Can I use a name already in the family? Anna vs Annabelle

[ali912]

Our second baby is due in less than a month and we don't know whether it's a boy or a girl.

If it's a girl we'd like to use Anna. Our selection of names is a bit more limited than usual as it's important it works in French as well (they will be half French).

However I have an aunt called Ana. We're not close and only see her like once every couple of years, apart from that just hearing from her at Christmas and birthdays. However my dad and I both feel a bit awkward about using the same name and I can imagine a few members of my family being unimpressed.

We're considering putting Annabelle on the birth certificate so that part of the family can call her that but we'd introduce her to everyone else as Anna. I don't dislike Annabelle but prefer just Anna as I find Annabelle a bit frilly and the creepy doll connotation puts me off a bit!

Do you think this is a sensible plan or should I just go for Anna?

Thanks!

[Enko]

I dont think thats a issue. If you prefer Anna. Then use that. Not a close connection so they won't be around each other a lot.

[GreenRainbowSun]

Just go with Anna.

[babyjellyfish]

I would just use Anna.

Your family will get over it.

[babyjellyfish]

My brother in law recently named his son the same name as one of his first cousins, who he sees a lot more than once every couple of years. It was a name my husband and I hadn't considered because we thought using the same name as a fairly close relative was a bit weird. We were quite surprised when he announced what name they had chosen. It very quickly became normal and now no one bats an eyelid.

[RuthW]

Just use Anna.

You said family member is Ana so presumably said as Arna.

They are different names.

[pinklavenders]

Just use Anna.

Annabel is a different name and I know several who go by their full name.

[Laurakiaora]

Go with the name you like the most.

My daughter is Anna. I had her name picked our since I was a teenager. I love it and despite being a traditional/common name, we still get compliments on it.

[Danoo]

If it's an aunt, I think it's ok to use a similar name. Normally I say 'no just find another name!' but that's when it's two children who're cousins (eg).

Aunt Ana and niece Anna could be a little confusing but Anna is a fairly classic name.

I like Anya too if you want to avoid two Annas.

[Sandysandwich]

Anna is lovely and it does not matter that its pronounced the same as her great aunt, who she won't spend much time with.

[Luredbyapomegranate]

Just go with Anna. It's a classic, nothing unusual in having a couple in the family.

[NiqueNique]

It’s absolutely fine.