PollSharkâ„¢: Should children be named after their mothers or their fathers?

Question

or should they be assigned a random name from the dictionary, like "p**n" or "Yard"?

Answer 1

I think sons should have theirr father's last name and daughters should have their mother's last name.  That way everyones lineage can be traced.

Answer 2

My son has my last name and my daughter has my husbands last name.  

Answer 3

I assume you mean their last name?

I think they should take the name of their father. Unless their mother didn't take her husband's name. Then I'm not really sure. If I had a child and hadn't taken my husband's name I would probably give them my husband's name. Although if I had 2 boys I would give each one of them a different name to continue the family name. I definitely don't think they should be given a random last name. In the case of childbirth out of wedlock, I think they should take the last name of the parents that is caring for them.

In terms of first name or middle name, I think it's up to the parents. If they want to give the child a family name that is their prerogative. If they don't, that's also their choice. I like the idea of passing on a name, although I think when people are the IV and V it's a little ridiculous. But I think it is a great show of respect to pass along someone's name to your child.

Answer 4

Valerie C fails to mention that the Y-Chromosome DNA is only passed from father to son and is the only DNA which remains constant and unaffected by mother's X-Chromosome. It is a a Nuclear Chromosome which escapes genetic mixing with the mother. So basically, Valerie C's reason is invalid. If you want to use DNA as justification then patrilineal father-to-son name-giving makes sense.

Also, contrary to popular belief, there has never been a matriarchal society.

Patrilineal genealogy just makes the most sense.

Answer 5

I like Lamp. I love Lamp!

I think it's up to the couple to decide. For example, my brother has my father's middle name, and my father has my grandfather's middle name. My father decided my name, and my mother decided on my brother's.  

Answer 6

I always thought the naming of a child after their mothers or their fathers was a rather dated practice...I think they should be assigned fairytale names.

Answer 7

I wonder that most people cannot really imagine that more husbands should take their wife´s last name. If more men did so, this would be an indication of real equality in our society.  And the kids, in that cases, would automatically get their mother´s name. Moreover this would state that she has given birth to her children.

Answer 8

I always see it as horribly narcisistic when parents name their children after themselves.  As a unique individual, I think everyone deserves their own name, rather than be labelled with a 'jr', or a silly nickname to avoid confusion.

Answer 9

I assume you are talking about their last name. I think they should be using the mother's last name since they are from her line if they came out of her body and she provides the mitochondrial inheritance as well as the nuclear DNA inheritance.  

Answer 10

Whichever the family name is. If it's a single mother then it makes sense that it would be her name. But normal people combine their names!!

Answer 11

I took my husbands name and our children were given his last name.

I don't have a preference for how others name their children.  I respect their choice and I expect the same in return.

Answer 12

All children should be named after me

Answer 13

I think it depends on what the mother and/or father are called!