Believe it or not I totally deferred to the birthing mother’s wishes as to what to name our babies. She is the one that had just squeezed it out, and from the look on her face and the fact that she nearly broke my fingers it appeared to cause her great pain. It didn’t seem right to me to try and impose my wishes at that point.

I will share that we heard this comment several times from people, including the maternal grandmother, after naming our last son Frank; “Frank? Just Frank?”

And it was said with a twinge of disgust and/or bewilderment. Nice.

My oldest son was named Matthew Connor. He is not named after anyone. I wanted a Biblical name and also an Irish name. Husband and I were in agreement on the name. Adam was the runner up name.

For our second son, we decided to honor our fathers. Mark is my father’s name and Henry is the middle name of my husband’s father. We didn’t use his father’s first name because there was already a grandchild with that name.

In both cases, we wanted a traditional first name that we thought would stand the test of time.

For the record, we will not name any additional sons (if we have any) Luke and John to go with our Matthew and Mark.
Family tradition.
by cdb9396 (2009-10-15 17:33:53) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

The father’s first name becomes the first son’s middle name. 5 generations now.

So, in NDN speak, if all were still alive – their handles would look like this:

CTB – great grandfather
ECB – grandfather
DEB – my dad
CDB – me
TCB – B18

Hopefully, B18 will be able to continue the tradition a few years from now.
Our boy and girl
by Cosmickid (2009-10-15 16:22:32) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

Boy: Gaelic derivation of Nicholas. His maternal grandfather is Greek, and their tradition is to name the first boy after Papou. Think my Big Fat Greek Wedding (Nick, Nickie, Gus, Gus,Nicko, Nick, Gust…) We went with Collin which works much better with our last name. He looks nothing like a Greek and the name works.

Girl: Caroline McGann after my maternal grandmother. She is named appropriately. Beautiful, particular, smart and likes her shoes. She’s a champ.
No children yet but the names are picked out for boys.
by Bailey (2009-10-15 15:19:30) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

My wife and I are in full agreement up until 3 boys, with no names picked out for girls or in the unlikely event we have 4 boys. These are all family names except the second’s first name:

James Patrick – James is my father’s name and was my father in law’s name. Patrick was my maternal grandfather and great grandfather’s names.

Brendan Michael – Brendan was the Irish priest that married my paternal grandparents, baptized my father and is the source of my middle name. Michael has a long history in both my maternal grandmother’s family and in my wife’s paternal family.

Nicholas Andrew – Nicholas was my paternal great grandfather and his grandfather’s name (the latter of whom came to America) and my grandfather’s middle name. Andrew is my oldest brother in law’s name and was also the name of a paternal ancestor of mine who came over from Ireland after coming up short in the 1798 rebellion. Andrew has been in my family as a first or middle name in every generation since.
My daughters:
by Barrister (2009-10-15 15:08:57) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

Alice Kathryn (G4): Alice was my maternal grandmother’s name, and my mom’s name is Mary Alice. Kathryn is Mrs. B’s mom’s name. We didn’t decide on Alice until a few minutes after she was born. She made a face in the delivery room that reminded us of my grandmother, and that was the clincher.

Megan Cahill (G6mos.): Megan is just a name we liked (it was going to be Erin until about 3 weeks before she was born, and I had a dream that we named her Megan). Cahill is a family name from my wife’s side.
It is pretty boring for us
by SteelHop (2009-10-15 14:54:09) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

We didn’t find out the sex prior to our daughter being born so we had to come up with a boys and a girl’s name. We figured out a boy’s name relatively easy based on grandfather’s names but had a hard time coming up with a girl’s first name. My wife wanted the middle name to honor her grandmother so coming up with the middle name was easy for a girl.

It was the first name that was hard. We didn’t want an average run of the mill name but something that was a little more masculine for a girl but still could be a girl’s name. One day at my parent’s house I glanced at a painting that my grandmother had done. while I didn’t want her name – Constance – to be used it got me to thinking about potential names from our Scottish heritage. The clan my mom’s family is from is called Clan Cameron so we decided on

Cameron Rose.
I missed the ND reference in my post on your blog
by veets (2009-10-15 14:53:55) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

and I cannot edit.

