Hal and Harry?

[DIThursday]

Baby due any day now and if it's a boy we've settled on Henry but to be known as Hal. Problem is we have a nephew called Harry (who we see very regularly).
Always thought it would be ok but am now having a wobble that we're essentially using the same name.

Do we need to reconsider?

I don’t think it’s really an issue. My ds has the same name as one of his cousins but known slightly differently eg Charles and Charlie. Is the nephew actually Harry or is it just a nickname and he’s officially Henry? If it’s the former then I don’t think there’s an issue at all. The latter, maybe mention it to dsis/ dbro and see how they feel.

You can't dictate shortenings once a child gets to be old enough to have opinions-you have to be prepared for him wanting to be Harry as well.

Harry used to be a nickname to Henry, but nowadays Harry is a name in its own right.
I would used it if that’s what you like.

I personally adore the names Henry / Harry and love traditional names. For me , those names have real personal connection and I can’t go into detail for outing reasons.

Can’t stand it when people say but they’re too popular etc. Yes, they are but that’s why- because they’re lovely names and to you, they’ll be the only Henry that there is.

Much better than going for these ridiculous made up names nowadays like Trainer, shoelace etc ..

Good luck

I don't think you HAVE to reconsider, however in the circumstances I would. As a pp has said, what if he wants to be known as Harry later on, you can't dictate nicknames. Just shows a lack of creativity IMO when there are so many lovely boys names out there. Let us help you find a new one for your DS!

Names in a similar vein (popular classics, with nickname options):

Arthur - Art/Artie
Oscar - Ozzie
Alfred - Alfie
Charles - Charlie

Thanks for the replies. Harry is just Harry (if he was Henry with NN Harry we wouldn't use it).

DH is pretty set on Hal so think we would struggle to choose something else.

We'll maybe just go with Hal for actual name to avoid any future instance of Harry being used.

Hal is short for Harry too isn't it?

All the Henry's I know are just called Henry.
I do know a boy called Hal, his name is Hallum.

From experience, if you call him Hal from day one, he will be Hal. If he doesn’t identify as Harry then it’s unlikely he will turn around and decide to be Harry like his cousin? Most Henrys are not shortened to Harry nowadays anyway are they? I only know of the prince doing this lol (teacher-so see lots of names)

I've never known Henry and Harry to be versions of each other. (Both very cute but Henry definitely my favourite!)

Harry is a long established "shortening" of Harry. Cf The Duke of Sussex.

Hal with cousin Harry is fine imo, and I’d go with Henry on the bc.

I know a grown up Hal. Is real name is Harry. Don't think that Harry was ever short for Henry.

As a PP said Prince Harry is actually Prince Henry.

Harry is to Henry as Jack is to John

(Or Meg is to Margaret)

Exactly what Nona said

I had no idea Harry was a nn for Henry 🤔 two separate names to me !

I think if he's known as Henry/Hal then he's unlikely to just randomly decide to want to be Harry. Especially if he has a cousin by that name.

I'd go for it , don't let it put you off. Harry and Henry are different names it's not like you're calling him the exact same name !

Thanks all - think we will just go with our original plan of Henry/Hal.

Of course this could all be moot and baby will be a girl anyway.