Boy version of girls name

[Pricklyballs]

We are expecting a baby boy in a few weeks and still have not decided name.
There is one name we like but we have some close friends whose daughter is named the female version of this name (think Samantha/Samuel), so the shortened version is the same.
We had sort of written it off because of that but have come back to it.
They have a nickname for their daughter, so no-one tends to call her either the full name or the shortened version, she is called a completely different name.
So, shall we ask them if they would mind us using the male version of the name? If you were in their shoes do you think you would mind?
I’m trying to think of a tactful way to bring it up.

I don't think you need to bring it up or ask them unless it is very unusual in which case I would say don't use it at all.

I honestly wouldn't bat an eyelid at something like Samantha and Samuel they're 2 very different names in my book.

Daniel/Danielle is what i think of when I think male and female versions of the same name

I agree with the pp that Samantha and Samuel are completely different names, if the name you're thinking of is really along those lines then I wouldn't hesitate to use it. I would discuss it with the friend if the name is genuinely the masculine version of the same name, like Antony/Antonia, Francis/ Francesca, Martin/Martine ...

What you name your child has nothing to do with anyone else. Go for it

I don’t think you need to ask and it’s fine to use it (although I would probably choose to ask first - they are very likely to say yes!). If I was the friend I’d probably feel flattered that you had similar taste to me and not bat an eyelid.

Use the name. Even if it is the exact same name, unless you share the same surname, I would use it.

Thank you
It is probably more similar than Samuel/Samantha so perhaps I will ask them. They can only say no which isn’t the end of the world!

I think you’re massively over thinking it.

I'd just go ahead.

I wouldn't even ask I'd just go with it

I wouldn’t ask. They don’t own the name.
i would tell. X

And if they say no?

In wouldn't ask.

I'm thinking it's Henry/Henrietta or Harry/Harriet, both of which have multiple nicknames but add an ending to the male version of the name. I wouldn't ask the friend if they'd mind.

No, you don't need to run this past them. Just use the name.

No need to ask, just search for the name here and if they haven't registered it you're good to go.