Is it in poor taste to name your child a similar name as another child in the family?

Question

My husband and I picked out the name Addison if we have a girl. So far no one has brought in up but we realized that my nieces name is Madison and we all call her Madie. We don't plan on shortening Addison, so does anyone think its a big deal if we name her a name that similar to another child in the family? We have told everyone the name we picked out and nobody has brought it up. I just realized it the other day and its been bugging me.
Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

So funny you brought this up, we had a similar incident in our family. We named our daughter Delaney, we call her Delaney. I have a nephew named Lane. My sis-inlaw pitched a fit behind our backs after we named her, and said we were copying her. I never thought anything of it being one is a girl the other a boy, and we see them like twice a year, not to mention they are 2 different names even though they are similar. Anyhow, if you like the name use it, it's your child and it shouldn't matter what other people think.

Answer 2

In general I agree with the first poster that it's all completely relative (sorry about the pun!) 1. I suppose, but it's a bit of a stretch. 2. Yes, though it's not obvious (not that that's a bad thing) 3. I never thought of this--I really like the idea and think it's a lovely way to honor someone. 4. Yes, this clearly honors them. 5. Yes, I think this works as well. 6. I like this idea as well, though depending on the name of the honoree the child could end up with a dreadful name (like the pair Hildegard and Bingen :) 7. Another nice idea, but I think it could lead to some dreadful names as well. 8. Like 7, a creative idea that might end very badly for the child. 9. Yes, this is a nice idea, though I don't think there are that many names with such associations that correspond to the whole range of activities that people might like. 10. It's a nice idea, but there is NO WAY that I would let some members of my family name my child, no matter how much I love them and want to honor them. (For example, my siblings and I were all named after Narnia characters, so my mother would never get the chance to name a grandchild, and my mother-in-law's favorite names are Kyleigh and Jayden, so again, no way! If we have another child and want to honor a loved one, my husband and I will retain full naming rights! :) BQ 1: I honored both of my husband's late uncles who died when they were teenagers in a car crash. I gave my son two middle names because I didn't want to honor one over the other and I didn't want to use either as a first name. (His name is William Frederick Robert.) If I have another son I'll name him Samuel Vanderford, as Vanderford is a traditional male middle name in our family. BQ 2: You seem to have done a very thorough job! The best that I can come up with is if the honoree was of a specific heritage (Irish, Italian etc.) and you chose a name from that tradition.

Answer 3

The best thing for you to do is ask your brother/sister/in law what they think about it and if they truthfully have a problem with it. If I was in their situations I would be a little upset. When I picked out my childrens names, I tried to steer clear of anything sounding the same, or with the first letter of someones' name in the immediate family (there are 6 people with a J name in my family!!). But they might be different. Just talk to them.

Answer 4

I think it is fine, but I just do not like the name Addison or Madison for that matter.

If you want to mix it up a little I guess you could try Emerson and call her Emmy. That is the name of Teri Hatcher's daughter.

But I really prefer more feminine name like Adelaide or Astrid that has some history.

Answer 5

I don't think you have anything to worry about. It's not the same name, and even if it was, it's your baby, so name away! I think it's easy to worry too much about what other people might think, especially when it comes to attaching a name to your child for life - I went through it 10 months ago! Addison is a beautiful name, and when she makes her debut, she'll take it on and make it hers and hers alone, even if it is similar to a cousin - children have a way of making themselves distinct :o) Congratulations!

Answer 6

I don't think it is a bad idea, since they are cousins they will love that they have similar names when they older. They will probably be best friends.
In my family, my name middle name is Elizabeth, I have one niece middle name: Elisabeth and another Elise. I think it is great.
It kind makes me feel extra special that they would name their babies after me, although it wasn't intentional, just names that they like.

If you like Addison, go for it!!! No one will disapprove, it's a nice name!

I hope this helps!!!!
Good Luck!!!

Answer 7

This is absolutely fine, especially since Madison is called Madie. That way the names won't get mixed up. We also have a similar situation in our family, we have a Marisa & a Carrisa (and they are very close in age).

Answer 8

To be completely honest, this is YOUR CHILD. Name your child what ever you and your husband decide. Who really cares on what your family may think. The most important thing is that you and your husband are happy with the choise you guys made.

In my family the name Bailey, Matthew, Jonathan, all have been used many many times. Just make sure that you and your husband are completly happy with the name you guys have chosen.

And congrats on you bundle of joy!

Answer 9

Its not in poor taste at all. I am naming my son Tyler and I have a cousin named Tyler. My cousin is thrilled cuz he thinks we are naming our son after him. My name is Kristin and I have a cousin named Krystina. Someone would have brought it up if they thought it would be an issue. I'd say go ahead with the name you choose and dont stress about it :)

Congrats

Answer 10

Since nobody has said anything, it sounds to me like you're more concerned about it than they are. I suspect you will shorten your child's name (no matter what you name him/her) as time goes along - I said I wouldn't and still did ;-) If you don't like the similarities in the nickname forms, then I wouldn't choose it. Ultimately, however, it IS your choice.