Naming a baby after a pet?

So kind of a weird question, I know. But hear me out.

When I was 10 years old, we got a puppy, and I named him [name_u]Max[/name_u]. He ended up being my absolute best friend for 14 years and I was utterly crushed when he died. Because of him, I am a diehard dog lover, and have never gone more than a year without a dog in my life since I got him. After he passed I actually got his paw print tattooed on my wrist, because he meant so much to me.

Now SO and I are having a baby! Very happy and excited, and last night we were thinking up names. SO suggested the name [name_u]Max[/name_u], and said he’s always loved the name. To be completely honest, I kind of really like it too, but I can’t help but feel weird about naming my son (if it is in fact a boy) after my childhood pet. On the one hand, I feel like it’s a good way to honour an animal who had such a huge impact on my life, and it’s not like [name_u]Max[/name_u] is a crazy weird name for a human to have. But on the other hand, do you think my kid will be upset that I named him after a dog?

Would love to know what you guys think, and thanks for the advice!

The only thing I can think of is either ask yourself and your husband how you think you’d react if you were told you were named after a pet and see if you’d be okay with that, or name your son [name_u]Max[/name_u] and just never mention the pet. It’s a usable name on its own.