Would you use this name in this circumstance?

[NameNC]

Name changed because this is clearly pretty identifying.

DH and I are expecting a baby later in the year.

One of my favourite names for a boy has always been Evan, since I was in my early 20s.

I was married briefly to an awful Man with the surname Evans. I took his name as it was a vast improvement on my maiden name so I was Evans myself for about 8 years or so, before I married again.

Evan goes nicely with our surname and options for middle name, DH knows but doesn't have an issue with the similarity to my ex's / my old surname, but I worry that people who know my history would pick up on the connection and think it strange, or worse some kind of bizarre tribute?

We're really struggling to find a name we both love and this it feels like another one with a barrier to it, but I don't know if I've invented this barrier!

Thanks in advance!

Sorry but I don’t think you should, it’s hard to keep up with people’s surnames and you’re on your third so there’s bound to be some people in your life who have forgotten you’ve changed again and will think the baby is called Evan Evans or at least not be able to shake that idea. I have a friend who’s son has his dad’s name but it was a fairly short lived relationship so I always fail to remember his surname and the combo with her old surname is quite funny (along the lines of Stu Dumplings).

It also does seem like a weird tribute. It’s a bugger but that’s the way it is.

And if he was an awful man all the more reason not to make that link.

I really wouldn’t.

I wouldn’t use it .

Would you not inevitably think of your ex husband every time you used it?
I wouldn't want it personally.

I've got an Evan; it's a great name for a lad. He's 16 now and brilliant. If you can't use the name, don't go for a pale imitation like Ewan or Ethan as you'll always know they're not what you wanted!

My Evan was nearly Aidan, and his younger brother is Jonas in case either of these work for you! Congratulations on your baby.

I'd (unfortunately) think of my ex-husband when I heard his first name, although it's a very common first name for our age group so I'd very quickly think of the other 5+ of them I know too.

Funnily enough my DH suggested his nationalities' version of my ex's first name the other day. That was an immediate and hard no from me.

When I hear Evan I think of the old friend (called Evan) that originally inspired my love of it as a first name.

It would be a huge no for me but I'm not you. Personally, association has a massive affect on my like or dislike of a name but clearly you can see past the association if you're still strongly considering it. So I'm guessing you're asking as you're concerned what others will think? I can't lie, if I knew you I would find it a very strange choice, but I'd never say it to your face. Whether anyone says anything or not, I think you will raise eyebrows yes. Depends how much that bothers you?

Ethan, Ivan or Euan are all nice alternatives.

I don’t think you can use it sorry

I wouldn't tbh.

Ewan
Ivan
Owen
Ivor
are all lovely alternatives