Is it OK to use my sister's new stepson's name?

[beanlet]

We're having a boy, and both of us have always liked the name Alexander. However, my sister has just got married, and reminded me that her husband's son's name is Alexander (aged 14). They live on the other side of the world, and won't see each other often, if ever -- is it OK, do you think, to go ahead and call our baby Alexander?

my daughter is called B, when she was 3 my brother met a girl who he then married who had a daughter (same age) called.... B..... we've "adjusted" both girls names so one is B and one is b (IYSWIM) and its been absolutely fine - i didnt think anything of it other than how confusing it would be when everyone was at the GPs for the day......

Thanks for all this! Glad to see the consensus appears to mirror the two sides of my own confused thoughts. As a matter of fact, my sister didn't say it in a "don't you dare" kind of way, but in a pleased sort of way -- we have a good relationship, so perhaps I should just ask her whether her new stepson (or she or her new man) would mind me calling the baby Alexander.

I have to say, I do like the Alec option too -- thanks for the suggestion mathanxiety.

No I really wouldn't, I think Patsy99 makes some very good points.

I know it's hard to find names you really like but I would look again for another name.

I would name your baby what you want to name them. I am sure the children will not be at all bothered. If any relatives say anything I would just say 'Oh we've loved this name for ages and isn't it nice that now we have two in the family!'

All children are special, the fact they are related by marriage is not really relevant at all. If as a single person you met a bloke you loved and his sister had the same first name as you and he asked you to marry him I doubt you'd say I can't marry someone whose sister has the same name as me!

My only suggestion would be please DON'T go and give it a weird spelling to make it sound different. because it won't sound different it will look different!

I wouldn't, for all the reasons stated above.

I don't think it's a big deal as they might never meet.

I love Alexander, I say go for it!

Your baby, you name him the name you love ! am sure your step-nephew would be flattered !

no

She's just acquired a stepson and lives on the other side of the world?

It's not as if she's given birth herself to this Alexander and lives on the next street is it?

I'd say it's fine to name your son Alexander. You can explain to your nephew that you've always liked the name and he's lucky to have such a lovely name.

My partner's cousin has just had a son and has named him the same as our son (6m older). She also has a daughter with a similar name to me (she's a Rose and I'm a Rosie). My partner's mum has made a comment about it, but I think a) it's funny and b) it's nice that they like our names and c) they'll hardly ever see each other so it doesn't matter anyway.

it sounds as if your sister doesn't want you to call your son the same name as her stepson. so either you need to be considerate to her feelings or you say i don't give a toss and i'm doing what i want anyway. personally i would choose a different name

I'd call my son Alexander (especially as this is a name I love!) despite sister's step son being called the same. It's not a sign of disrespect to either your son or his cousin. It's a sign you like the name, that's all.

Come on - think of all those families who have "family names" and everyone is called John!