You’ll see a post from Steve. That’s me.
George Strobbe
by Irish88 (2009-10-15 14:42:37) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

For the last 125 years, the first born son in our family has been named George, with the middle name being their mother’s maiden name. I like the respect paid to the mother’s family name, and that my son knows the names of families that we have joined with since the late 1800s.
The angels told me to.
by srock (2009-10-15 14:39:47) cannot delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

I need to preface this story by stating that I am not hyper-religious. My wife was in her 24th week of her first pregnancy with twins, one boy and one girl. We went for a standard checkup, but the doctor found that our girl had lost her amniotic fluid, and was not going to survive. There was nothing that could be done. We went home to consider the options we had been provided, none of which were good. That night as I slept, I had a dream in which a being told me to name our daughter Catherine (a name we had NEVER considered) and she would be blessed. I awoke my wife and told her what had happened, and she said that our daughter’s name was Catherine. We returned to the doctor two days later, who repeated the sonography. He turned to us and said that although he had absolutely no explanation as to how this could have occurred, our daughter now had plenty of amniotic fluid. The doctor apologized profusely for making us worry, and I assured him that he had no role in this. Our daughter, Catherine, now stands 5′9 and enjoys playing high school volleyball.
I had a similar experience
by BacTien (2009-10-15 15:17:45) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

But the story is too long to put down here now. I will say that I know a miracle when I see one and let it go at that.
My parents named me after
by theburninator (2009-10-15 14:24:08) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

my paternal grandmother because I was born on her birthday. I wasn’t given the same name, but a very similar one, which also happened to be a fairly popular name for girls when I was born in the mid-1980s. My grandma and I celebrate our birthday together when we can (not as much since I moved away from home), and she tells me every year that I was the best birthday present she ever received. We have similar tastes and personalities, and I find that I’m becoming a lot more like her as I get older, so I suppose the name fits.
Two daughters
by Linda60188 (2009-10-15 13:54:52) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

My eldest was named Mary Kathryn: Mary after my husband’s mom (who did not like her actual name of Marion, but thought Mary was nice), and Kathryn after my mom. These were the only two names we could agree on. We had the perfect boy’s name picked out: James Richard (the name of my brother and my husband’s dad). Several years later, when I was pregnant again, we again agreed on the boy’s name, but had many discussions regarding the girl’s name. We ended up with Cynthia Karen. I always liked the name Cynthia (and was thinking of John Lennon’s first wife’s name) and the nickname Cindy, and I wished I had been named Karen.
Michael Gabriel for the archangels.
by ndgibby (2009-10-15 13:37:27) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

His nickname is “our little linebacker” so when my wife got pregnant with our second I joked that if it is a boy we should name him Samuel. Turns out we both liked the name so now we have our middle and strong backers “Mike” and “Sam”. If we decide to have a third I may name him William.

True to their nicknames they both like running into things as fast as they can.
Okee Doke
by BacTien (2009-10-15 13:33:00) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

but first, my immigrant parents weren’t looking to be creative. Granddad’s first, dad second. Boys were named: Joseph Peter (2 Grandpas) Gerard Joseph (Father/Grandpa again) Peter Joseph (2 Grandpas, reversed order)

My 4 sons:

Peter Shawn (1st name fter me/John is a family name, we switched it to Shawn to honor wife’s Irish heritage.)

Justin Mauritz. First name was a mutually agreed upon after much debate. Middle name was my dad’s middle name as well. (We had promised my mother if the baby was a girl, we would name it after her. She passed away long before the baby arrived. We were taking care of my sick father and one afternoon watching TV, a catfood ad came on. Maybe we should name the kid Morris. My dad heard that, thought we said Mauritz and said: I like it. Dad died 3 days before Justin was born (to the minute).

