Same middle name as niece?

[sirmione16]

My sister has had a name and middle name in her mind since we were teens. She gave birth to her dd and stuck with it, however now we're pregnant (yay!) and thinking of names - oh wanted to use a middle name that his mum and his sister share, keep it in the family, nice tribute to them both etc. Then I realised it's the same middle name as my nieces. Now my nieces holds no sentimental value, so I feel a bit awkward about it - would it be seen like I'm copying her? Is it weird for them to have the same name? And I don't want to seem like I'm bragging when someone brings it up when I raise why we chose it? Am I over thinking this?! Help!

Just talk to your sister, I'm sure she won't mind

I think you make it clear that it is to honour your MIL and SIL and it's a happy coincidence that it is also part of DNs name.

Talk to her, explain why. It's a middle name it's fine

Personally, I can't see the same middle name being a problem, have a word with her, if she's upset, pick one similar.

I literally can't think of anything I could give less of a shit about than having the same middle name as a niece/cousin. Honestly nobody sane will give a fuck. Use the name.

I think it's fine! DS2's middle name is the same as nephews first name! Because it's a family name and one we wanted to use. I really don't think it's a big deal.

Thanks for the responses! Glad to hear I'm simply over thinking it, but I will mention it to her first, out of courtesy I suppose.

It wouldn't bother me in the slightest, especially since you have a reason for it. But I'd definitely run it by your sister first to avoid any more "she stole our naaaaaame" threads popping up on MN 😉

Can't see how that would be a problem - certainly wouldn't bother me. One of my niece's first name is the same as DD3's middle name! DN is a few years younger than DD3. Never been an issue!

I gave my dd the same middle name my niece had as it really flowed well with my dd’s first name. I did talk to my sister first though. She seemed quite honoured.

My friend’s brother in law named his son Jesse, then his sister named her daughter Jessica but insisted on Jess as a nn. No one thought it weird except me.

My little boy and both of his cousins from each side of the family all have the same middle name, it doesn't help that both grandfather's have the same first name, which is where there middle names have come from and neither of us have a problem with it, I'd think it be more of an issue if the first names was the same

My kids share middle names with cousins. No one was offended and the kids like it!

I have the same middle name as my cousin and it's never even occurred to me to mind! In fact, I think we quite liked it as kids. I dont suppose my auntie minded either (I was born second).

I have the same middle name as my cousin and DD has the same middle name as her cousin. No one seems to mind, DD's cousin seems to like having her little cousin named after her.

I don't think it's a problem at all, same middle names for cousins? No biggie at all.

It's a middle name so I wouldn't worry.

No big deal. Many cousins have a shared name that honours a grandparent.

I have the same middle name as my paternal cousin hence we also had the same surname until we both married. Never been a problem, it's kind of nice!

My newborn has my brothers name as his middle name. It did cross my mind that maybe my sister would want to use the name if she ever has a son as her and my brother are closer. Honestly if she did use it and the cousins had the same middle name I really wouldn’t mind 😊.

My neice has the same middle name as my daughter, it’s not a family name.

I have the same middle name as my cousin and it is a family name. My mum has the same too.

“DD's cousin seems to like having her little cousin named after her.“

My sister told me that her DD was very proud that my DD was given the same middle name.

I think it’s quite common to share a middle name with a cousin. Usually a family name.

DS and DN share late-FIL’s name as a middle name.