Would you ever use a cousin's name? Even if you were not close?

Boy Names
#1

I am really loving [name_u]Elias[/name_u] [name_u]Benjamin[/name_u] for a boy right now. But [name_u]Benjamin[/name_u] is the name of my cousin.? I don’t have a super close relationship with this person, mainly just because of distance. We get on well when we see each other, we live in different parts of the UK and we mainly catch up during family events like weddings etc. Would it be kinda weird?

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#2

I don’t think so, especially as a middle. If anything, they might be flattered.

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#3

Here is the thing though, it wouldn’t really be me using their name. It’s just the fact that I do really like [name_u]Benjamin[/name_u] as a middle :rofl: dilemma

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#4

Seems fine, being a middle and quite a common name.
[name_f]My[/name_f] cousin is [name_u]James[/name_u] and we’ll prob use that as a middle

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#5

I would use anybody’s name! [name_u]Truly[/name_u].

Elias and [name_u]Benjamin[/name_u] are both very popular, well-used names.

You would not be stealing anything from anyone.

And if anyone felt that way, tell them they should feel honored.

#6

But think how many thousands (millions?) of people have [name_u]Benjamin[/name_u] as a middle name!

It’s not like we’re talking about [name_m]Marmaduke[/name_m] or [name_m]Cadwallader[/name_m]. :slight_smile:

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#7

Thanks :blush:I am in the UK and it’s strange I’ve not met one single [name_u]Elias[/name_u]. I think in fact it’s outside the 100 here in the UK. I know [name_u]Elias[/name_u] is really popular in other European countries though.

#8

They sound like nice names for some cats :heart_eyes:

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#9

Right, I understand. I don’t think it would be a problem. I’ve seen people use their siblings’ names and it works out.

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#10

Thanks for the feedback :blush:

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#11

I don’t think it’s a big deal. Like others have mentioned, [name_u]Benjamin[/name_u] is a popular name. I don’t think the cousin would even assume you named the baby after him unless you specifically said so.

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#12

It’d be a little weird, but I’d still do it if I liked any of my cousins names (I’m not close to mine either).

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#13

I don’t think anyone else would care really so as long as you don’t find it too weird no one else will.

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#14

So this funny but my brother’s name is [name_u]Benjamin[/name_u] and when my cousin was born my aunty and uncle really wanted to use it for his middle! So they asked my mum and she said of course go for it. It’s never been weird.

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#15

I have a cousin named [name_u]Angel[/name_u], and while not close at all we have a good relationship, personally love the name but knocked it out my list, cause no matter what it’ll be associated by family with them! I say if your comfortable getting some remarks than go for it, but I personally scrapped it as I was in a similar situation :sweat_smile:

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#16

Oh wow haha Similar circumstances indeed

#17

I know exactly what you mean. It’s so annoying how my family members have nice names that I want to use 🤦🤣

#18

Benjamin is a classic and since it’s for a middle I think it’s fine

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#20

I actually think being distant helps with using the name, then it doesn’t seem like an honor name, when it actually isn’t in honor of them.

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#21

I don’t think it’s strange at all. Some of my cousins have some pretty cool names, and I definitely wouldn’t be opposed to using them if it was one of my favourites. Plus, [name_u]Benjamin[/name_u] is a well established and popular name! If it was a super outlandish names it might come off a bit weird, but because it’s so common it’ll definitely be okay.

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