[name]Don[/name]'t judge too quickly! The name Stokely belonged to my dh’s grandfather. Is it a name we could or should consider in the fn spot? I actually LIKE the sound of it…but I also see some “problems” with it as a fn.
What are your thoughts? Our son’s name is [name]Emerson[/name]. [name]Do[/name] they sound like brothers? [name]Emerson[/name] and Stokely?
Or should it be banned to the mn position?
[name]Emerson[/name] and Stokely both have a surname type feel to them, so it wouldn’t seem too off to me to hear them as brothers. [name]Emerson[/name] is a little more common (at least in the current generation of children being born now) than Stokely, so some people might be taken back a bit. I’m totally in favor of family names and honoring, etc. I think it would be very handsome in the middle position, but if you really like it in the front, I don’t think it would be too outlandish among those that will been seen on his future peers/classmates. If you really like it up front, a lively nickname might bring more people in favor of it (I’ve only been able to think of [name]Lee[/name] and possibly [name]Oak[/name]). Also, pairing Stokely with a traditional middle name may also be something you’d consider.
Ex. Stokely [name]James[/name], Stokely [name]Michael[/name], Stokely [name]William[/name], Stokely [name]Joseph[/name], Stokely [name]Andrew[/name], Stokely [name]Thomas[/name], Stokely [name]Graham[/name] (ok, not the most traditional example, but pretty swoon-worthy in my opinion)
[name]Emerson[/name] and Stokely is a very handsome, dignified sibset, I think. 
I have no qualms with Stokely as a first name, though undoubtedly it will raise a few eyebrows. I think it’s worth it to have an original (but not freakishly unusual) name for a child.
Family names rock especially quirky, offbeat ones like Stokely. I like it, but I’m southern so I tend to like last names first.
Good luck.
I’m pleasantly surprised by the positive feedback! It gives me courage to keep it on the list as a fn possibility. Now, I wonder if I can get my hubby on board…
Stokely definitely is an eyebrow raiser–you can tell immediately that it’s a family name. Stokely does sound nice with [name]Emerson[/name], but I think I would prefer it in the middle spot.
I like it, especially with the nickname “Stowe” … sounds pretty cool to me. I think it matches well with [name]Emerson[/name], as others have said, they both have that ‘last name’ feel. I, too, love using family names. Unfortunately, the names in my family are terrible and I’m not sure I can really use any. 
I like the nn Stowe. Thanks!
I guess it sounds okay as a name, but I think you would get too many strange looks for having a son named Stokely. I think it belongs in the middle spot. Sorry.
I think Stokely would be best in the middle spot.
I’m indecisive on this one. I don’t love it for a first name but I don’t hate it. I like that it’s a strong name and that it’s different. I think it goes well with [name]Emerson[/name] but it is definitely a stronger/harsher name. I do think it’s always great to name a child after a special family member though.