Our current most likely name for our third son is my grandfather’s name. It is also my uncle’s name. I’m just wondering whether I should ask my uncle’s son and daughter whether it is ok with them for me to use the name. I feel like they have more “claim” to it since it is both their grandfather’s AND their father’s name. However, neither of them are married yet and they are younger and I don’t want to stir things up unnecessarily by asking. I can imagine being in their place and not really knowing whether I wanted the name but being sort of annoyed if forced to think about it and make a decision. (BTW, I am fine with my son having a second cousin with the same name if they did end up wanting to use it; in other words, I’m not trying to claim it for my own).
Anyway, just wondering what your general opinions were on requesting permission to use a family name that someone else has a stronger connection to.
Thanks a lot!
I think you have every right to it. If your uncle given his son the same name, I think they might have some quibble. But since they broke the direct line, I think you have equal claim.
I don’t think you have to ask. He is just as much your grandfather as he is theirs. I would avoid telling anyone the name you plan to use though because people tend to have a lot of opinions before the baby is born. You don’t want to get into a situation where you are discouraged from using that name and others feel you didnt have a right to if because they told you not to use it.
I am thinking of only a high drama type family here!