Do you share your baby names with family? I thought I loved the name Ella!?

Question

My husband and I have settled on the name Liam Michael for a boy. My dad thinks that sounds like a lumberjack?! We don't care about that and do like that name. The bigger problem is are favorite girl names. I have always liked Ava or Eva, but go figure, now it is the #1 name. We thought we had settled on Ella for a girl, because it is simple and lovely. However, again, my dad said that we will be saying Ellie. The problem is that Elanor (Ellie for short) is my ex-mother and laws name. Ugh! I really like Ella and that NEVER occurred to me. Do you think they are to close. Also, do you share name ideas w/ family and friends? I'm thinking it gonna be a surprise!

Answer 1

I think you guys have to name the baby for what you want.  You're the parents and his dad is being a stick in the mud.  Not only that, but when he sees him or her, he won't really care what the name is, the baby will be cute it their own right and everyone will love them.  I think Ella is a wonderful name and she might get Ellie, but if you guys use her full name and correct people in the family that call her Ellie, you may be able to be just Ella.  

Answer 2

We have the same taste in names, I wouldn't use Ava either even though I liked it way before it was on the top name list. I think Ella is too close to your ex-mother in laws name. If the relationship is not ugly, than it doesn't really matter, but if the last thing you want to do is honor her in some tiny way than I wouldn't use it.

As far as her name being a secret, that is up to you. I would wait until you have decided, for sure, on a name. By that time, you should be confident with your decision. I am going to wait until birth to decide on a name with the next one, but I don't want to know the gender either. I told everyone my oldest son's name as soon as I found out he was a boy and then when he was born I named him something different, now his ultrasound pictures even have the wrong name!

Answer 3

EVERYONE knew what my son's name was going to be before he was born, but then, everyone seemed to approve.

I like Ella.  I thought, before opening the question, that the objection would be different.  If you don't WANT her called Ellie, then you might want to be sure that everyone understands that.  Simply say something like:  "We like her full name" or "We call her by her full name...it's short enough". in a firm tone, when people try to "diminutize" it.  Then again, if you think that won't work for you, because of the evil mother in law situation, then go with something different.

OR, you might want to stop sharing with your father!  On that note, my sister shared what she was planning for her second child, and it was COMPLETELY unacceptable because of our religion!   If she had gone with that without sharing, the poor child would have gotten wierd looks all her life!

Answer 4

No, I don't  share the names I choose with my family.  My family was really critical when I had my daughter.  I named my daughter Sela (see-la) which I thought was simple and pretty.  I got all kinds of comments about her name.  So this time around I am not telling them until the baby is born (having a boy).  My husband and I chose Nolan for our baby boy's name and they will be surprised.

Choose what you and your hubby like.  After all, your the one who will be saying the name more often.

Answer 5

I love Liam Michael.  Yea, I shared my names with my family and that can be hard because they will think of a reason why they don't like it or give their opinions.  My son is Cade, but my mom said I should go with Caden.  I didn't want that because even if I named him Caden, I'd still call him Cade, and his middle name is Ryan and it flows better with Cade.  Anyways, it is best to do a surprise.  I surprised everyone and it worked out well that way (just my mom knew the name).  On the other hand, sometimes it is good to tell people so that they can point out things that you didn't see.  I know one person on YA was asking what they thought about Myles Bates (first and last name).  I quickly pointed out that when you say the name fast it sounds like "m********e".  So there are positives and negatives to both.

Answer 6

Name YOUR child what YOU want...and to heck with everybody else...that is a private matter between you and the baby's father...and other people have NO right to "make suggestions" unsolicited.

I would keep the name a surprise...once Grandpa or whoever sees that new baby, they aren't gonna care what you named it anyway, they'll be so proud...

Make it known that if you are naming the child a similar name to someone, that it is NOT after that person (unless that was your intention)...call the child what YOU want..and insist others do the same (let's say you name your son William and want him called that..use the name William when speaking about him, and insist others refer to him the same way...let it be known you don't like "nicknames" if that's the case)...you also do not have to name your child something longer if you prefer the "shortened" version ( my second husband's name was Larry...NOT Lawrence...)...

Answer 7

This is why I will never post which baby names I like on Yahoo answers once im pregnant OR tell the family till after the babys born. Its more of a surprise that way anyways. That way when you announce the birth people will say "____ had her baby!!" instead of "Oh, Ellas finally here"

Answer 8

This is the first of many decisions that is you and your husband's decision....and your decision only.  Your parents and in laws already got their turn to name their children, and now, it's your turn.  Don't tell them ahead of time and ignore the negative comments that are sure to come.  Your name selections sound wonderful to me!!!!

Answer 9

Yes but mostly the middle names are family names

I like Ella great name and Yes it is close to Elanor

but you should name your baby what you want

No matter if it is close to your ex mother in laws name

Answer 10

well apparently your family isn't that supportive so don't tell them so it will be a surprise.

and i love the name ella,.

and i also love liam michael.

but you choose,

maybe you should go with eva cuz you haven't told anyone yet.

and also if you stay with ella, just don't call her ellie! ellie is ugly. and its not like ella needs a nick name cuz like its not a long name.

well good luck (:

Answer 11

my cousin got lots of stuff like that when she names her baby evangeline. ever scence then shes never told anyone