Thoughts? All are family names. Last name starts with a B and is two syllables.
Also, an acquaintance of mine just had her baby and named him [name]Jack[/name]. We are not really friends, I used to work with her years ago. I did get a message from her when I announced the pregnancy and she mentioned getting together when we have our babies, etc. My husband is adamant that we stick with [name]Jack[/name] because it is a family name, we have told friends and family and we call him [name]Jack[/name] and refer to the nursery as [name]Jack[/name]'s room and have been for over a month now. I am not as sure. What is the proper etiquette? Should I ask her? Or at least mention it before he is born?
I like [name]Jack[/name] [name]Thomas[/name] the best. The only one I don’t love is [name]Jack[/name] [name]Kevin[/name] becaue I don’t like the double K sound.
As for etiquette, I don’t think you need to say anything to her in advance. [name]Jack[/name] is a pretty common name so she can’t expect to have the only [name]Jack[/name] and it’s a family name, which you can explain to her whenever his name first comes up. That said, since you are calling him [name]Jack[/name] already, it may be weird to not do so around this one friend. So you can mention it in passing as you would with any other friend, then mention that it’s a family name. But I wouldn’t ask for permission.
I think you should definitely go ahead and use [name]Jack[/name] for your son. I don’t think you should have to ask her, seeing as though you’re not super close, and because [name]Jack[/name] is a family name. It’s not as if you heard she used [name]Jack[/name] and then decided you’d use it too!
My favourite combination, by far, is [name]Jack[/name] [name]Timothy[/name]. I love the flow, and that [name]Timothy[/name] is an under-used classic! My second favourite is [name]Jack[/name] [name]Thomas[/name].
I agree, the only one I don’t really like is [name]Jack[/name] [name]Kevin[/name]. If you say it fast it sounds like “Jackevin” or “[name]Jack[/name] [name]Evan[/name].” I love [name]Jack[/name] [name]Thomas[/name]!
Unless it is your very close friend or a close family member, I wouldn’t worry about naming your baby the same name. You might want to just mention it to her that you will be using that name too, as you are already calling the baby by name.
[name]Jack[/name] [name]Thomas[/name] is a nice option, but my preference is for [name]Jack[/name] [name]Timothy[/name]. Not only do I love the name [name]Timothy[/name] (my son’s name), but a three-syllable middle name has the best flow, imo, given that the first name has one-syllable and your last name has two syllables.
BTW, I would totally use [name]Jack[/name] in your situation! I agree with pps that it would be nice to mention it to your friend, but – by all means – keep your chosen name!!!
I vote [name]Jack[/name] [name]Timothy[/name]! [name]Thomas[/name] is very common, [name]Timothy[/name] isn’t but is still recognised. Has a lovely flow!
As for your situation, maybe send her a message asking about her baby and general life stuff, and then say “just to let you know, we have decided on a name for our baby boy!” Make it a celebratory thing, say how excited you are etc. and maybe joke about how they can be like twins Also mention that it is a family name. [name]Don[/name]'t worry about it! Not everyone can have a unique name!
I don’t think you’re under any obligation to mention your name before the baby’s born unless you would be talking to this woman anyway. [name]Jack[/name] is a name that’s used by a lot of people these days and that also has a long history. If you do happen to talk to her, you might say lightly, “It’s funny, but we’d also picked out the name [name]Jack[/name] for our baby. It’s a family name for us; what about for you?”
Thanks for all the replies! I feel much better about using the name now. We are leaning towards [name]Jack[/name] [name]Timothy[/name] now, although [name]Jack[/name] [name]Thomas[/name] is still on the table.
I may not even talk to this acquaintance before he is born, but if I do I will mention it as some of you suggested! Thanks.
[name]Jack[/name] [name]Thomas[/name] stands out to me, but I also like [name]Jack[/name] [name]Timothy[/name]. I might mention your son’s name to your acquaintance before he’s born, but you don’t have to ask for permission to use the name [name]Jack[/name]. Your acquaintance does not own the name [name]Jack[/name]. [name]Jack[/name] is a relatively common name that anyone can use.
[name]Don[/name]'t mention it apologetically. Be positive. Like, “What a coincidence! Great minds think alike!” It’s only a “thing” if you present it as such.
Also mention that it is a family name. [name]Don[/name]'t worry about it!