Can I use this name?

[Happyhippooo]

So there is a name I absolutely LOVE and can picture my baby with. It also goes perfectly with my first borns name.

Problem is, I know a girl who named her child this a few years ago. She used to be an acquaintance (a friend of a friend) and lives nearby yet I haven't seen her for around 8 years and they would not attend same school.

One more thing, we also have the name surname. So the children would have the same first and second name.

Usually I would never 'copy' someone else's name choice especially someone I used to know. But, I adore this name and part of me thinks, why should I settle for something else?

I've spoke to the mutual friend about this and got the vibe she thinks I should not use it and the girl would be annoyed about it. Also suggested I message her to 'ask permission'?

Helppp please am I overthinking or is it bad to use the name? I haven't copied per say, i also like this name if I was to have the opposite sex.

Use the name!

What's the name? And where is it on the popularity scale. If you can't think of anything else and don't care if you never speak to the other mum again then go for it :) no one owns a name.

Go for it! You barely know this woman. You certainly don't need to ask for permission.

Use the name.
Unless it is ridiculous!!

I don't see how using the name is an issue if it's the child of a friend of a friend?

I would normally say use the name, but exact first and surname in the same area can be a pain. I have a common first name and unusual second, but there's another in my large organisation & I sometimes get wrong emails and it caused issues with my login recently (& I have been with organisation for almost 20yr).

Depends how common the name is really but I would use it.

I would use it, especially if you haven't spoken to the person for 8 years, it really should be insignificant.

Also, if it helps, I went to school with a person with the same first and last name as me and it was fine (they had to use their middle initial for things, I didn't have one) but other than that I'd say it's no different to having the same first name, you don't go around in the real world saying nothing first and surname to talk to or discuss someone, it's always just a first name and in this case if you ever needed to distinguish between the two (which it doesn't sound like you will ever have to) you can use hair colour, the older/younger, height, etc etc.

Ok, so you haven’t seen this family in 8 years, this child is a few years older than yours will be, they’re not going to be attending the same school - and you’re still wondering if it would be bad to use the name?

I can’t see why you should avoid the name TBH. Its not like you’re close to the other family at all, or like you need to worry about your DC ending up in the same year group at the same school.

So yes, I’d use the name if it was one I loved. Although given the surname thing, I’d try and make sure that you pick a different middle name.

You haven't seen her for eight years?! This is overthinking on quite an epic scale.

Thanks for the replies. I won't say the name but it is not a common one. Similar to, Travis or Barney as an example. So not George or Harry popular. I don't know anyone else called it actually. Surname is very common.

Thanks again

Oh use the name for sure! I have cousins with the same first name different surnames and nothing was said

Definitely use it - you have no relationship with this person. Their child is older and will be in a different school. Really not an issue.

Missed that it has been 8 years! I'd use it. It would be weird to contact someone after 8 years!

Eight years?!?!!
I wouldn't give it any thought.

You are best fleeting acquaintances with this person and her child will be several years older anyway. Of course use the name!

It’s fine. There were three Sarah Smiths at my school and it wasn’t a problem. I have two SILs with exactly the same first name and last name combo and nobody gets confused.

Give your DC an unusual middle name like Xanthe?

Use it! There was a name I loved but dismissed it because someone I used to be friends with used it, we still have mutual friends so thought it would be weird. Hubby suggested it though as he liked it too so we used it, it's her name now and I'm so glad we used it!

Def use the name. It was nice that you mentioned it to her but judging by response, sounds like it's not the end of the world if you lose this acquaintance...

Your mutual friend sounds barmy. You do not "need permission" to use any name.
Call your child whatever you want. It has absolutely nothing to do with anybody else. Especially someone you knew 8 years ago!

Yes, it's fine to use it. If you have a common surname then it can't be a total surprise if someone else picks the same baby name. This isn't even someone you're close to.

Use it.

Unless you have an absolute shedload of mutual friends. But it really dies not sound as if that's the case