You probably picked out your future baby names even before you entered high school. You wanted that Maria or Logan, but then you made the mistake of telling a friend. Just as you’re about to announce your upcoming baby’s name, your friend suddenly steals it.
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What do you do? Is there any recourse for that stolen name? And should you even try? You’ve come to the right place for the answers.
Accept That You Feel This Way
Some people will call it silly, but it’s perfectly acceptable to be upset when someone uses the name you’ve been hoping for. That’s especially the case if it’s a name you and your co-parent had a hard time deciding. Take a moment to wallow in those feelings but not too long.
Be Flattered
Obviously your choice of baby name was awesome if someone else wants to use it, too. Your baby naming game is on point.
Don’t Say Anything To The Offender
You might be tempted to give the name-stealer an earful. How dare she steal your baby name?! But saying something can do a lot more harm than good. Odds are she didn’t do it to hurt you, but you could be damaging the relationship by holding a grudge.
Use It Anyway…
Who says you both can’t use the name? Sure, if you’re related, it might cause some confusion, but if you’re just friends, go ahead and use the name anyway. You’ve wanted to name your son Austin since you were a kid. Don’t let anyone take that away from you.
…Or Pick Something Even Better
Use this as an excuse to come up with an even cooler name. Why go with James when you could name your son Octavius? Plus, you could always use the original name as a middle name, so you get the best of both worlds. Problem solved.
What would you do in this situation?
