Choosing the name...

[Sessy19]

My SS12 was named Liam as both his grandfathers are called William (Bill and Will).

DH and I are now TTC, and I’m already thinking about names. But I’ve always been absolutely certain that I want to honour my own family but predominantly my Dad with William (clearly popular) as the middle name if I have a son. This has become even more important to me since my Grandad passed away earlier this year, he was also a William. And my brother, who is very disabled and in failing health, has William as his middle name too. The name has been in my family for generations.

I just wondered if I now have to give that up because of fear of offending BM.

I haven’t discussed it with DH because I don’t know how I’d react if he turns up his nose or gets defensive of his first-born.

I know that, historically, it was very common for children to honour their older siblings taking names as a middle name. But it’s less popular now.

Is it inviting trouble?

Well, if he was named William I'd be saying be careful. But he wasn't, he's named Liam. I think it's ok, the 12 year old might actually be very chuffed about it - can't know until you discuss with him and dh.

You have very solid reasons for wanting the name, so I wouldn't be too concerned about what bm thinks.

I think it’s absolutely fine. Liam is a different name after all. I think if you used either William or billy or something different as a nickname you could even use it as a first name. But middle name should be no problem at all imo.

William as a middle name, named after all the wonderful Williams in his life, including SS?

I think it's fine and you should use it.

Aww, phew! Thank you.

I’m pleased to see the general consensus is that I’m ok suggesting it

Aww, phew! Thank you.

I’m pleased to see the general consensus is that I’m ok suggesting it

It would never have occurred to me that Liam is a diminutive of William!

It's fine both individual names in their own right now.

I would never have associated Liam with William, either. But when introducing her son to anyone, BM makes the link (although she now says he’s named for her father, not both his grandfathers! Sigh)