To hyphenate, or not to hyphenate...

[HollyGolitely]

...Not just the last name (which we probably won't), but the middle name? This is my conundrum: I want my daughter's middle name to be actually two names, Mary Jane (first name Eden). This is my late Mom-Mom's name and very important to me. So, which is better (I know it sounds the same either way, so I guess I'm asking which looks better): Eden Mary Jane OR Eden Mary-Jane? I know this is not a big deal, but it is something I have to think about because that moment we spell out the name on the birth certificate will probably be here before we know it!

 

[Scooby12345]

I'd hyphenate it, somehow looks like a better flow!

 

[louise1302]

i think it looked nice hyphernated too, its a lovely name

 

[Ivoryapril]

hyphenate

 

[Mumiof2]

I think it looks better hyphenated hun x

 

[trashit]

hyphenate

 

[HollyGolitely]

Thanks! I think I agree, it does flow better when hyphenated. Yay! I'm so excited.

 

[Amygdala]

I wouldn't hyphenate personally but I think it depends on how you pronounce it. If it's Eden (pause) MAry (pause) JAne then I'd keep it seperate, if it's Eden (pause) MAryjane then I would hyphenate.

 

[twiggy56]

hyphenate...rolls off the tongue better!

x x

 

[pixydust]

i agree, i'd hyphenate it

 

[Seity]

Just say no to hyphenated names!!!
I like it better without the hyphen.

 

[HollyGolitely]

Thanks to all for your input! OH is no help, he's very, "Whatever you want, sweetie," about it.

Just say no to hyphenated names!!!
I like it better without the hyphen.

Just curious, what is it about hyphenated names that is a turn-off to you? I need to know all points of view because my little girl is going to have to grow up with this name, I don't want her to resent me for making the wrong choice!

 

[hivechild]

I have to throw in my vote against hyphenating as well.

My own reasoning is a personal preference for avoiding unnecessary punctuation in names (hyphens, commas, etc.) just for the sake of it. Along the same vein (and again this is a personal preference), I have an aversion toward changing the spelling of a name just to 'be different' even if it's pronounced the same, thus sentencing the bearer of said name to a lifetime of "Mike, no, it's spelled M-h-i-q-u-e."

In the grand scheme of things, Mary-Jane is fine and lovely, if you actually want it to be a compounded name that's always said and used as a singular name, but if Mary and Jane are two names you've chosen for a particular reason, then skip the hyphen just for the sake of hyphenating!

Also, was it hyphenated for your Mom? If not, then keep it as it was!

 

[readyforbaby]

I am with the hyphen as well!

 

[HollyGolitely]

You've all given me a lot to consider regarding the hyphen. Another thing that has crossed my mind, will she have two middle initials if she has two middle names? How will that play out on legal docs? And, if it's hyphenated, will the first initial of the hyphenated middle name be the sole initial? I know this all seems rather trivial, but I'm off to google legal aspects of two middle names now!

 

[LunaRose]

Normally I would say no to hyphenating but Eden Mary-Jane just looks right! xx

 

[Seity]

Just say no to hyphenated names!!!
I like it better without the hyphen.

Just curious, what is it about hyphenated names that is a turn-off to you? I need to know all points of view because my little girl is going to have to grow up with this name, I don't want her to resent me for making the wrong choice!

In my town, hyphenated names have gotten out of hand. Mostly last names, but it has just gotten to the point that every time I see a hyphenated name it makes me cringe. In your case, with it being a middle name, it's not really that bad either way. But my own bias against hyphenated names says, Nooo!

 

[RubyRainbows]

This is a tough one! I would definately say no to hyphenating a first name... i just don't personally like it. But Eden Mary-Jane looks good. With the hyphen, i kinda pronounce it differently... like "MaryJane" as one name.... and without the hyphen it's more like "Eden.... Mary.... Jane." I say go with the hyphen!!!!!! Just do it!!! Lol.

My cousin's first name is MaryAnn... and it's all combined like that.

How about Eden MaryJane? Just a thought!

 

[HollyGolitely]

This is a tough one! I would definately say no to hyphenating a first name... i just don't personally like it. But Eden Mary-Jane looks good. With the hyphen, i kinda pronounce it differently... like "MaryJane" as one name.... and without the hyphen it's more like "Eden.... Mary.... Jane." I say go with the hyphen!!!!!! Just do it!!! Lol.

My cousin's first name is MaryAnn... and it's all combined like that.

How about Eden MaryJane? Just a thought!

That was my Mom's advice, too, as well as my best friend's! I'm not sure what I'll decide at this point, but I think I'm leaning towards the hyphen, as it "feels" right and it's not taking too much creative license with a family name. I want the middle name to be pronounced as one name, but for some reason I'm not crazy how it looks smushed together. I wouldn't be me if I didn't make a simple decision difficult, girls.

 

[JadeyB]

Hi there,

I agree with the girls that it depends on how you are a pronouncing it.

Just an thought from someone who has a hyphenated first and middle name. I am Jodi-Anne.

I've always quite liked having a hyphenated name. Its always made me feel kind of different, maybe that is just because where I come from there aren't many hyphenated names. When I was at school (many many years ago - lol) there was only one other girl in my class.

Also when I don't want to admit to my middle name, I just honestly say I don't have one - lol! Although I do get a little precious when people think my middle name is Anne!!!

I have to admit I don't even like the name Anne (sorry if you are thinking of calling your bubba that). I just like that I'm not just a Jodi - if that makes any sense at all.
xxx