We have decided to use my dad’s name as my son’s middle name. What is the protocol around this? I know my dad will be thrilled, but should we ask his permission? Surprise him? I’d like to start using the name sooner than later on invitations and such, so of course I’d like my dad to know first. Anyone ever found a special way to honor/notify a namesake rather than just saying, “Hey, we’d like to use your name”?
If you’re absolutely certain Grandpa will like the idea, I think it’s fine to keep it a surprise. If you have a little bit of doubt, I’d ask. For one thing, my dad surprised me by telling me not to use either of his names for my children, because he’s not all that fond of them. So it could be your dad harbors similar feelings, unless you know otherwise.
I am not someone big on honoring names, so I haven’t thought of any announcing ideas, but brainstorming right now… perhaps wait until your father gets to meet baby for the first time, e.g. holding the little guy, and then spring it on him. Simple, but potentially powerful that he learns when he gets his first glimpse of his grandson.
I have never known anyone to mind. I would just tell him what you’ve chosen.
My dad has already jokingly dropped hints. “You know, [name_m]Scott[/name_m] is a nice, strong name, I think it has a nice ring to it.” Etc.
So I’m 100% positive he’ll be flattered should we choose to use it. Since it sounds nice with the first name we’ve chosen, I think we’ll go with it.
I was just looking for a fun, creative way to announce / surprise him. Maybe this isn’t something people normally do… 
It feels like a situation that deserves some celebration to me.
[name_m]Scott[/name_m] is a good solid name, i can see why you’ve decided to use it!
For me it’d be about seeing that look on his face when he meets his grandson for the first time and then when he’s there, holding that precious little bundle for the first time, then you drop it on him like ‘BAM!’… That moment would be my celebration Only challenge then becomes keeping the secret until that moment to make sure that he doesn’t find out before hand that that’s what you’re going to do ie. no facebook, text etc announcements to anyone with bub’s full name until you’ve had a chance to have the reveal to your Dad.
Edited for privacy.
I think he’d be flattered. We’re using an honor middle name and they’ll find out after he’s born. We did the same with our daughter. My sister used my mn for my niece and she only asked if she could so I didn’t feel like she was stealing it.