We love the name [name_u]Asa[/name_u] (Ay-sah) for our little boy due this year. The only reservation I have is that we had a little angel baby in our direct family who passed early in the second trimester a few years ago who was named [name_f]Ava[/name_f]. Are they too similar? Would it be insensitive to use [name_u]Asa[/name_u] for our boy?
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[name_u]Welcome[/name_u] to Nameberry and congratulations! I’m so sorry to hear about your family’s loss 
[name_u]Asa[/name_u] is a gorgeous name and a personal favourite of mine. I never think of [name_f]Ava[/name_f] and [name_u]Asa[/name_u] as being particularly similar — different vibes, different genders — but I can hear that the sounds are close now you mention it.
Given that this is such a sensitive situation, I’d recommend raising it gently with the parents of baby [name_f]Ava[/name_f], if that’s something you’d feel able to do. They might find it too painful to hear such a similar sounding name on a regular basis, or they might like the closeness as a way of connecting to their daughter.
You don’t have to, of course, as it’s your baby and your choice of name, and they’re not the same name anyway. But given the closeness of the names and family members I think it would be the most sensitive way to proceed.
Good luck!
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Congratulations!
I’m sorry to hear about your family’s loss of baby [name_f]Ava[/name_f] 
I have to agree with @katinka personally I do not find [name_u]Asa[/name_u] & [name_f]Ava[/name_f] too similar they are very different names they have different vibe, sound, feel stylistically different and out for different genders.
However due to the sensitive nature off this whole situation I would ask Ava’s parents how they feel about you choosing [name_u]Asa[/name_u]. If it was me and they were not happy I would then choose a different name.
But ultimately it’s different strokes for different folks so It’s up to you if you approach them you don’t have to you as they are different names but due to the sensitivity of the situation I would proceed with caution.
Wishing you the best of luck
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So sorry for your loss and congratulations on your new addition!
Personally, I don’t think that they are too close, agreeing with @katinka and @tori101.
In a way, [name_u]Asa[/name_u] could almost be a little nod to [name_f]Ava[/name_f]. I do think they have totally different vibes, sounds, and feels. The closest relation to me for the two names is the spelling.
I love [name_u]Asa[/name_u] and actually know 2 - one is a spunky little boy that is 6 now and then an older gentleman in his 70s - and it fits both spot on. I don’t think you can go wrong with that name choice!
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After a few years they may be feeling much more at peace with [name_f]Ava[/name_f]. I would talk to the parents since the names are so similar or maybe just find a different name. It might be quite painful for them to adjust to seeing and hearing such a similar name on your little boy. On the other hand maybe they would feel bittersweet about it. You would need to talk with them. Good luck!
I think it could be a really lovely extra connection to [name_f]Ava[/name_f], to have a cousin called [name_u]Asa[/name_u]. 
They do feel like different names to me with very different vibes, even though they look similiar. but I’d suggest talking to the parent/s of [name_f]Ava[/name_f].
I don’t think it’s too similar, nor insensitive. 
Thank you all. We dont think they’re too similar either. Speaking to the parents makes sense, I’m just scared that as soon as we do the connection will be there, where it might not have been at all because they’re not too similar. I realise I’m overthinking this - appreciate your thoughts 
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