Are they too similar?

[Smoliver]

Bit of a touchy/tricky subject this one.

Recently, I've liking the name Thea for a girl. However, my Mum had a step-mother named Tia. I don't know all the details, but I've been told by my Dad that my Mum's step-mother treated her terribly when she was younger.

So, what I'm asking is, is Thea too similar to Tia or could I still use the name? Would it be kind of insensitive/disrespectful to use a name that sounds so similar to name that has bad connotations for my family?

Also, I cannot ask my Mum about this as she sadly passed away a long time ago.

Am I just over thinking this or could this be an issue?

Nice way of honouring them both in my opinion...

I think it's fine as I t's a different name. But I do see you would be worried about. Why don't you ask your dad what he thinks?
Also would she be a Theodora, or Dorothy, or just Thea?

I do prefer just Thea but was toying with the name Dorothea and using the nickname Thea

Honouring your step-grandma who was mean to your mum? I don't think the pp read your OP.
Not mad about Dorothea or Thea, but if you like it why not. I would just use Thea if you are going to call her Thea.

It's difficult to express this in a way that doesn't sound crass about the loss of your mother. But the main person who might conceivably be upset is your mother. And sadly she is not here to be upset, so I don't think you need to be as sensitive to the issue as if she were alive. Does she have any living siblings (your aunts and uncles) who you are close to and who might also be upset?

Having said that, I think the names are sufficiently distant, and clearly have different origins. Assuming your accent doesn't pronounce Thea as Tia, then I think you are overthinking it. As someone else said, you could use a longer form name and call her Thea on a daily basis if you prefer to add some extra distance.

Best wishes

I think Thea on its own is a lovely name.

I think, as (a) they are different names, (b) Thea is a well-known enough name, i.e. people aren't going to assume she's names after a family member and ask awkward questions about it and (c) your mum has passed away, I would definitely use it. If your mum was still alive or it was exactly the same name, I might not. But I think it's fine as you've described it.

No, I don't think they're too similar. Completely different spellings and derivations.

Other longer name possibilities?
Althea (my favourite)
Anthea
Theodora

I don't think I could do it, given the background. I found out that My absolute favourite name for a girl was the name of the girl my had cheated on my mum with. My Mum mentioned it after my husband and I had secretly decided on it and we changed our minds instantly. I think I would've made that decision even if my Mum was no longer with us. Sorry OP, it's a tricky situation for you x

Thea has always been on my baby girl list I love it!

I don't really like Dorothea personally 🤭

Nice way of honouring them both in my opinion...

Why would she want to honour the woman who treated her mother terribly as a child? Did you read the OP?

LaleLiLo I like Althea too.

Mixed opinions, which I can understand as I'm having mixed feelings about it. Might just have to scrap the idea of this name. Shame really, but there other great names out there.