Why do we name children after our loved ones?

Question

I hope my grandkids don't ever have to try to incorporate Kiki into their kids names! LOL

LOL, ok Aliyah....at least I can "change" my name...your attitude permanently sucks :)

Answer 1

Generally as a way to both honor and remember them. Not only within the family, but for the child themselves. After all, what better segue into discussing those that have come before us than having the name again used in their honor? ;) That way, when little Mary or Finola (what have you) asks about their name and the person it's "after," you have a wonderful opportunity to regale them with your most beloved tales of Gramma. ;)

I have to agree with you, however. I'd never use a name I truly disliked -- though if I really wanted to honor a loved one, I'm certain another means could be used (middle or maiden name, favorite author, flower, etc.) -- and I'd hope my own children and grandchildren would feel the same. After all, it's one thing to reuse a timeless classic that WON'T date its bearer to a certain time period, and quite another to pass along a created, immature, trendy or overused option not yet ripe for revival. There's definitely a line. And I'll be perfectly happy if my own predictably overused 70s name isn't passed along to my grandchildren. ;)

Answer 2

When I thought I could have them I had decided to name my daughter after my sister who passed at 2 days old. To give another child a chance she never had. Now with naming the boy after my father, my father is still alive and I just wanted my child to have a sense of knowing his grandfather. Now that I know I can't have children I see people doing this less and less. They can't think of a name that they like so they pick a family member to name them after. I suppose everyone has a reason, but I bet if your children really wanted your name as part of your grandkids names they'd find a way to make it fit. Even if it's naming the child with a first and middle name that start with ki and calling it kiki.

Answer 3

To honor loved ones. People believe in having a loved one live on with another person so one day that child can tell another they were named after so-and-so and that person will think that person lived with great respect. If you don't want family naming a child after you, tell them so. You never know- Kiki could be an endearment by the parent and noone else. Nothing to worry about!

Answer 4

I think people do it to keep the memory of past loved ones alive, or to honor loved ones that are still living. Sometimes it's just to keep the name (especially if it's a family name) continuing on.

Every couple of generations, people look back and try to pick names from their family to pass on to their children. If Kiki is just a nick name, then they might use your full name if they do decide to choose it.

Best Wishes.

Answer 5

I think it's a generational thing. When my mom had kids, her and all her sisters used "family names" for all our middle names. I'm named after my grandma, my cousin is named after my mom, another after my grandpa, etc, etc.

Anymore, it seems like that trend is dying off. Most people my age seem to give their kids more unique middle names.

Personally, I have no clue what I'm going to do when that times comes! I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings so I might find a non-family middle name.

Answer 6

I want to name my baby to honor my grandpa, however i think that Frank Mikell is a tough name for a baby girl to pull off...lol. So I went for the same meaning and got a name that my husband and i love. I miss him so much now that he's gone, and I look forward to him being a part of our baby's name.

Answer 7

I believe it is to give them a sense of history and belonging. I love being named after five immediate family members (well, grandmothers and aunts). It makes me feel wanted, like I am a part of something bigger. Plus, it is an honor to have a child named after you, in my opinion, people should do this as a compliment...like "you are this special to me." Although in this day and age I think people do it for other reasons too.

Answer 8

People name their kids after loved ones because they are probably trying to remember them

Answer 9

We name then after our loved ones because it has meaning to us. I am planning on naming my children after my loved ones as well. Its nice. It really is naming your child after someone you love.

Answer 10

Well, after that loved one passes on part of how they remember them is giving that name to their child.