Cultural Clash!

[DazedConfused]

Yay for bi racial babies!

I have a wee name dilemma. I'm European and my OH is Maori.

We've picked out a couple of names, Te Awhiroa (Pronounced Tey Ah-fee-roh-ah) meaning the long embrace for a boy. This is of course a Maori name.
Now for a girl we just love Isla, which is more of a Gaelic name. Problem is my OH's mother wants a Maori name for both genders!

So help, should I cave and try to translate Isla into something Maori we can all love or be more firm on my chosen beloved names? Suggestions so welcome

 

[Vickie]

I would stick to your guns. All that matters is that you and your OH are happy with the name IMO. Maybe compromise by giving a Maori middle name?

 

[Surprise]

Hm that sounds familiar. Here's what I say: she already had her babies. Next.

It's your baby, you get to name it.


*muttering to self about ex-MIL*

 

[DazedConfused]

Haha great you've been in the same boat.

Possible Maori female name sits at Teranagahau, which sounds blegh to me, but OH is convinced it is the worlds most beautiful name. *Sigh*

 

[Surprise]

Well I think Isla is just beautiful! But the decision lies with you and your OH, definitely nobody else. It's your turn!

My ex-inlaws refused to call my first son by his first name (which is my dad's name). The were pissed that he was named that, so they insisted that his middle name be the FIL's name, and then they insisted upon calling him that, even addressing his mail as that. They wanted us to use it as the first name, saying "He needs to have OUR name". I said to my (then) husband, "He's already got their last name!!! Isn't that enough!?" I also told him, "She had 2 sons of her own, why didn't she name one of them _____?" Grrr.

Oh, I just realized your first post said yay for biracial babies; my sons are biracial, and they're the prettiest things I've ever seen!

 

[Sophist]

NO WAY would my MIL or my parents get to have input into naming our baby.

 

[kiwimama]

There is no way you should let your parents (or his!) have any influence in what you name your child. They have had their children, they got to name them what they wanted, and now it's your turn and you should have the same choice. It's such a special decision, that is going to influence the rest of your childs life, only the parents should have a say in it. If your OH is really wanting a Maori name, perhaps compromise and give a Maori middle name.
Te Awhiroa is a nice name, and I think not too hard to try and pronounce - looks as it is said (although I think anyone outside NZ wouldn't know how to!) Isla is also lovely!
I'm a NZer as well so nice to see another kiwi on here!

 

[rainysunshine]

Yay! I love biracial babies as well. My OH is hispanic and I'm white. Can't wait to see what color their skin will be, the texture of their hair, etc.

Anywho. It's your baby, you get to pick the name. A Maori middle name sounds like a good idea anyway. GL!

 

[Nathyrra]

If you guys adore Isla, then stick with that =) If you're open to the concept of a middle name then you could always go for a Maori middle name. Definitely make the choice your's and your partners!

Not entirely the same thing but we also had problems with names as I'm English and husband is German. No offence mean't to any German's but I'm really not a fan of Germanic names, they sound too harsh for me. So we opted for a first name that I wanted, and a German middle name to honour his German side.

 

[fairy_gem]

It is most def yours and OH's choice no-one elses, go with what you both want. But as a compromise you could give a Maori middle name.

BTW...Isla is beautiful, i love it!.

x

 

[trumpetbum]

I think having a Maori boys name and gaelic girls name picked out is a great compromise. Personally I'd find a nice opposite m/n too. I.e: Isla Teranagahau and something like
Te Awhiroa Callum/Cameron/Lewis etc but that's just a suggestion.

I think mil needs to butt out though

 

[DazedConfused]

Haha thanks for the support guys! I will definitely stick by Isla then

I do love my mil to bits but I was getting so over this "Why not a lovely Maori name" debate, sigh! Maori middle name also a great suggestion *lovelove*

Oh and yay another Kiwi mama, though I'm a migrant, shifted 5 years ago