getting flack about breaking "tradition"

[lusterleaf]

So we finally let DH's father and mother know we are expecting (I am 9 weeks). They both asked what we would name the baby. DH is named William, which is also his father's name, and was his grandfather and great grandfather's name as well.. If we have a boy I don't really want to name him William as I feel there are too many Bill and Billy's as it is. DH said he was indifferent. However, I do like the name Liam which is sort of close to William. When DH's father asked about names I didn't mention to him my potential boy's name (trying to avoid it haha), and last night when DH's mother asked, I mentioned I liked Liam and she flipped out and said, "NO you HAVE to name him William if its a boy!!!" so now I feel guilty that I am going to cause havoc in the family if I don't follow tradition. sorry just wanted to vent!

 

[kat2504]

Your baby your choice.
You and your partner and your baby will be a new family unit and can start your own traditions. It's ridiculous to force you into a name you don't want. I also think it's weird for a child to have the same name as it's parent. it's not the same as naming after a grandparent.
you could use William as a middle name (although not if you use Liam as the first name!) and it is time for you and your partner to make the boundaries clear with your parents and that you will be making your own choices and doing things your own way.

Another good tip is don't discuss names with them. Wait until the child is born and then announce the name. You don't need their permission in advance.

 

[Fairyland]

another idea would be to name him William, but call him Liam. I don't see why Liam shouldn't be used as a nickname for a William, it's much closer to the name than Billy

that's just if you don't mind the idea in principle of course. It should absolutely be your choice.

My BF wants to give the baby his grandpas name as a middle name if it's a boy. I really don't like that, because I've never met his granddad, and I just do not like the name. at all. not a pretty one. anyway, I'm as of yet undecided if I'll fight him on this or just ignore the fact my son will have a middle name I don't like. My strategy: wait until I know the sex, then worry about it.

here's to a girl for both of us!

 

[LisaL79]

It is yours and DH's baby. If you don't want to name a baby boy William then don't. Do NOT let anyone make either of you feel guilty for not doing what THEY want you to do.

 

[feeble]

I agree with everyone really!

If you really dont want him to be called William then that is totally your choice, however, Liam could be a shortening of William so you could put William on the birth cert and just call him Liam forever!

which is probably what i would do in the same circumstance, unless i wanted a wildly different name and then i would call him that!

It is Totally up to you, but there are a couple of options, especially if Liam is your preferred name, because that could work for everyone x

 

[feeble]

p.s - i bet its a girl

 

[mommylam]

I think these kinds of traditions are so outdated. If you have a boy, name him what you want and he'll likely thank you for it. I was pressured with every son to name him after my father....but I never did. I chose names that I liked and that I felt fit my children. If it's really important....maybe use William as a middle name although that wouldn't work with Liam. I think Liam is a great way to update the William family tradition!!!! Stick to what you like. I don't think family should be able to pressure us into how we name or care for our children!!!!

 

[Elhaym]

Agree with all the others - you are carrying this baby, you will go through the 9 months and then labour, so IMO you can name them what you bloody well like