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Original poster

Using older son’s middle name as baby’s name?

50 replies

Tommymommy33 · 18/12/2019 05:45

Hi all,

My husband and I are expecting baby #3 in a few months. We currently have 2 boys. If we have a third boy, the name we like best (more like the ONLY name we can think of that we like) is our older son’s middle name. (Gabriel in case anyone is wondering.)

My question is- is that strange to take my older’s son’s middle name and use it as a first name? I suppose it does, but is it worse than picking a name we don’t love for our baby?

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Thetimetravelerswife · 18/12/2019 05:46

Completely fine in my opinion

Omashu · 18/12/2019 07:14

There was a similar thread like this recently. I think it’s fine. Not great, but fine.

Lefkosia · 18/12/2019 07:22

My first name is the same as my older sisters middle name. It was chosen for my sister to honour a family member who then passed away before I was born so I got given the same name as my first name. It has never ever been an issue. Go for it.

Oneforposy7 · 18/12/2019 07:23

If it was ok for the Duchess of Cambridge ...Smile

Borodeb · 18/12/2019 07:35

I don't see a problem. A lot of people choose middle names to honour someone, why not their brother.

Astronica · 18/12/2019 07:43

I think it's fine too, and the Cambridges did it. When you're naming one child you don't - or can't really - imagine a future child of the same sex and what you may call them.

1300cakes · 18/12/2019 10:33

I disagree with everyone, honestly I think it's weird. Give the poor kid their own name.

Grufallosfriends · 18/12/2019 10:40

Please don't reuse one of your son's names for his brother. He deserves his own names imo.

FizzyGreenWater · 18/12/2019 11:59

Not great, no.

Like it or not you're just re-using his brother's name. The potential goading if they have a more challenging relationship growing up is not a good thought!

I wouldn't, if he dislikes the idea that his name is a re-use it could be a BIG thing for him.

FizzyGreenWater · 18/12/2019 11:59

Also there are lots of names as lovely as Gabriel! Start a thread!

diddlediddle · 18/12/2019 13:30

I think it's better than picking a name you don't like. What will the middle name be? Make sure it's meaningful so he feels he has his own identity?

Cookit · 18/12/2019 13:36

I think it’s ok. Not ideal but hard to plan it (I mean obviously you could make sure never to use names you like as middles in case but what if you’d stopped at 2 children or had girls and you’d never got to use a name you love?). Prince Louis is a re-use of Louis.

Eeeeek2 · 18/12/2019 13:41

I wouldn’t personally.

Winkywoop · 18/12/2019 13:50

Really dont see what the problem is! Confused

burritofan · 18/12/2019 14:01

Of course you can't give your baby the same name as his brother! Doesn't matter that one's middle and one's first, it's thoughtless.

Persephione · 18/12/2019 17:45

I think it is totally fine, at the end of the day he's your child and as long as you are not using Gabriel as a nickname for your firstborn as well as the name for your third child (they just might get a bit confused!) then I see nothing wrong with it! Go with your heart and what will make you feel happy.

I also love the name Gabriel and that 'iel' sound and I love finding boys names that I might use one day with that ending so I will leave what I have found below, just for some added food for thought!
Adriel
Castiel
Nathaniel
Sabriel
Kestrel

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 18/12/2019 17:51

I wouldn’t. I was tempted as well in the same situation as you are.

Now they are much older I’m glad we didn’t, I think they would have found it weird.

fruitbrewhaha · 18/12/2019 17:56

Kestrel Grin

stitchwitch85 · 18/12/2019 18:08

My friend's younger sister has her middle name as a first name (though with one letter different in their case). It doesn’t seem to bother anyone!

MikeUniformMike · 18/12/2019 21:04

No. I don't like Gabriel anyway.
The Cambridges were restricted as to which names they could use, but you can choose any name.

Hatscarfandgloves · 18/12/2019 23:52

I wouldn't - mainly because it would leave your other son out. But I don't think it's an awful thing to do - just not very imaginative. There are such gorgeous names out there!

TatianaLarina · 20/12/2019 19:25

Gabriel is such a great name I can see why you’d want to - go for it.

BikeRunSki · 20/12/2019 19:29

Gabriel is an excellent nane, but give DC3 his own name. Lots of potential for making him feel inferior here.

misspiggy19 · 20/12/2019 19:31

Please don't reuse one of your son's names for his brother. He deserves his own names

^I agree

Rainbowqueeen · 20/12/2019 19:31

My DH and his brother have that. No one ever comments because as adults no one ever uses middle names.
There may have been a few comments when BIL was born though.

Id go with it