What to Do If Someone “stole” Your Baby Name
You’ve had the perfect baby name for years. As far back as you can remember, you swore that one day your girl would be named Molly Elizabeth. And heck, your best friend from high school – who KNOWS this – just didn’t announce her new girl’s name is (shocking!) Molly Elizabeth.
Was it on purpose? Did she really forget? Is this some kind of strange coincidence? Is she the jerk who got pregnant first to steal your name, or did she just choose the same thing because it happens?
And most importantly, where do you go next?
Take a deep breath first
Baby names are very personal. We cling to our pets like real children, because this is one of the first things that helps us imagine real children. But it didn’t really affect your chances of having a little Molly. Molly is not lost to you! When she arrives, they can simply call her something else.
Before talking to a friend or family member about this, give yourself time to consider your initial reaction. If their child has already arrived and received a name, it’s still done. However, later you can mention that this name has always been your favorite – then they will not be too surprised if / when you yourself use it in the future.
Ask yourself: Will it matter 20 years from now?
Is it strange to have a friend whose child bears the same name as your own? Eh, maybe depending on how close you are. The overseas friend you see often once a year is different from your best friend across the street. Your child won’t know (or care) about your friend’s child’s name on Facebook in some distant city – and you shouldn’t either.
Charlotte could really call her future daughter Sheila, and with two Sheila everything would be fine:
You might feel differently if, say, you and your daughter-in-law are pregnant and she asks for your favorite name first, and now you have cousins Jackson and Jackson just a few months apart. In this case, you can:
1. Say shit, you use it too. Many relatives have the same name, and will likely have different nicknames anyway.
2. Pick something close but slightly different. Ella instead of Emma or something.
3. Select the second option. It’s really cute too.
Know that in the end you (probably) don’t care
Whether you decide to continue with your now duplicated first choice or choose something else, ultimately you won’t be able to present your child as anything other than their name. If you choose a different name, you may even feel relieved considering how much you prefer a new name now.
(And if you still need a new name, Molly Elizabeth is actually my favorite name for girls. Since I no longer have children, I give you ALL permission to use it. Go ahead and fill the world with Molly Elizabeth!)