Is it weird to use the same name?

[msgrouch]

I work for a really small independent company, with an almost non existent staff turnover. There are only about 8 of us, and myself and one other colleague are likely to (eventually) jointly take over the company when the older directors retire over the next few years. (We're both mid-30s, senior management, and have both made it clear we're there long term with this in mind.)

We speak daily, confide in each other on personal matters as well as work matters, and I would say are generally close for colleagues - though we don't socialise out of work much. We live in different towns, and her children don't know me - though we speak about our kids and family life regularly day to day.

I'm currently pregnant with DS1, and our favourite boys name happens to be the same name as her DS.

It's not a super unique name - currently ranking in the 20's of the top 100 where we live. And the kids are unlikely to cross paths often if ever. But I do speak to her every day and am likely to for the next 30-40 years! Is it too weird to use this name, or am I overthinking?

George is a lovely name. Just do it.

I have a close friendship group from school that have kept in touch and meet up once or twice a year, big occasions and events. There is only about 8 of us and two in the group have children with the same name, it also happens to be the name of one of the adults in the group! It’s a lovely name and nobody bats an eyelid. If you love the name, go for it!

Just to confirm, the name isn't actually George - pp's we're just using that as an example and I adopted it in my replies!

Use it.
They have different surnames and are very different in age.

I'd find this odd if I was your colleague. I wouldn't do it personally.

Absolutely fine
some people think they own a name
especially if it’s in the top 20
if it was my colleague I wouldn’t bat an eyelid

It’s a bit weird and kind of unimaginative because it’s like you don’t see her son as having that name. It sort of becomes your name.

Someone did it to me and I still feel a bit weird about it. I’d only do it if you weren’t close. It’s like it never meant that child to you, was never in your mind. Personally my friends kids exist and I associate their names with them. I wouldn’t want to copy them.

If I were the colleague I would take it as a compliment but not everyone is the same i guess. Maybe talk to them and see how they would feel about it?

I have a “George” and one of my close friends recently had a baby boy she named “George”.* There’s 16 years between them and Big “George” loves having a little namesake. She did ask me if I minded and I was flattered tbh! Plus I don’t own the name…..

I think if it was super rare or unique then it might be a bit weird but if as you say, it’s a top 20 name then I can’t see the issue personally.

*It’s not George either

I do get this. I wouldn't do it with a close friend with whom I socialised, or where I knew the child in question already quite well, or where the kids were likely to socialise together.

However, I don't actually know my colleague's DS personally - so it's not that he doesn't exist, it's just slightly more abstract to me, and I don't immediately associate this name with a child I know? It's more just by reference, photos on socials, etc, and it's a fairly popular name currently.

This is bonkers.

Just use the name if you love it!! I would acknowledge the point when you tell your colleague so as not to give the impression you have completely missed it - but nobody has a monopoly over a name and as you say these kids don't even know each other!!!

Imagine choosing a different name second best and then in some twist of fate you lose touch with her any way.