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Baby names

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Middle Names

9 replies

Jammy62 · 15/11/2022 10:01

DH and I are due our first child next month.

I was very close to my Granny and would like to use her first name as a middle name, which is Caroline. However, the first name we have chosen is 4 syllables and our surname is also 4 so im concerned its going to be a mouthful, even though middle names are rarely used.

My second thought is to use my Granny's surname which is only 1 syllable - Brown. The only issue is that MIL will feel left out as her and DH DF split up and she reverted to her maiden name. By giving the child my Grannys surname Im essentially giving them DM's maiden name too albeit she doesn't use it. DH and I surname is double barrelled, his name-mine so the child would have a surname from every immediate GP except her. We could give the child two middle names, so my Granny's surname and then MIL surname but are two middle names a bit much?

Neither myself nor DH have any middle names although both of our siblings have one each. Neither of us feel we have suffered without so I suppose thats an option too but I would like to include my Granny if i could.

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Fivebeanchilli · 15/11/2022 10:07

Go with Caroline.
For example, Emilia Caroline Satterthwaite (random 4 syllable names) sounds totally fine and - in my opinion - much better than Emilia Brown Satterthwaite.
I love long middle names. My children have 2 middle names and those make between 5 syllables and 7 syllables (and they also have long first names).

FreyaHazel · 15/11/2022 10:07

I think Caroline will work fine with a 4 syllable first name, it's a lovely name and a nice way to honour your granny.

fairycupcakes · 15/11/2022 10:49

Caroline is a beautiful name. Lovely way to honour your granny. What first name are you thinking? It will be a bit easier if you’re able to let us know.

Jammy62 · 15/11/2022 11:15

@fairycupcakes Valentina

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Theoldwoman · 15/11/2022 11:25

I don't use family names as middle names. I like to use names I would use as a first name, so they can choose to use that when they are older, if they prefer.

No upsetting anyone then.

I do love Caroline though.

Fivebeanchilli · 15/11/2022 11:27

Valentina Caroline sounds great.

fairycupcakes · 15/11/2022 12:09

Jammy62 · 15/11/2022 11:15

@fairycupcakes Valentina

Stunning name!! Valentina Caroline. How utterly beautiful ❤️ Go for it xx

Jammy62 · 15/11/2022 13:05

Thanks everyone for the reassurance, going to speak to DH and tell him that my preference is Caroline. He wasnt sure about the 2 surnames as middle names either.

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GlassDeli · 15/11/2022 16:36

Stick with Caroline. The combination works well.

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