Michael David. Michael is my confirmation name and I still have a devotion to St. Michael the Archangel. Middle name is common to my 2nd wife’s family. Michael was born on Uncle David’s birthday.

Andrew Gerard. Gerard is after my dad. Andrew has a double meaning for us. One, it was my wife’s grandfather’s name (and years earlier my MIL said I reminded her of Grandpa Andrew. My brother Gerry and I were involved in some religious activity in South Bend and someone said we reminded him of Andrew and Peter of gospel fame.
Our daughter’s middle name
by NDscott (2009-10-15 13:21:11) cannot delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

Our daughter’s middle name is Louise for Lou Holtz. Last name is Shultz, so when you say “Louise Shultz” is ver close to “Lou Holtz”. We met Lou a few years ago and told him this he said (with classic Lou lisp) “Aw geesh, I’ve had people say they’ve named dogs, cats, even goldfish after me, but never a kid!”
Actually, Shultz is how Lou pronounces his last name. *
by Papa Burgundy (2009-10-15 14:25:28) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

We named our child Jazz because we really like Dave Matthews *
by blazesboylan (2009-10-15 13:15:43) cannot delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

He plays jazz? *
by ndmemphis (2009-10-15 13:21:59) cannot delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

Can you imagine the nicknames if we’d named him Country? *
by blazesboylan (2009-10-15 13:23:34) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

A good excuse to finally post the story of Sabina Rosa
by golden child (2009-10-15 13:06:49) cannot delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

We knew wanted to avoid the common and the trendy, we wanted something that was unique/unusual but still rooted in traditional (i.e. no ‘made up’ or modern names) and preferable tied to either Polish, Irish, or Mexican ancestry.

We had a good boy name settled on but found out we would be having a girl. We went back and forth, had a list of 5 or 6 names but no clear, unanimous favorite. Sabina was on the list, but we were still undecided. Then, 6 weeks before the due date, my wife goes into labor. Our daughter was born on August 29th, the feast day of Saint Sabina. If we wanted a sign it couldn’t have been more clear.

Rosa is primarily a reference to my (deceased) mother’s maiden name, Rosawicze. As a secondary consideration, Rosa is a beautiful name for a daughter and invokes a little Spanish for the Mexican of her Mom’s side. It also sounds great paired with Sabina. Bonus, hidden tertiary meaning: her name subtly echos an Album of the Pixies [hey, I would never overtly name my child after a sports or pop-culture item, but I think it's part of the reason the name is so aesthetically pleasing: Besando, chichando con Sabina Rosa (Oh my Golly!)].

We cringe a little when the nurse at the pediatrician calls for Sabrina, but my wife and I both know from experience that it’s par for the course when you have a unique and special name.
I’m confused.
by ltperry64 (2009-10-15 13:22:51) cannot delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

Are you saying that ‘George’ is not special?

What about Gary? What if we named a son ‘Gary’ because that was where he was conceived? In Gary, Indiana. Is that special? Yea or nay?

What if Gary’s middle name was ‘Bus Station’? What about then?
Maybe I got carried away thinking of my one-year-old
by golden child (2009-10-15 13:52:48) cannot delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

I didn’t mean to imply any other name isn’t special, and I really am not in the habit of using that adjective to describe my self or even my wife. I can see how, especially on a message board, it comes off as arrogant or haughty. Really I was just getting sappy, and maybe a bit prideful, recalling the story.

To answer your question, I think every parent gives their child a special name. (except maybe the Duggar’s… ok, them too.)
I just think that Gary Bus Station is a great name.
by ltperry64 (2009-10-15 14:11:17) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

And all parents are prideful. Rightfully so. No need to apologize for it.

