So, I shared on a previous thread that I LOVE the name [name_f]Elise[/name_f] and I have ever since I was a little girl. [name_f]My[/name_f] best friend since childhood is having a daughter and naming her [name_f]Elisa[/name_f] (friend’s own middle name) and I’m just wondering if it’s too close to name my daughter [name_f]Elise[/name_f]. We do not live in the same city and we only share one mutual friend, but we do see each other a few times a year and we talk all the time. I have asked her if she would mind and she said no. But I just can’t shake the feeling of not wanting the names to be so close. Am I being silly?
1 Like
They’re not too close for children of friends! Use it if you love it!
2 Likes
I pronounce these names very differently
[name_f]Elise[/name_f] - ee-lease
Elisa- ah-lis-ah
So I would not see a problem if that is how you pronounce them
3 Likes
Are you more worried about how the two names would sound together when said out loud or thinking people would would wonder if you’re trying to steal a name? [name_u]Or[/name_u] is it something else altogether?
Your friend has said she has no issue with it and it has been a long standing favorite of yours, so I would go ahead and use it. If you think the two names are much too similar, could using it as a middle name work? I know a few people who are called by their middle name in part of their lives and first name for all other aspects of their lives. For example, a kid I went to high school with went by his middle name while in school, but his first name at home and church. He now goes by his first name, but he balanced the two very well for many years.
1 Like
Its up to you if it bothers you then don’t do it. No one else will notice.
2 Likes
Yes, you are! 
It seems quite common to be these days.
Different names, different cities, she doesn’t mind… What’s to worry about?
4 Likes
They will be pronouncing it ee-lease-ah.
I think I’m worried I will look like a name steeler 
I realize now that sounds super childish.
1 Like
Understood. Not at all childish as we have a lot of people out there who say names are “claimed”, even though names are not something that can be claimed. All you have to say is that it has been on your list for a long time because you love the name. If people think anything else, it’s on them. Your friend is fine with it and she knows how much you’ve loved the name. I would use it as a first, but if you’re still worried, the middle position is a great compromise (and no one said she couldn’t be called by her middle name).
1 Like
My brother and his wife were days away from giving birth to their second when he ran into one of his neighbors who had just had their own baby (they were 2 of 5 families pregnant at the same time in their neighborhood of 30). When my brother found out the name, he was worried what his wife would think. They decided to keep the name they were set on. Now the boys who were born a few weeks apart, and whose families were not close before all this, are best friends tied together by the same name with different spellings. No one thought either couple had stolen the name; they just think it is an amazing story for the boys to hold onto.
3 Likes
I don’t think it’s childish to be concerned about this - it’s a reasonable concern and it would worry me too! I think it’s great that you talked to your friend and that she said she doesn’t mind. Now you know that you’re free to use [name_f]Elise[/name_f] is you choose. However, I’m not sure that I could in your situation. [name_m]Even[/name_m] though you have loved the name for years, it will, as you say, look very similar and you will be conscious of it. I know what other people think doesn’t matter, and yet … it does in our hearts doesn’t it? It would be such a pity though not to use the name you love.
Sorry, I’ve not been much help here because I can’t say that you should or shouldn’t use it. I just wanted to say that your concern seems quite reasonable to me.
1 Like
I think it’s fine. [name_m]Just[/name_m] because you guys are friends doesn’t mean your kids will be. I say use the name that feels like your kid.
1 Like
Awe that’s so sweet, thank you for sharing that! Everyone has made me feel much better!
1 Like
No, use [name_f]Elise[/name_f] if it’s your favorite. Friends come and go. And I’m sure [name_f]Elisa[/name_f] and [name_f]Elise[/name_f] can coexist. 
1 Like
Since your friend isn’t bothered by it, it’s fine.
1 Like
I think it would be fine, especially as your friend isn’t bothered
1 Like
Totally fine. Name your kid a name you love.
1 Like
Not too close.
I think it is okay, especially since your friend is not bothered. You guys don’t live very close so it shouldn’t come up too often, and when they do meet it can be something fun for them to bond over
I would still use it! [name_f]Elise[/name_f] is gorgeous!