My husband and I are expecting our first baby (a boy) in 2 weeks and I thought we had settled on a name, but now when I ask my husband about it he seems unsure! I don't want to stick this kid with a permanent name if my husband isn't 100% set on it! It is supposed to be Harrison Michael ...but hubby seems to think that because Harrison means "son of Harry" that it is not significant. I tried to tell him that the meaning isn't overly important, as long as it sounds nice and we like it! I would love for his first name to be Michael, after my father in law who passed away, but my husband thinks that will be upsetting for other family members. I need some advice!
2007-09-17 18:09:14 · 30 answers · asked by su_gru 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Baby Names
Naming your son Michael after your husband's father is a really nice thing to do. I don't think people will be upset. I think they'll be really touched.
That being said, my husband and I were also sure about the name for our child until week 38. Then my husband said, "I feel tired of that name." I said, "how can you be tired of the name when the baby isn't even born yet?" He said, "I don't know..it feels played out since we've said it so much."
Then we went back to a baby name website and decided on a new name.
http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/index.html
I really liked that website to help us choose a name.
2007-09-17 18:15:32 · answer #1 · answered by mari m 5 · 4⤊ 1⤋
My husband and I just went through the naming dilemma ourselves. Our daughter was born in January and trying to come up with a name for her.. took us forever.. so I understand just what your feeling.
The name Harrison.. I personally like if it's said as Harrison.. but it's a very serious name for a child.. and the nick name Harry.. ew. (sorry)
And I agree with your husband.. the meaning of a name it does mean something... however, it shouldn't mean everything.
Personally I'd drop the Harrison altogether.
Michael is a wonderful name though .. however I am unsure why your husband thinks that would be upsetting to other family members?? It pays homage to your father in law whose passed on.. so I guess why your husband thinks it would upset the family.. that I don't get.
Perhaps you and your husband should talk to your mother in law and ask her how she feels about the baby being named after her late husband? If she's okay with it.. then I'd go ahead with Michael as a first name.. and if your really set on Harrison.. then as a middle name.. I think it would be more acceptable.
If your mother in law is upset by her grandson being named after her late husband.. then I'd keep Michael as the middle name and think of a different first name..
With all that said.. let me tell you .. when my water broke and I went to the hospital. my husband and I still weren't set on a name for our daughter.
We did have 4 names (first and middle for each) and we were set on using one of those 4 names.
The reason we didn't set a name before we went to the hosptial is because we thought there are some names that just fit people better.. I mean ever meet a Joe, and think to yourself.. boy, he looks like a Bob to me...
Well with that in mind.. we considered.. we wanted to see our baby first, and then decide what name would suite her best.
In the end, when she was born.. we both looked at her.. and looked at each other.. and we said name number 2 on the list together... she just looked like a Zoe.
So in the end.. I think it's best to have 3-5 complete names written on a piece of paper.. (decide on the spelling of the names and all too.. that's why you write it down)
And then put that in your hospital bag.. and relax.
Let the birth take place.. and then look at your son and see if he strikes you as a Harrison, or a Michael, or an Aiden or something else.. who knows..?
But I do know when you see your baby.. you'll know what his name should be.
Just come up with 3-5 choices.. and keep to that. You'll be okay.
Good luck on the upcoming birth of your son ! There is no greater miracle or feeling of joy than a birth of a child, so my husband and I have learned. Our best wishes to you and your hubby.
2007-09-21 21:05:31 · answer #2 · answered by Chris 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Michael is a classic and beautiful name. I've only heard of family members being upset by baby names when they feel the name they chose for their baby was "stolen" or copied by another close relative for their baby. In most cases naming after a father or grandfather is seen favorably. Harrison sounds cool, until someone starts calling him Harry, Hairy ape etc. But Harry Potter might make that irrelevant.
2007-09-17 19:12:27 · answer #3 · answered by Justice 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My good friend has a son named Harrison. The father's name is Pete. No one will think a thing about the "meaning", although they may ask you if you liked the name because of Harrison Ford.
Naming a child after a deceased relative should not upset anyone. If anything, it is an honor to remember the loved one by naming a child after him.
Congratulations to you and your husband.
2007-09-17 18:17:58 · answer #4 · answered by Beckers 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
First of all if naming your child after someone you all love will upset the family I say what is wrong with that family? My oldest son is named after my father he is deceased as well as my ex-father-in-law. And My family was proud of it. I have a cousin that is named after my great grandmother who is deceased as well as a little sister that is named after a grandmother that is deceased. If this upsets them then something must be very wrong.. They should be proud you want to continue with the name..
It is ok that you do not have a name yet. You dont need it just yet.. Not until you are ready to take that beautiful baby home will you actuallly have to have one.. (LOL) If you cant decide now that is fine.. just wait til the birth and decide then.. It may be that he does not look like a Harrison when he is born and looks like a Michael (which I think is a beautiful name since that is my son's name as well) You may want to just make a list of the various names you like and take that list with you to the hospital.. decide there.. Good luck and congradulations...
2007-09-25 10:28:22 · answer #5 · answered by ldyjsmyn 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No offense but is your husband high on something? Name meanings don't matter unless that's the specific meaning you want for a name. Most family would think naming the baby Michael after it's deceased grandfather is a loving tribute to your father in law. Maybe it's upsetting to your husband but name the baby what feels right to you. Why not Junior after your husband?
2007-09-17 18:27:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think naming him Micheal is good. Its a nice name and plus the thought of it is nice. I dont like the name Harrison personally. I dont think a child would want to be called Harrison its more of a last name in my opinion. It seems like your husband is not happy with the choice at all. Sometimes when you see the baby the name will come to you right away. When my younger sister was born her name was going to be Sharon. When my mother looked at her it didnt seem right and she named her Stephanie and that name goes well with her. If you are definately not sure just wait till the baby is born and whatever feels natural will come.
2007-09-17 18:30:13 · answer #7 · answered by <Carol> 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
who cares what the other family members like you only have to see them at family functions. I like it either way Harrison Michael or Michael Harrison. Meaning dont have a thing to do about it unless that's why you are naming him that. My sister names her daughter Christine meaning "God has heard" cause she prayed for years for a girl. Just dont wait until the day they walk in with the birth certificate my sister did that with her first son Cameron Dakota and now calls him Dakota cause she dont like Cameron. So good luck to you guys
2007-09-23 15:33:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why don't you name your son Michael and then use your husband's name or another family member's name as a middle name. I can't imagine why someone would be upset with you about naming your son after your father-in-law who just passed away. I think it honors his memory. I also like the name Michael, it's my son's and my husband's middle name.
Good luck with the baby! :-)
2007-09-17 18:18:18 · answer #9 · answered by luckythirteen 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Do you really have to decide on a name before the baby is born? I think it's best to see the child first when it is born & then decide. Suppose you guys decide on a boy name & it turns out to be a girl then what. I'm telling you, you two can pick out a couple of maybe names but once you see the baby I'm sure the name will come to you very easy. Don't worry everything will be fine. Congratulations On your new addition.
2007-09-17 18:27:27 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