Baby naming...?

Question

My partner and I are starting to talk about children...
he's absolutely set on naming his first son (if he gets one!) Ben, after his friend who will be best man at our wedding. I really like the name and the person, but the trouble is I already have a step cousin and an uncle with that name. Its not a 'family name', and I'm not thaaat close to them either. Also, I was thinking of names like Estrella, Annaliese, Cassandra, Blanche, Camille for girls, and dont know how they would fit.

What do you think of the situation?

The others are referred to as Benji and Ben, so Benjamin would be a bit different. While I'm not that (emotionally) close to them, I'm not more distant to them than any of my non-immediate relatives. However, I guess they'll be more distant from my kids, so its ok.

I like that Estrella it means star- thats why I chose it (that and to be different and prettier than Estella) but I'm having second thoughts now.

Cassandra is after a figure in Greek mythology (was also thinking of Cassiopeia but too much like the calculator make!), Blanche is after a friend, but it does seem too harsh sounding now. Didnt know Camille was a boys name, I dont like Camilla but I thought Camille was pretty.

Answer 1

I love Ben as a nickname for Benjamin. I don't think it's a problem that it's been used by distant family, if you like it, I'd say go for it.

Estrella--It's star in Spanish, so I don't like it that much. I prefer Estella.

Annaliese--My second favorite name ever! (Favorite is Charlotte) It's just beautiful and not very popular, however I'd spell it Anneliese. It's pronounced the same, it looks prettier (to me), and Annal is kind of like 'anal'.

Cassandra--It's not my style, but it's alright.

Blanche--Hate the sound of it, it's white in French.

Camille--I like it, I think it's pretty, but I definitely prefer Camilla.

My first pick is definitely Anneliese (spelled like that) I love the combos Anneliese Faith, Anneliese Hope, Anneliese Rachelle, and Anneliese Caroline. My second favorite is Camille (or Camilla)

Good luck =)

Answer 2

I think Ben is a great name. And if you're not really that close with those particular relatives then why not? I like the name Annaliese, but not the other ones. all of them seem old fashioned, and while that's not a bad thing, some of them are kind of...well, not really that pretty. I personally love the name Natalie, or Leah, or Sophie. Looking at them now they seem old fashioned too, but I think they're pretty. Estrella means 'star', I suppose instead of having people always pronouncing it wrong, (estraya, is how it's pronounced in spanish), you could go with Stella.

Answer 3

I like Benjamin abd he should be able to choose whether he wants to be called the whole name or Ben. Annaliese is beautiful. My mother's co-worker just had little girl and named her Annaliese Jordan. I would prefer Estelle and I like Camille, but would like it better with a "k" since that's the letter of my first name(Kiara).

Answer 4

Do step cousin's count? I think it would be clear that little boy Ben would be named after friend not uncle or step cousin. I'd use it.

Anna-Liesse = Anna-Jubliee (Jubulation - French), no, doesn't sound good to me. Anna-Lisa yes.

Cassandra - I like it

Blanche - WAY to old for me, even if you're French!

Camille - nope, to old for me too. I just think of Camilla Scott Parker, or what ever her name is. Also, this is a boy's name in French. Since the others are girl names I think you were meaning this as a girl's name as well.

Estrella - Estrogen? Estelle? Nope, I don't like the associations. Sorry.

Answer 5

Well, I love the name Ben. Is it short for Benjamin? Or just Ben? Cute either way.....
I would make it clear to your family that you will not be naming it after your cousin and uncle. But, after your husand's best man. I see nothing wrong with it, just as long as they aren't in your immediate family. I love Annaliese for a girl. I was going to name my daughter that, but we ended up choosing Harley. You can always call her Anna or Elise. I am not liking any of the other girls names....GL!

Answer 6

Ben sounds cute for a baby boy. If you really don't wanna use it, you could use it as his middle name. But I think your husband made a good choice. Go for it!
Out of the girl's names you suggested I like Estrella best, it means star in Spanish, and it is my daughter's middle name :) Since many people suggest not to use too uncommon names, we named her Kimberley Estrella and it fits her perfectly. ;)

Good luck for your future!!

Answer 7

Ben is a good solid name. don't worry yourself about who else has the name. Decide because of th name alone.

Estrella, not liking it so much
Cassandra, like it
Annaliese, cute
Blanche, too old
Camille, like it

Answer 8

I like the name Ben for a boy. It obviously means a lot to your husband, just make sure you establish who the kid is named after so your other "Bens" won't take the credit!

Answer 9

Ben is really nice and agree with others that your hubby's mate will stand out as the namesake not family you don't see much. Or if it's still a bit of a prob use it as middle name.

Don't like any of the girls names sorry xx

Answer 10

ben is a rele cute boy name..go with that if it means soo much to ur future husband. also cassandra is a good girls name.. remember the name u give them now has to be there name for the rest of there life..