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Baby names

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

Oliver too close to Olivia?

20 replies

lillaura00 · 27/05/2015 06:33

hi, my partner and I really like the name Oliver for our little boy, but I have a sister called Olivia. do you think they are too close? I have an aunt with the same name as myself but I've always thought this is odd (especially as my mum doesn't like her sister all that much). should I be worried? we're trying to find a name we like that fits with the middle name of Michael

OP posts:
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icklekid · 27/05/2015 06:39

I thought you were going to say you had a dd called Olivia which might be a bit similar but an Aunt- think thats fine doubt anyone will make a link!

winkywinkola · 27/05/2015 06:49

I wouldn't worry a jot what other relatives are called and how those relatives feel about other relatives of a similar name.

You like the name? Use it. It's lovely.

HoggleHoggle · 27/05/2015 06:50

I agree - for siblings it would be waaaaay too much, but for an aunt/nephew I don't think it's an issue at all.

OurGlass · 27/05/2015 07:45

Going to out myself but I am an Olivia and my brother is called Oliver. Never caused any problems for us. Bit annoying when we lived at home andused to get letters as our initials were the same but on the whole it's fine and it always makes people interested.

QueefOfTheDamned · 27/05/2015 07:56

I know twins called Oliver and Olivia which warrants a Hmm IMO but your situation is just fine.

reuset · 27/05/2015 09:52

In your situation is fine

manicinsomniac · 28/05/2015 01:04

For an Aunt it's fine

I have a cousin called Samantha and one of my other cousins (her brother) called his son Samuel. Samantha was honoured, not annoyed.

FireCanal · 28/05/2015 01:10

Aunt - nephew is fine. Siblings less so!

ShadowFire · 28/05/2015 01:13

Oliver and Olivia are very similar names, but I think it's fine if you're talking about a nephew and aunt.

Although I do think people are likely to assume that you've named your son Oliver in honour of your sister.

abram12 · 28/05/2015 02:33

Absolutely fine! I'm not sure many ppl would make the connection!

vulgarwretch · 28/05/2015 02:52

My nephew has a name which is a male version of mine. He is 8 and I only noticed the connection a couple of years ago. So, you're fine.

mathanxiety · 28/05/2015 06:17

What's wrong with using family names? Many people are honoured, as Manicinsomniac says.

AwfulBeryl · 28/05/2015 08:16

Ah, I think it's lovely. I would be over the moon if my family did this. I don't think it's strange at all.

wesH · 28/05/2015 16:51

Of course it's similar, Oliver is literally the male version of Olivia. But I don't see how it would be a problem with an aunt-nephew relationship

DramaAlpaca · 28/05/2015 16:52

In your situation, fine.

cheymommyaz · 25/06/2015 20:11

2 close i think dont like matchy sib names

scribblegirl · 25/06/2015 20:14

Chey - RTFT

I get your worry OP. I have a sister called Jennifer (very much a Jenny) and I want to use Genevieve. DD would likely be a 'Jen' too (though Gen, but sounds same..) for me it's too close, but with the gender difference I think you'd be ok. I get it though!

PallasCat · 26/06/2015 17:23

I think you are worrying unduly. If a connection is drawn, it would only be flattering and respectful. Many families make connections like this deliberately. If you're choosing the name because you like it rather than out of tribute, that's no reason for you to avoid doing something that often happens anyway!
It's a lovely name, BTW. Smile

ouryve · 26/06/2015 17:30

They would be for siblings (I remember someone with twins called Mark and Marcus!) but not for a child and their aunt!

FuzzyWizard · 26/06/2015 17:34

Identical twin girls called Christine and Christina.... I struggled with that one. How is anyone meant to get their names right!

Oliver and Olivia is fine for nephew aunt.

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