I have a friend named Savina.
by emd811 (2009-10-15 13:10:46) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

Her parents saw Sabina in a baby book, liked it, but decided to change it to Savina. It fits her well.
My daughters…
by Nitschke (2009-10-15 13:05:46) cannot delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

Julia is name after St Julia of Billiart, the virgin cripple.
Clair is named after St Clare of Assisi, founder of the Poor Clare nuns.
Mary is named after The Mother of God.
Good names.
by Magnitude (2009-10-15 14:01:59) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

I have two boys and a girl. The most recent was a boy born just under two months ago. If he had been a girl, those three names were possibilities (among several others), and for those three exact saints. I guess it was good that we had a boy, because even on the day of delivery, my wife and I still had not agreed on girl names.
Mine:
by treisele (2009-10-15 12:34:50) cannot delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

B1: Tanner Jackson – Jackson, WY is where my wife and I were married and where she grew up. I wanted his first name to be Montana (connections to both my home state and ND legend), but my family thought that was ridiculous (“Why don’t you just name him Connecticut, or West Virginia?”). So to comprimise, I shortened it to Tanner. It fits him well.

B6mo’s: Alex Charles: Within weeks after Tanner was born, my dad was diagnosed with small-cell lung cancer. His name is Alfred Charles, and when we found out we were pregnant with boy #2, I told my dad that I wanted to name my son after him. He said he didn’t really like the name Alfred, but that something close that could be shortened to “Al” would be great, so we settled on Alex. It also fits him well.
OT: Any recs on where to stay at Jackson Hole?
by shawno3 (2009-10-15 12:51:52) cannot delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

A few friends and I are planning to go to JH the first weekend in March. Any advice on where to stay, restaurants, skiing, etc. would be greatly appreciated.
Depends on your budget.
by treisele (2009-10-15 13:04:12) cannot delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

My wife’s family owns a motel there, but it’s more like a Motel 6 with cabins than anything fancy, and depending on the weather and other business-related matters currently pending, they might not be open this coming March. But you can stay across the street at The Trapper, or The Wort Hotel is nice. The Virginian is a pretty standard hotel, too – nothing fancy, but it gets the job done. If you want to get really fancy, you can stay in Teton Village, where there is plenty of good food to be had, too.

For restaurants, hit Stiegler’s (a German restaurant owned by some friends of my Father-In-Law), or The Gun Barrel, which is the best steak house in town. I’ve heard good things about The Snake River Grill, but never been there myself. Sidewinder’s is good for bar-type food, too. For breakfast, go to The Bunnery, a local bakery/restaurant. For lunch, go out to Dornan’s in Grand Teton National Park at least once and sit where you can see the Tetons through one of the huge picture windows.
Thanks. Budget is “healthy”.
by shawno3 (2009-10-15 13:39:34) cannot delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

It’s all mid-30’s professional dudes so we don’t need to stay at Jackson’s equivalent of The Little Nell but being near the action and the skiing will be a priority. Any specific recs in Teton Village for lodging? Condos are certainly an option – we’ll likely need 4 beds (though not necessarily four bedrooms).
Nothing is really “far” from Teton Village
by treisele (2009-10-15 13:44:47) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

it’ll take you about 15 – 20 minutes to get out there if you stay anywhere else in Jackson. I’d consider staying at Snow King, skiing there, and then going out to Teton Village to ski on another day or two. I think there are also shuttles out to the Village for people who are staying in town but skiing/doing the tourist thing out there.

Condos would probably work for you, but I don’t think you’ll really be in your room enough to make it worthwhile if you take advantage of all of the things there are to do in the area.
and for god’s sake drive the speed limit.
by NDChavez (2009-10-15 13:08:57) cannot delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

Whilst enjoying a coffee, I saw 4 cars pulled over in a 20 minute period.
Ha, agreed…
by treisele (2009-10-15 13:39:48) cannot delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

there’s a reason why Jackson Hole’s budget isn’t suffering too much in this economy…

Also, keep in mind (as my college buddies forgot at my wedding), that you’re likely going to be at a much higher altitude in Jackson than wherever you came from. If you go for a run, you will tire more quickly. If you drink, you’ll get drunk more quickly (not to mention that several of the bars make their drinks really stiff). When in doubt, take a cab.
Would we need a car at all if we stay in Teton Village?
by shawno3 (2009-10-15 13:42:15) cannot delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

