Would you name your baby the same name as a colleague?

[GlitteryFluff]

I started this job about 11 years ago, and she started just after me. I was full time for about 7 years (she’s part time so would see her once or twice a week), then I went on maternity leave and went back part time so no longer actually work with her (so haven’t worked with her for around 3 years) but still occasionally bump into each-other if either of us are doing extra shifts etc. It’s a small team, and we all get along, know about each other’s home lives, hobbies etc. She’s knitted a teddy for this baby and knitted a blanket for Ds when he was born.

Her name is one of our faves for dd who is arriving within the next week. Would you consider using the name?

Would you ask her how she’d feel/give her the heads up?

No! Name her what you want!

My son has the same name of a client we had who we had regular contact with right up until he was born! Nobody has commented or said anything about it to me anyway. And I came across the name in a random name generator and didn’t realise until a while afterwards.

God no. Name your child whatever you want. She hasn't trade marked it!

If I really loved the name I'd use it.

I wouldn't see any need to tell her about it first.

Yes! I did and never went back to the job after mat leave. Best name ever. So, so glad we picked it, and I did feel awkward sending the announcement to work, but it never mattered really!

Of course I'd use a name if I liked it, even if a colleague was called it.
No, I'd not consult her about it.
Call your baby what you want to.

As you are not that close, I would use it. If you worked together maybe not

If someone asked me if they could name their baby the same as me I'd be and then 💁

I'd also tell everyone that you named the baby after me

A colleague I worked with at the time called their baby my name. My name is very unusual over here as it is specific to the country I and my family are from (and they also spelled it incorrectly) so in that sense only it was slightly strange but other than that I found it flattering that they liked my name.

We had builders in our house for 3 months. One of them had a baby in that time and named him after my DH just because he said he liked his name and suggested it to his DW! It was quite sweet! We didn't think out was weird or anything. It was quite flattering.

raised

That really is quite sweet :)

Give the child your favourite name, op. And no, I don’t think you have (or should) ask her / give her a heads up.

I had earmarked an unusual name for my future dd for years, since I was a teen.

Turns out my DH friend much older friend who had a dgd with the same name. I was honestly shocked anyone else had gone with it and wondered if it was just a nickname.

Years later, when I had my DD and announced the birth / name , a mutual friend made a little remark on FB about how I'd been inspired by the granddaughter.

I was offended they thought I'd stolen it and the man himself also recently said something about how his daughter was annoyed to hear There was another child with the name. My sister replied on my behalf saying

"SHES WANTED THAT NAME SINCE SHE WAS TWELVE"

I couldn't name a baby the same name as a colleague. Same as I couldn't name a baby the same name as anyone I went to school with. It's not that I think it'd be rude or awkward or anything like that...just that it puts me right off a name!

I've loved Christina and Leonie in the past but would NEVER use the name now.

However for you, if you like the name, and you don't really see this person, i say go for it. I don't think you need to warn her.

A colleague of mine named her baby the same name as our line manager....I found it really weird given how difficult our manager is at times

I say go for it. You aren't going to see this woman everyday and I guess you won't see her much if you ever left your job, but your baby's gonna have the name for life. Would you regret not using it? I have a name that at the time I was born was unusual and had some babies that were 'inspired' by my name but my mum was always quite proud of that! End of the day no one has rights on any name and most likely if you're on friendly terms with her she'll be flattered and then won't think about it again!

I've considered naming my child the same name as my colleague. She was very nice and was always cheerful so I thought it'd be ideal. I only changed my mind because there were names I liked more.

If it's one of your favourite's, I say go for it. She sounds nice so the name has a good association with you.

I couldn't, like I couldn't name my baby after someone I went to school with.

But if you feel like you can, you want to, and you love the name, do it. Your baby, your choice of name.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts.

So without revealing which name is the colleagues, which of these do you like most/dislike?

Ds is Elijah.

Norah
Eleanor
Evelyn
Edith
Nina

Oh and middle name I would like to be Anne (family name).

I love all your 'E' ones equally, but maybe Edith Anne best. Then Nina and Norah. I do like all of them though!

They are all nice but I absolutely love Norah.

Three colleagues in my department have a daughter the same name as me (Emma), all born since I started work there. I don't think any is named after me, but obviously I haven't put them off the name, either.

Nina best, Eleanor next (but not Ella/ Ellie) and utterly loathe Edith.

Use the name you like!

Nina then Evelyn