How to name a baby with a difficult surname?

[BlackLantern]

So the name we like just rhymes with our surname and I think it will always sound silly. So many names we can’t use due to the sound and layout of the surname. Do we just suck it up and give them a rhyming first/second name and acknowledge it’s always going to be an issue whatever we pick or pick something that works and we don’t love as a name?

Can it be shortened if the child hates it. Like Nicholas Picolus could become Nick Picolus and most people wouldn’t think twice.

Would a name like Alexander or Alexandra cause problems with your surname? It's a bit difficult to suggest alternatives without knowing the surname. However, I understand why you don't want to share the name on a public platform.

@ACynicalDad the trouble is worse when it’s shortened. So a 3 syllable first name and one syllable surname becomes completely rhyming with one syllable first and second. Trying to think of an example…….

I don’t think it matters if you don’t love it - the name is the child’s and is theirs to live with. I would definitely avoid something rhyming or that will raise eyebrows. I have a friend who had had her heart set on a certain name all her life, but then took her husband’s surname which didn’t go at all. And pressed ahead with her choice. So - her son’s name is along the lines of William Williamson. Similarly, you may always have wanted a little girl called Beatrix, but if you’ve decided to be Mrs Potter, then you probably should think again….. I didn’t “love” my DD’s name - it was a huge compromise for both of us as DH and I really couldn’t agree. But - do you know what? She loves it. And it’s her name. And we now couldn’t imagine her being called anything else. So I’d definitely go with thinking what name would work best for the child.

Like Max Pax?

@exprecis yes when shortened which it would be.

@exprecis now I’m wondering if you know me IRL 😂

@Alongthepineconetrail thank you. I should have posted in 30days only so it would get deleted if I wanted to post our surname. Don’t want a teenager googling their name and finding it on a MN forum!

Kind of like Jeffery Neff. Shortened to Jeff Neff

Which has kind of a weird nice flow to it and owns the surname but also does it not work?

Saying Jeffrey as 3 syllables…..

Like Jon Bon or Jen Pen? My mum had a married rhyming shortened first name and surname. She was ribbed about it but it didn't help that her surname is very unusual. I think it's quite cute for a child but Maybe not as they get older.

It's a tough call without seeing the names as it might be a v loose rhyme but I think pick something you don't love. It's s the child that's got to live with it not you, sorry.

Would you really want to go through school and professional life with a rhyming name just because your parents liked it? It's a bit self centred. If you're really struggling just go for a timeless classic or family name and accept you're having a lovely baby. Your first choice of name is a very small thing to eschew.

You could go on 30 days as you say.

That said if it's a culture where many names end in the same letter, i wouldn't worry. But if it's Jeff Neff or Ben Penn territory, perhaps not. South European DP's name actually rhymes somewhat I suppose but many names end in O so it isn't anything unusual!

We had the same problem, our favourite name rhymed with our surname and it was just too much. For example, Celine Green, Zac Black or Abigail Dale.

we had to find another name we liked, we just couldn’t do that to our child.

Yes, two of my favourites rhymed with my husband's (and child's) surname. We chose another name.

That said, there are plenty of names that seem okay in real life settings ..
Ronald McDonald
Pretend you have named your child. How does it (and nicknames) sound aloud?

I would choose a completely different name, sorry

Use your surname.

I would choose a different name. Sounding silly isnt great for a name.

I think it really depends on the name. For example Gregory Peg (Greg Peg) sounds awful, but for some reason Amanda Sands (Mandy Sands) doesn’t sound so bad.

@HettyCletter its the Greg pegg variety

I would find a name that does work. There's so many names out there are lots of MN'ers so you'll find one. Maybe post in the 30 days only with your surname

Thanks, feel we’ve been thought every name we can and nothing feels right. Lots we like but just sound silly with surname.

Go for something that fits the Neville Neville or Kristoffer Kristofferson pattern.

Greg Pegg sounds daft....but Luca Pegg, Sam Pegg, Isabella Pegg, Alexandra Pegg, Olivia Pegg all sound nice.
You may need to find a name you both like that works, rather than choosing your favourite