I’ve been to resorts with great bus systems (and/or taxis late) that obviated the need for a car except maybe to get from the airport. Other places a car has seemed like a necessity.
If you want to go into town
by treisele (2009-10-15 13:49:18) cannot delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

and won’t be back until late in the evening, then I think that would be the only time you might have a problem. I think the shuttles stop running at some point, but I can’t remember when that is. However, taxis aren’t that expensive, and you can always take a cab. I wouldn’t rent a car if I were you.
Thanks again. *
by shawno3 (2009-10-15 14:04:22) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

This recent USA Today article might be useful
by little ticket (2009-10-15 12:18:21) cannot delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

Plus, fun graphics tabs!

No children, but I was given a fairly traditional female name that was my mom’s grandmother’s that both of my parents liked. I’ve always been called a common nickname of that. I was born in the mid-80’s and that named happened to be quite popular at the time, although it’s never been terribly uncommon.

* Click here for link

More babies need to be named George.
by ltperry64 (2009-10-15 12:26:36) cannot delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

Or Gary.
Absolutely. Saint George Lydda, the Patron of England.
by Nitschke (2009-10-15 13:10:12) cannot delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

Sweet–St. George wields a light saber. *
by FancyNewBeesly (2009-10-15 13:19:23) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

I plan to stick to family names, and we have no
by little ticket (2009-10-15 12:32:43) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

Georges that I know of (although there may be a triumphant Luxembourgian Georg way back–unfortunately, a bit too Von Trappish to name a hypothetical future child). I always thought the nickname “Geordie” was kind of cute, though. Probably better for a kid than an adult.

I loathe the name Gary.
I like the name George.
by Angel (2009-10-15 12:30:56) cannot delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

Henry too.
My Dad is George and my grandfather was George Henry
by therockkilledme (2009-10-15 14:34:09) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

I guess that goes for Bohrmodel’s Dad and grandfather too.
I know several young boys named Henry and George.
by Magnitude (2009-10-15 13:57:05) cannot delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

At least it’s somewhat popular around me. I just checked the Social Security Administration website, and Henry was the 78th-ranked boys name for 2008, steadily climbing in popularity during this decade. That’s a decently popular name. George was ranked 153 for 2008. It has been incrementally falling over the past few decades.

* Click here for link

we just welcomed our new Henry on Sunday *
by 1/4Dog (2009-10-15 14:14:10) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

Henry the Heretic *
by Nitschke (2009-10-15 13:11:26) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

Royalist *
by captaineclectic (2009-10-15 13:09:37) cannot delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

I’m terribly traditional at heart.
by Angel (2009-10-15 13:13:14) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

It’s my dirty little secret.
Oi’m Enery the Eightf Oi am, Enery the Eightf Oi am Oi am… *
by Ofcr. Tim McCarthy (2009-10-15 12:35:39) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

My nephew offered up some suggestions for his unborn bro
by Max Fischer (2009-10-15 12:24:39) cannot delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

(his name)
Chicken Poo
Diesel 10

He’s 2.
Similarly…
by Diddy (2009-10-15 14:39:05) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

My younger sister suggested these gems for my in-the-womb little brother:

Ninja Sharp (for a boy)
Ninja Beautiful (for a girl)

Sadly, these monikers got left on the cutting room floor.
If we named our next son (due in 6 weeks) what ‘lil Hurdler
by ND_Hurdler (2009-10-15 13:20:46) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

suggested, he’d be named “Dumpy Truck.”
Can you use digits in a name?
by ndtiger (2009-10-15 12:26:30) cannot delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

Because Diesel 10 would be a fantastic first and middle name combo.
Jennifer 8. Lee
by JPH (2009-10-15 13:11:43) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

I think she’s an NYT reporter with a recurring byline.
I heartily endorse this.
by NDChavez (2009-10-15 12:29:22) Delete | Edit | Return to Board | Ignore Poster | Highlight Poster | Reply to Post

Xavier’s middle name would have been Dominator had he been born on Monday. Alas, it was Thursday, so Theodorus it was.

