A name is the first and most important gift we give our children. When we found out we were having a girl with Harlan, we knew her name right away and began to share it with the world. We called everyone we knew not only to tell them we were having a “she,” but also to let them know that she was going to be named after MacKay’s mom’s maiden name.
I absolutely fell in love with Harlan’s name when I heard it and knew that it was at the top of our list if we ever had a baby girl. We had no second choice or alternate name for her, she was going to be Harlan no matter what. As I watch her grow, the name fits her so well.
This second time around hasn’t been so easy. I know that I want a family name for our second baby girl. We started the tradition with Harlan and I would like to continue it. The only problem is, I haven’t found a family name that I’ve absolutely fell in love with like I did Harlan.
I’ve searched through family trees, asked both sets of grandparents, asked MacKay’s side of the family, and nothing is sticking out to me like Harlan’s name did. So that leaves us still in the search for the perfect name for our second little baby girl.
MacKay and I sit at night talking about names. He doesn’t care as much about the family tradition and naming her after a family member as much as I do, but that is something I’m not willing to budge on. I’m giving him the opportunity to give her her middle name since I took it upon myself to give Harlan her middle name, Grace. But what good is a middle name if we don’t have a first name.
We do have one name that is growing on us, but we have chosen not to share it with anyone. Naming this baby has been such a challenge and such a big and constant discussion with our family that when we do choose one, we don’t want to hear any judgements from anyone. We want to be able to name her and feel perfectly confident about it.
So the world will know what we name “baby sister” as soon as she chooses to grace us with her presence!
9 comments
Jenn {Mommie Couture}
Twitter: mommiecouture
I think the family name is such a good idea and awesome that you are trying to keep that tradition. I was and will most likely be eager to share future Baby 2’s name because I don’t want anyone stealing it! I feel like once you stake your claim on a name it will just be embarrassing for someone else to scoop it up! But, since yours is a family name – I guess you wouldn’t need to worry about that anyway. If we have a girl next we’ll be using Chloe as either first or middle name because it’s a family name. 🙂
Jenn {Mommie Couture} recently posted.."New Year’s Eve in St. Augustine!"
Lauren
So true! Love the name Chloe! 🙂
Kate
Twitter: Mommymonologues
Todd & I have been the same with this baby too. Everyone in my family has a family name. We like the first name to be something that isn’t family & then the middle name is a family name. We have her first name (we’ve told everyone the 1st name), just no middle name. I can’t pick a family name & I’m getting a lot of pressure to keep going with Elizabeth (every oldest born girl for 5 generations has been Elizabeth & I’m thinking of not using it. Eek!)
Good luck with the name!
Kate recently posted..Getting to Know Me
Lauren
I say just go with what you want. No one can force you into choosing a name you do not like! What is her first name?
Patty at A Day in My NYC
Twitter: nycpatty
I love the idea of a family name and its so much sweeter if you keep it to yourself until she’s born. That’s all part of the excitement. Good luck with choosing the name.
Patty at A Day in My NYC recently posted..Early Morning {#Project365 – Day 11}
Lauren
Thank you, Patty! I’m hoping the name will just come to us and I can’t wait to share! 🙂
Kate @ The Shopping Mama
Twitter: TheShoppingMama
We are in a very similar situation with this pregnancy. We decided on our first two kids names very easily, but we’re having a much harder time coming up with something this time around. But, even if we did know for sure I wouldn’t share the name. It just seems like something special to know and share when baby arrives.
Lauren
I completely agree. I really never knew how hard picking out a name could be, but it’s something that lasts forever so it’s pretty important! 🙂
Alice
Hi Lauren,
I love following your blog and I’m actually also due in March at 30 weeks now so i can definitely relate to your posts! I’m having my second as well, and it’s another boy. I had such an easy time picking out a name for my first son, but for some odd reason, nothing has been sticking for us this second time around! I’m so afraid that we won’t have a name for him by the time he comes out! good luck with your name search!