Cousins with similar names?

[Apple22over7]

What's the verdict on cousins having similar-ish names?

I'm currently pregnant with my first, and whilst I'm not finding out the gender I am thinking about names. I'm largely set on the name William for a boy - it's a name me and my OH have considered for years (it's his grandfather's name and was my grandfather's middle name, so has some importance to us).

The only potential issue is how it works with my brother's daughter - she's called Willow.

My child will be the second grandchild for my parents and it's a fair chance that neither me nor my brother will have any more kids, so they may well be the only 2 grandkids at all. Would it be weird/off putting/disrespectful/otherwise negative for two cousins to have such similar names as Willow and William, especially if they're the only two children in that generation?

Personally I can't see it being a major issue.. Though I might just be biased because I'm set on the name and I'm reluctant to have to give it up. I'd appreciate an outside perspective on it!

I think it's fine.

Willow and Wilhelmina might be a bit much though.

I had cousins with exactly the same first name and no one had a problem with it at all.

William and Willow are different enough anyway.

My daughter has a much younger female cousin with the exact same name (and surname) as her. My husband's brother's daughter. Took some getting used to and neither my daughter nor her paternal Grandparents were particularly amused. However, here we are. Your suggestion is not the same name and both your choice, and your brother's choice of name are not so similar and equally lovely.

Only a problem if Willow goes by Will and so will William. I think it helps a lot that they are different sex because there are some unsuitable combinations like Willow and Willa.

My name is really similar to my aunt’s and I hate it. I’d pick something else.

As long as you aren’t using nicknames, you are ok.

in our house, we have matching 2 sets of matching nieces and nephews between my side and DH side. So only related by marriage, but it’s incredibly annoying. We constantly have to clarify who we are speaking about.

Big Irish family- lots of cousins with the same names- only distinguished by their second names. All saints of course!

I don't see any problem with this, the names William and Willow are different enough, no confusion at all.

I have 3 sets of cousins with the same names. It's fine.

If there were 10 cousins/ grandchildren then I'd say no issue whatsoever but only 2, and highly likely to only ever be 2, no I wouldn't choose a name so similar

I think it’s fine 😊

Thanks all, that's confirmed I'm probably just overthinking things (as is my wont).

Still a little worried that sil could take it badly, but tbh she's always going to find something to complain about. At least I know now this particular thing isn't something rational..

And of course we may end up having a girl and thus this whole issue would be avoided!

So many names to choose . I wouldn't do it. As there is only two it's not a great idea.

You need to give your child the name you want. The only exception is if it's the exact same name and the cousins are likely to be close.

What do you mean as there's only two. Why would four or more make any difference

You're grand, I'd personally avoid using the same name or an Oliver and Olivia or Harry and Harriet type situation but William and Willow are very different.

The only double asterisk I'd put on that would be (given SIL is tricky) if they had the same surname and would be in the same year at school. But otherwise you're grand.

Just if there is only two cousins and your parents only have the two having such similar names can be confusing. If, like in lreland before, there were lots of cousins similar names are not so obvious. And sounds like they are not too far apart in age so likely to be growing up alongside each other.

Just if there is only two cousins and your parents only have the two having such similar names can be confusing

For who? I think most people who were grandparents wouldn't find it confusing. My own mother is 80, she wouldn't be confused.

Additionally the two names don't have the same 'vibe'. Willow is modern and William is traditional.

I don't think they are too close at all, I would not worry.