Can I call my baby Jessica?

[RedPepperOrangePepper]

I’ve name changed as this is quite outing. My partner has a DD called Holly. I am pregnant with our DD who I did want to name Jessica. This has been my favourite name for years. Growing up all my dolls had the name Jessica and I was thrilled when I found out we were having a girl and I could use that name. But having heard OH say the names together I am starting to worry about what people will say! Are we going to have to pick a different name?

Ooh. I don’t know. I see what you mean but it is a gorgeous name. I think I would just call her Jessica if that’s what you love.

I don’t get the link between the two names . . .

Is it a link to the Soham crimes you’re worried about? Took me a while to twig.

I just had to google to understand why, then it clicked. Are you planning on her being a Jessica - most I've known have been Jess or Jessie so then it doesn't have the same association/sound when the names are said together?

I think if you love the name use it, I would.

I honestly don't think people will even bat an eyelid! I had to really think to see what you meant. It isn't really the first thing that will come to mind meeting a lovely little girl

Go for it!

Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman did come to mind straight away for me. I don't think I'd think about it that much if I knew a sibling set - beyond maybe a "oh that's an unfortunate connection". People their age will have no clue.

I didn't click until someone mentioned soham.

Argh it's a tough one...

I would go for it personally. As it's pure coincidence. Not like you named one Holly first

I’d bet if you referred to the children as Jessica and Holly even fewer people would make the connection. Just use the name you have loved for years.

I just thought 'Oh No' when I saw your SD's name. I really don't think you can. What about something similar?

Jennifer
Jenna
Genevieve
Or maybe Jessie-something? I'm not normally a fan of hyphenated names but it may work for you?

I made the link straight away, but I don’t think people of their generation will have a clue, if they were both yours I’d say no but the fact that you didn’t name Holly makes it fine imo
If you love the name that much then I’d go for it

I think it’s fine. I did think of the soham girls first I have to be honest but I don’t think everyone will, especially not the younger generation.
Jessica is a lovely name it would be a shame for you not to use it. And you could introduce them as Holly and Jess if you were worried about that.

I wouldn't.

I wouldn't either

I'm a teacher, and I very clearly remember the case, but I genuinely would not bat an eyelid at siblings called Holly and Jessica. I think it would be different if one or both were very unusual, but I really wouldn't worry.

My first thought was that it should be fine.

I wondered what the concern would be until I read the posts staying on.

Unless you live in the area of Soham, then I think you should be fine. Also, as time goes on, less people will be aware of the link.

I think it's okay but it's a close call. If you've got another name you like, pick that.

You are overthinking this.

Assuming it's the Soham thing..

I didn’t make the link at all.

I would use the name. I didn’t immediately think of it being associated with the Soham killings.

I wouldn't, even though I'd use the name Madeleine

Didn’t occur to me at all. Call her whatever you want.

It’s what I thought of seeing it here

But in real life I’m not sure I’d be thinking about it in the same way (on here it’s kind of looking for problems, in real life people tend to just accept other people’s names without giving it much thought)

I think especially since they’ll be half sisters so less of a “set” it’s okay

I didn't make the link at all!