Using names of people you know - where do you draw the line?

[icklemonster]

The name we really like for a boy is also the name of one of my close friend's husband, who we now regularly hang around with. It is literally the only boy name we both really like. I think we will likely go for it if we have a boy, but am a little concerned in my friendship group, baby will become known as 'Little ******' (we keep our name a top secret, wouldn't put it past my Mum to check on here as she's seen me on the forum before).

It just got me thinking, where do you draw the line of names you can use? Has anyone got experience of using a name of someone they see regularly, be it child or adult? How did it go down? xxx

 

[Indi84]

My dh won't use any name of people we know closely, which puts a lot off the list as between us we have a large circle of friends, family and all their children too! I really like Leon but we know one so... men!

 

[mummyruston]

Yes we won't use a name if in a circle of friends and often used in conversation etcetera.

It's ultimately your choice - wouldn't be off of it was your close friends sons name. At least he's an adult.

 

[jessmke]

My friend Andun has had three babies named after him (well not really after him, but the parent's were friends with Andun and liked the name). He thinks it's awesome and is very flattered. When they are talking it's never really confusing to figure out if they are talking about an adult or a child.

 

[Buffyx]

I wouldnt use it if it were me.
My husband is the opposite & wouldnt mind using names of people we knew though.

 

[AngelofTroy]

I find it hard to use names of people we know. We have always loved the name Reuben but our new neighbours have a son who we thought was Reuben.. Turns out he's actually called Rufus but I STILL feel weird using Reuben because my toddler associates it with the boy next door now and also they'd likely both have the nickname Roo.

Saying that I was pushing for Alice for a girl and I have a cousin named Alice! We're not particularly close though so to me although it's family, the contact would be minimal (once every 2 years maybe) that I'd use it (if OH liked it).

 

[Siobhan14]

I wouldn't draw the line anywhere -if it's the only name you love, go for it! On a day-to-day basis and 5,10,20 years down the road, it's not going to matter at all that your son shares a name with a friend's husband...but it might bother you if you choose a name you didn't REALLY love, just to be different. We have so many duplicate names in my family (my Mom has 10 brothers and sisters, I have 31 first cousins) and it's just not a big deal because it's not like we all live under one roof. Just my opinion anyway