Connecting to baby's name

[catscantdance]

We've called our 8 day old son Paul William after his dad, also Paul. But now I'm struggling to connect baby with the name. I feel totally bonded with son but I'm having doubts about the name.
I instantly loved his big brother's name and want another I feel totally proud of.
I haven't discussed this yet with his dad as I know he'll be disappointed and I need to get my head straight first.
What do I do!?
I can't think of any obvious nicknames for Paul.
We don't want to use William as a first name.
Do I give it time? (I'm still very emotional)
Some help from r reassurance needed please

No,you don't give it time. You aren't comfortable with the name.and it's a bit much to have Dad Paul and Son Paul.
Give him his own name, and you have plenty of time to decide.

I like the name Paul but it's a dad name these days.

Listen to your gut.

Id talk to the dad as soon as possible. Just say that the name Paul is lovely but it just feels like his name and just doesn't feel quite right for the baby. Come up with something else together. X

I think you need to find another name that you love.

Yeah it’s weird having two sons and the younger one being Paul. Does dad Paul have a middle name he can be named after? He needs his own name poor wee guy.
But in saying that I also know I take around 2/3 months- maybe more- to stop calling the baby “baby”.

Nothing wrong with Paul as a name, it’s pretty classic I would say. I would assume it was a family name though if used these days. Personally I’d never agree to this as choosing a baby name we both like or preferably love is so important to me. I assume you haven’t registered yet as he’s so young. Have you got any other names in mind? I’d definitely consider changing it as you as his mother have to be happy with his name. Also congratulations and be kind to yourself.

I'd much prefer William as a first name than Paul it seems very old fashioned now

Baby Paul is a bit unusual
What's wrong with William Paul? William is much nicer

As well as Paul being a bit dated now, it will also likely cause family confusion since there's no obvious nn (apart from Paulie which isn't that nice). I've found in those situations they often end up known as "Big Paul" and "Little Paul/Young Paul" to differentiate, which isn't great.

Perhaps you could suggest to your DH that you add a different first name because you are worried about this confusion (so "First name" Paul William - 2 middle names aren't uncommon). Maybe have a list of boys names ready that you are more happy with, that he can make the "final" choice from (so he feels included)? He might end up still calling him Paul day to day but at least then you and your son have another option if you want.

Sorry I realise that last sentence sounds a bit patronising towards your DH - what I was trying to say was you both should try to find a first name you're happy with, while still likely including the Paul in the full name since it's important to your DH.

Then use a name derived from William , Bill, Billy , Will, tell everyone two Paul’s was too confusing.

I like Paul as a name and it must be on the resurgence soon in the U.K. It’s very, very popular in Germany, I think. You could Latinise it and use Paulus, which I rather like - like Mark -Marcus, Luke- Lucas etc. However, I do think naming a child after his father, mother is an odd thing to do these days.

I think you can easily change the name, it’s only early days yet and the most important thing is you are honest with yourself. Nothing against the name Paul at all (lovely name) but every baby deserves to have their own name. There are hundreds of names, why create a confusion and have dad Paul and son Paul, no need for that. Good luck and I’m sure you do what’s best for you and your family x

You could give him those junior type nicknames (Junior, JR, Chip - which is for Chip off the old block - etc). Personally I am not really a fan of those! But one of them might work for you?

Or else why not name him Newname Paul William?

Why does it mean so much to your DH? I always find it confusing when a father and son have the same name.

Change it.

Honestly I wouldn't want a child to have the same name as me or partner. It's confusing and weird. He is a person in his own right as well as his father's son.

I think William is fabulous. But if you don't like it just change the baby's name.

Listen to your gut - you've had 8 days to get use to the name and it doesn't feel like it his name so change it.

Such as Jacob Paul William etc if still keeping his dad name and William as middle name? X

Have you registered his name ?

Another one saying change it - sorry love, I know that’s probably not easy!

But you need to be 100% happy with the name, and you’re not!

Thanks for the replies. It wasn't what I wanted to hear but I see now that you're right.
We are going to go with Something Paul William. Not sure yet about the first name but we'll take our time and get it right. In Scotland so have 3 weeks.
Thanks again x

Good result, OP. I've always thought it egotistical naming a child after a living parent.

There's a woman from Towie who's partner is called Big Paul and son is called Baby Paul. Sounds so silly!