Dilemma: Twin boys and family names

[elisabeth rae]

However, I also understand that your husband wants to carry on a family tradition. Perhaps you could compromise with Jackie Robert and James Randall? A mixture of both the names? That way, they are BOTH sort of getting to carry on the tradition, while each getting their own distinct name filled with equal meaning.

One more thing to think about - it seems that you are pleasing everyone except yourself when it comes to naming your boys! Make sure you are happy too - afterall, YOU are the one bringing them into this world.

Since that was completely his pick I think you should choose a name that you absolutely love!

Then when you're talking to your boys later about their names you can say, "Daddy picked your name because it meant so much to him and his family and I picked your name because it meant so much to me!"

These are also good suggestions!

[cicilyn]

What about the nn Ames for James? I think that as long as you tell Twin B about his grandfather and highlight any special skills, life events, memories etc. it shouldn't be too big of a deal. Inequality of names will not be enough to make one child feel inadequate, it can be a catalyst if those feelings are already there, but as long as you make both boys feel special and loved and are careful to avoid favoritism it will be okay. If you try to hold out for another son you may be disappointed and have only girls, or another set of twins even, and if passing on this name is truly important to your husband and his family you should do it now.

[kasie]

I don't think you should pass on the name to either of them. Just seems wrong in the case of twins.

[lnp838]

What about the nn Ames for James? I think that as long as you tell Twin B about his grandfather and highlight any special skills, life events, memories etc. it shouldn't be too big of a deal. Inequality of names will not be enough to make one child feel inadequate, it can be a catalyst if those feelings are already there, but as long as you make both boys feel special and loved and are careful to avoid favoritism it will be okay. If you try to hold out for another son you may be disappointed and have only girls, or another set of twins even, and if passing on this name is truly important to your husband and his family you should do it now.

I agree. I'm glad you said that about it would be a catalyst but not the basis for rivalry. Both names are extremely important to DH so I think they hold about equal weight, its just that there are physically 3 other men that we would see that drew would be named after and James' namesake has passed. Doesn't make it any less important though.

Since that was completely his pick I think you should choose a name that you absolutely love!

I also agree with this. I love the name James Robert, so long as I can use Jake - but I don't know if DH will be able to compromise. My point was that everyone will think Drew is a nn for Andrew, so who cares if people think Jake is Jacob?

I suggested to DH using Nolan James. Noel is another beloved uncle of his who is always around and I could see myself calling my son Nolan. He just really like the idea of honoring his grandfathers - they meant a lot to him. I told him that I agreed, but if we couldn't compromise on what to call him w/ a name we both liked that I don't see what else we can do but change it. So well see...

[lnp838]

What about naming the other twin after your father? You could use either his first or middle name up front and your grandfather's name in the middle. That way, both boys have family names. Or what about your maiden name? Would that be usable up front?

My dad is Daniel Charles Jr. I never met senior...Im pretty sure he died young of alcoholism, but no one ever talk about him. I don't think he was a very good person. i love my Dad, but we haven't always been super close and he's got his problems too...i don't know if he's someone I would name my kid after. I also love my grandpa, but refuse to use Gerald in any shape or form because I just don't like it! lol. NOT cute on a little boy. My maiden name is very slavic (ends in -vich) and doesn't make a good first name like English surnames do.

[lnp838]

so thats a big NO on the Jake compromise lol.

"Jake short for James makes me want to punch baby bunnies" -DH

...at least he's honest

[kala_way]

so thats a big NO on the Jake compromise lol.

"Jake short for James makes me want to punch baby bunnies" -DH

...at least he's honest

aww, well, back to the drawing board.

What about Jamie? Is that too close? Too feminine?

Would you want a name with the same letters if it had to be something else?

I still think you should look into masculine forms of the female names in your life.

[elisabeth rae]

I still think you should look into masculine forms of the female names in your life.

Oh that's a good idea! What about your name, or the names of your mothers or grandmothers? Anything good to work with there?

[redtulips]

How about using Jameson as an alternative to James?

[lnp838]

aww, well, back to the drawing board.

What about Jamie? Is that too close? Too feminine?

Would you want a name with the same letters if it had to be something else?

I still think you should look into masculine forms of the female names in your life.

DH nixed Jamie and its not my fave. I like that idea of feminine names, but the Lorraine and Irene don't really work well and I don't think Id name a kid after them either. Love them, but just...can't. We planned on using my grandmother's middle (Elizabeth) for a girl.

How about using Jameson as an alternative to James?

I like this, but I don't think it goes well with Drew.

I like James in theory..I really do. I don't know why it is so hard for me to envision. There are a lot of great characters conjured when I think of James. Jesus' brother, James Potter, James and the Giant Peach lol. James really isn't so bad. I could probably live with it. Just when we are not talking about family names I tend to like things that are more unique. at least not in the top 100, so wrapping my mind around having a son with SUCH a popular name is kind of hard. Some days just James grows on me, but then others I just don't know.