional British surname, short at one syllable. What do people think about surnames used as first names?

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Floggingmolly · 14/09/2013 23:23

If it's something like Ryan, that'd be fine. I'm assuming it's a lot more unusual if you have reservations? What's the name?

soontobeslendergirl · 14/09/2013 23:31

It's done routinely in Scotland. My OHs first name is his mothers maiden name, my brothers name is my Mums middle name which is her mums maiden name. We almost names our son, my OH dad's middle name, which is his mums maiden name. His actual name is also a name that could be either a surname or first name.

No-one bats an eyelid.

There are obviously some names that work better than others, in no particular order, the names I am referring to above are : Grant, Craig, Austin and Walker. We also considered Gregor, Ross, Kerr, Murray - all could be either surnames or first names.

I'd say the only time that you should be careful is when you have a surname that can also be a first name as it gets confusing e.g

Grant Martin will invariably be called Martin Grant at some point.

fanjodisfunction · 14/09/2013 23:38

Surnames as first names isn't a new naming thing its been done for centuries, so its not a problem in my mind.
My nephew has a surname as a first name Fletcher, and no one has ever battered an eyelid. If you love it go for it, I think its a lovely family connection and obviously means a lot.

TheSurgeonsMate · 14/09/2013 23:41

I like them. But I'm Scottish, and it's more usual here than down south I think. Is it one often used as a forename? Or are you thinking of calling your son "Brown"?

NoComet · 14/09/2013 23:49

I know a Lewis, after his mum's maiden name and Harrison is a surname and a first name.
And Harry, James and Andrew are all used as both, it just depends how odd.

Original poster

everythinghippie29 · 14/09/2013 23:56

Ha, it's not quite Brown, but isn't a typical name. I'm used to it because as I say it's DPs middle name so I see it quite often on post!

It's Hayes. I think it works as a first name and isn't too unusual.

I know his Grandma would be thrilled and we both actually agree on liking it so be gentle!

OP posts:

soontobeslendergirl · 15/09/2013 00:00

I like it :)

NoComet · 15/09/2013 00:04

I think that could grow on me, why not.

Mutteroo · 15/09/2013 00:09

What a great name! It won't be everyone's cuppa, but I like its uniqueness.

elcranko · 15/09/2013 00:23

I really like it!

Original poster

everythinghippie29 · 15/09/2013 00:40

Yay!

I'm glad people like it. I know that some people will def at it but I'm glad its not been universally panned!

Feeling excited that we might have decided on our sons name at last! Here's hoping it suits him when he gets here!

OP posts:

Hooya · 15/09/2013 00:54

Lovely name! I am totally biased as have just given new DS1 a surname name though. Isn't it a lovely feeling when you find "the name"!

hashtagwhatever · 15/09/2013 00:55

I like it

GreggsOnLegs · 15/09/2013 00:56

Ds1 has a surname first name, it was my great grandmothers maiden name.

HopeS01 · 15/09/2013 09:59

Go for it, and don't let people on here put you off!

fanjodisfunction · 15/09/2013 10:19

Go for it OP!

limegreenpickle · 15/09/2013 11:07

I like it a lot! It's great because it is unusual, but it's not weird, iyswim. Also, it's reasonably easy to spell. Cool name. Use it!

TravailsInHyperreality · 15/09/2013 11:10

Lovely name. Strong yet gentle. Go for it!

FobblyWoof · 15/09/2013 11:30

I'm one for very "normal" names and I really, really like this

Original poster

everythinghippie29 · 15/09/2013 11:53

Aww, so pleased with the responses here. Thank you! I wasn't going to make my descision about it purely based on MN feedback but it's nice to see people don't recoil in horror!

Congrats to all those who have had 'Surname babies' too

OP posts:

ChristineDaae · 15/09/2013 11:55

I like it.

RoadToTuapeka · 15/09/2013 12:28

Some surnames as first names are awful. But I like Hayes. I know a Hayes, in his 50s, lovely man. But he has a surname that's very unlikely to be a first name (so no Gordon Adams / Adam Gordon type mixing up of his name).

mrstowers · 15/09/2013 18:06

Really nice and a lovely idea.

TheContrastofWhiteonWhite · 15/09/2013 18:10

I am not actually keen on 'surname as first name' names. It's not my taste so I'm not likely to be madly in love with that type of name.

But Hayes is perfectly fine, and it has a lovely story and sentiment behind it.

As others have said, I'd just be careful he doesn't have a first name type surname though. Hayes James will spend his whole life being called James Hayes, and that could get wearing.

Dramamama · 15/09/2013 18:16

Love it!

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