Considering changing my sons middle name

Boy Names
1

Hello everyone!

[name_f]My[/name_f] 18month year old sons name is [name_u]River[/name_u] [name_u]Leo[/name_u]. [name_f]My[/name_f] last name is von Sternberg.

I really need some help.

I always had two favorite names, [name_u]River[/name_u] and [name_u]Holden[/name_u]. I was saving [name_u]Holden[/name_u] for a 2nd boy, and didn’t want it off the table. So I never considered using it as a middle name. I’m 37, a single mom by choice, and doubt I’ll have another child. Financially and time wise, I think I’d stretch myself to the limit.

Lately [name_u]Holden[/name_u] keeps coming up in my mind, and I’m just not loving/connecting to [name_u]Leo[/name_u] as much anymore. I’m annoyed with how trendy it’s become, the zodiac association. [name_m]Leonardo[/name_m] DiCaprio is my guy but [name_u]River[/name_u] [name_m]Leonardo[/name_m] von Sternberg was too intense for me. I felt [name_u]River[/name_u] [name_u]Leo[/name_u] was perfect. And I don’t dislike the name, it’s not that. Maybe it’s knowing I wont have another that I feel sentimental towards [name_u]Holden[/name_u], like I want to use it. Get it in there now.

Background on [name_u]Holden[/name_u]- [name_m]Catcher[/name_m] in the rye was one of my favorite coming of age books that resonated with me so much when I was a teen. Not sure how it would hit me now but it lives in this literary time capsule of things that impacted me and my life. I always said I would name my son [name_u]Holden[/name_u]. It was my name for…forever. [name_m]Till[/name_m] [name_u]River[/name_u] came around and I just fell head over heels for it, it shot to the top of the list. And, no regrets. [name_f]My[/name_f] son is SUCH a [name_u]River[/name_u].

But now I’m strongly feeling like changing [name_u]Leo[/name_u], and doing [name_u]River[/name_u] [name_u]Holden[/name_u].

And to add another element, I’m considering adding one more middle name to honor my dad- his name is [name_u]Lee[/name_u].

So: [name_u]River[/name_u] [name_u]Holden[/name_u] [name_u]Lee[/name_u] von Sternberg.

It’s a lot of name, since my last name is already two parts. But, I feel like it’s also strong and powerful, meaningful to me.

While I think the cadence of [name_u]River[/name_u] [name_u]Leo[/name_u] is lovelier , more melodic sounding, a poetic quality…the [name_u]Leo[/name_u] has just really become a novelty due to its popularity for me. I like that [name_u]Holden[/name_u] is uncommon but not to obscure either.

I’m torn,

I feel like [name_u]River[/name_u] [name_u]Holden[/name_u] [name_u]Lee[/name_u] would get reduced to [name_u]River[/name_u] [name_u]Holden[/name_u] von Sternberg (which I don’t mind) But I like the legal sprinkling of a nod to my dad.

Help guys!!! What do you think??

2

Since it’s a middle, I think you could change it - an interesting little fact to share with him when he’s older - but I’d do it sooner rather than later, before he comes to really know his middle.

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Maybe it’s not direct enough for you to consider it a “proper honour”, but my first thought reading this was, “well Leo is already such a lovely honour for Lee!”. It’s practically the same name with an -o at the end, so it seems clear to me! Maybe that could be an extra sweet tidbit to help you connect to Leo more?

That said, if you just don’t really feel it, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with changing his middle name. It’s only a middle, and he’s so young he likely won’t remember it - but I agree with the previous poster, I’d do it sooner rather than later! I don’t think River Holden Lee is too much, I think the two middle names sound really handsome together :yellow_heart:

2 Likes
4

So it’s funny, my dad absolutely hates [name_u]Leo[/name_u]. And really felt hurt I did not choose [name_u]Lee[/name_u], since it’s one letter. He always thinks of old uncle [name_u]Leo[/name_u] from Seinfeld (what’s wrong with uncle [name_u]Leo[/name_u] :joy:)

He’s totally over it and doesn’t care, so I dont feel guilt as much that I think it would be sweet for [name_u]River[/name_u] to have that connection to my dad. [name_f]My[/name_f] dad is almost 80 now and life is short.

1 Like
5

I say change it! :blush: Definitely!

6

Gosh I remember your pregnancy and naming journey so clearly :orange_heart:

I absolutely love [name_u]River[/name_u] for you and I think he’s fabulous so firstly I wanted to say once again congratulations on your son along with choosing such a fab name. I know he’s probably around 15 months now (I’m guesstimating based on posts) but had to say once again congratulations!

I would say change it. [name_u]River[/name_u] [name_u]Holden[/name_u] [name_u]Lee[/name_u] is fabulous and I love how much sentiment the name has for you. I think as this is your one shot at naming a child you should just embrace your name loves. [name_u]Holden[/name_u] is gorgeous a wonderful literary choice that’s smashing sandwiched between the fabulous [name_u]River[/name_u] and sweet [name_u]Lee[/name_u]. I love the connection to your dad with [name_u]Lee[/name_u] and I think using his name makes the whole tribute far more sentimental. I also feel that [name_u]River[/name_u] [name_u]Holden[/name_u] is so fashion forward that [name_u]Lee[/name_u] is very charming next to them. Also because [name_u]Lee[/name_u] is short and all names are very easy it sounds just fine with your surname. The name is a [name_f]Lovely[/name_f] choice.

Wishing you all the best

7

I added a middle name to my daughter’s name when she was 4, right before I had to register her for kindergarten, and I haven’t looked back since. At 18 months it would be easier but I ran it by her at 4 and she loved it. Her name never felt complete to me. I used a filler middle with no meaning because I felt rushed in the hospital to pick a name (not knowing I could think about it at home and register her later). It caused me pretty huge name regret even though it was just a middle. She has some stuff with her original middle on it (a birth plaque and her birth announcement ) but I still hadn’t finished her baby book so I made the baby book with her complete name. It’s a story to tell. And her middle now connects her to my heritage. Some family probably thought it was weird but who cares!