#2 Regan Marie — Although pronounced like President Reagan, our decision had nothing to do with politics or the president. We wanted a distinctive Irish name that would convey strength, intelligence, beauty, and a strong will. Although she’s only 7 now, she has lived up to her name in all respects, and I still take great joy in calling her by name. She is proud to be the only Regan we know. The fact that her initials (RMC) are the same as my mother’s is an added benefit.

#1: Eva. (pronounced “Ava”) Interestingly, we both wanted to name a child Eva before we met. It also happens to be the name of my wife’s best friend. (middle name: Arlene. Named after my younger sister who died in 1981).

#2: Andrea (pronounced “Ahndraya”). Fairly common in both countries. (middle name: Maria. No reason, we just like the way it sounded with Andrea)

#3: Hannah. Not common in Norway with that spelling, but it sounds Norwegian. My inlaws say “Hah-na”. (middle name: Katrine–pronounced Katrina. Norwegian version of Catherine (my grandmother) and a common Norwegian name.

#4: Thomas. Common in Norway and here. There aren’t many Norwegian male names that work well here. Lot’s of Gunnar’s, Bjorn’s, Knut’s, etc. Middle name: Mark. We had a toss-up on who the Godfather would be, so we decided that the cousin who was not the Godfather would get the middle name.

Olivia Jane- husband chose the name. Jane for his grandmother and Olivia was name he had always liked.

Alexis Felicity- Like the idea of alliteration for kids names… studying saints in class and Perpetua and Felicity were who I was reading about when I learned I was pregnant.

Kayla Louise- was not supposed to be her name. She was supposed to be Allison or Elizabeth, but did not think it fit. 4 hrs after birth, hubby decided on Kayla

Caroline Abigail- Caroline was not even in the running but I blurted this name out when they first handed her to me. Abigail was to be the 1st name, after a dear family friend.

Madeline Grace-decided we wanted a name before going in to the delivery room. picked this name from a list of 10- 15 brainstorming names.

We eventually agreed on the name “Patrick” simply because no one really gives this name to their sons anymore. It comes in handy amid in a class full of Colins and Kyles.

When we run into another person – especially a kid – who shares the name my son gets pretty excited. After 6 years, that has only happened twice.

We also gave him that name because my wife is second-generation Irish-American and as she put it “I have plenty of cousins in Ireland named Patrick and everyone could use one more.”

Thomas Brophy: came along. That’s my first name, and the middle name is my dear Irish grandmother Myra Brophy’s maiden name. I am a III, and I didn’t want to hang a IV on Tommy, so we changed the middle name. We my paternal grandmother’s middle name to soothe my Dad’s hurt feelings at no IV. It didn’t work.

John Paul: nope, not the reason everybody thinks. My wife has family in South America where a couple of her closest are her Uncle Juan and Aunt Pabla. After dipping into my family name list for Brophy, we wanted to get something from my wife’s side, and we named John Paul after Juan and Pabla.

Mitchell Robert – “Mitch”. One of Rob’s coworkers at the time had a four or five year old Mitch and we liked the sound of it. Robert after Rob, natch.

Colin Michael – have always loved the name Colin (w/ one L) since I used to babysit a little Colin in the early 80’s. Michael after Rob’s best friend.

Samuel Joseph – Actually got inspired when a sister who has daughters said she would’ve named a boy Sam. After confirming that she wouldn’t be having anymore, we decided to steal it. Joseph is after Uncle Joe.

Lillian Frances “Lily” – After three boys, there was no way we weren’t going with a very girly name. Frances is after my grandmother.

Sean Patrick – admittedly, we were running out of ideas, but I’ve always liked Sean (spelled this way). Patrick is a name I have always loved, but like Kath, fretted over “Pat” so decided to make it a middle name.

We didn’t know what we were having before any of the kids’ births, so the name planning was always a toss up until the very end.