Name clash - help!

[Mommamommamomma3]

Due with DS1 in 2 weeks! Very excited and we had his name picked from 20 week scan

DH’s brother and his wife had their DD yesterday and they have called her a name which sounds very similar to ours!

Basically they called her Harlow, and our name for our boy was Arlo :(

I’m now panicking that we can’t use it because DH’s family will think we’ve done it on purpose but we didn’t have any idea of the name they were going to choose (they were waiting till birth to find out gender and said they hadn’t picked any names)

Would it be so awful if we go ahead with our name for our baby? It’s what we’ve called him since 20 weeks and we’ve bought stuff with his name on and got his name on his nursery wall. I know they’re little things but for most of this pregnant he’s been my Arlo I can’t imagine not naming him that were so set on the name :(

Yes maybe you're right. I am just trying to drag up criticisms of the name Harlow, but it's obviously too late, the in-laws have made their announcement!

Definitely don't change it! That's your sons name now. You've bonded with that name. You've decorated his room... that's his name!
Your family might find it a bit funny/odd/annoying at first but honestly they'll get over it. And If they don't, then they're the ones with the problem!

I would go with the 'We all clearly have good taste in names ' & send a photo of Arlo's wall.

If they don't like the similarity they can change Harlow's name if they want to, it's early days.

Unless you want to choose something else yourself if you have a problem with it.

Kind of annoying for Grandparents, but they'll get used to it.

Meh some dgps have dgc with the same name!
One is a dgdd and one a dgds anyway. Keep the name op!

Don’t change it. There are plenty of families where people have the actual same name and no one bats an eyelid.

My brother and cousin had same name was never an issue

I think it’s cute! Cousins called Harlow and Arlo 🥰

Definitely don’t change it.

Can't you all instead think what a lovely coincidence it is and enjoy having a M and F in the family with similar names? I just don't think its a big deal personally. Everyone who has changed a much loved name for these reasons has always regretted it among my friends. I know at least 2 couples that changed the name they had chosen (both times under pressure from a friend or family) and they wish they had stuck with their guns. Who cares what they think? Its YOUR child!!

@Mommamommamomma3

Due with DS1 in 2 weeks! Very excited and we had his name picked from 20 week scan

DH’s brother and his wife had their DD yesterday and they have called her a name which sounds very similar to ours!

Basically they called her Harlow, and our name for our boy was Arlo :(

I’m now panicking that we can’t use it because DH’s family will think we’ve done it on purpose but we didn’t have any idea of the name they were going to choose (they were waiting till birth to find out gender and said they hadn’t picked any names)

Would it be so awful if we go ahead with our name for our baby? It’s what we’ve called him since 20 weeks and we’ve bought stuff with his name on and got his name on his nursery wall. I know they’re little things but for most of this pregnant he’s been my Arlo I can’t imagine not naming him that were so set on the name :(

I really wouldn't change your name choice

Don't change it! I would however make it clear very quickly that you had already chosen the name Arlo a long time ago. I doubt they would be bothered though as they are different names.
Congratulations btw x

Come on now harlot and Harlow don't sound like the same word. Unless you pronounce T as a W

This reminds me of the brilliant Jean Harlow/Margot Asquith story

Don't change it. If they kick up a fuss then that's your cue to go NC with the drama llamas.
I know siblings with rhyming names.

They're 2 different names that don't even start with the same letter. I think you're overthinking

Arlo is a great name by the way

Go for it! They’re cousins currently living 45 mins apart. Unlikely to cause confusion in their lives

I mean, if it happened to me I would just find the coïncidence funny. I would joke that they're name-twins and hope that it makes them even closer !

But at the end of the day you're the one who can tell whether this bothers you so much that you'd rather change the name.

I agree Harlow sounds like Harlot lol.
Go with Arlo. You have proof you chose it ages ago if anyone comments.
But its your son, your choice x

First cousins, exactly the same age? Sorry, but I don't think you can use it without massive family fallout. It's a shame because Arlo is a nice name for a boy, and Harlow is an awful one for a girl, imo, but they got in first, so there you are.

If your DH is close to his DB (which I fear may not be the case seeing as he hadn't shared your baby name), he might be able to send a message wtte of, Are you dead set on Harlow or your little girl? It's just we had planned on calling our boy Arlo, and attaching photos of the personalised buts you already have. But accepting that they might indeed be dead set on Harlow.

Perfect opportunity to pick a more substantial name. Harlow and Arlo sounds like a wannabe trendy skincare range at Savers. I don't understand the current fashion for girly boy names and nick names. Freddie, Milo, Teddy, Arlo, Alfie etc etc

Zzzz

I would personally talk with them and ask them does it bothers them before deciding. I occasionally do read about celebrity being sure someone copycated their already born child name, one which name escapes me. But not many people brought that up because nobody owns a name and they might seem petty.
So, they might be bothered.

Wow I hope you actually do have a boy (and one who suits his name) after doing so much personalising before the birth.
Good luck to you.