Post # 1
Member
971 posts
Busy bee
Hey there –
Another Bee not TTC yet but still likes thinking of baby names 
DH and I cannot agree on boys names at all, but he came up with one the other day that’s really growing on me, except I’m not sure if it’s too out there, or if it’s too sad given the circumstances.
DH had an uncle whose given name was Theodore but everyone called him Ted. It was his dad’s twin brother. Unfortunately, DH doesn’t even remember him because he died in a car crash when DH was very young. His dad was devastated and rarely talks about him to this day. Ted was never married and never had any kids.
DH suggested if we have a boy to use the name Theodore but call him by the nickname “Theo”. DH’s last name is 3 syllables so I like the sound of a 2 syllable first name (nickname) with the last name.
Given the circumstances, I am afraid it might be a sad reminder if we use the name. DH’s cousin had a boy a couple of years ago and used Theodore as the middle name, so it’s kind of already been done, but DH still thinks it would be a nice name.
We tend to like more traditional and strong names; one of DH’s criteria with names is can you say “____ is leading the board meeting” without laughing.
What do you think?
Post # 2
Member
808 posts
Busy bee
I was just thinking about that name, as the actor in Divergent is named Theo. I like it! My husbands name is Ted, so that might be too close, though! 😉
Post # 3
Member
2842 posts
Sugar bee
Well, maybe you should ask your FIL if it would be okay for you to name your son in remembrance of his brother or if that would be too hard on him. I think that would be a respectful way to approach the sad situation.
Post # 4
Member
9145 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
- Wedding: November 2013 - St. Augustine Beach, FL
Talk to your FIL about it first since he is the one who has the most potential to be upset by the name. For some people re-using a name is a nice tribute while others don’t like the reminder of the dead loved one. Ultimately, if you both like the name then grandpa will have to get over it but it seems like you aren’t very content with the name either.
Post # 5
Member
2231 posts
Buzzing bee
I think of Theo & Beau (if you haven’t seen this Instagram, you’re missing out): http://instagram.com/mommasgonecity
Theo is the dog in that situation, but I love the name for a little boy.
But on a more serious note, I don’t think it would be sad – I think it’d be a great way for you to honor someone who was so important to your FIL. And because he went by Ted, not Theo, it won’t be a reminder every time your baby’s name is said.
Post # 6
Member
971 posts
Busy bee
howtobeawife: beachbride1216: We definitely would ask DH’s dad and his other aunts and uncles if we decide it’s one of our final contenders.
Post # 7
Member
5664 posts
Bee Keeper
I think its a nice name. And I think it’s a nice tribute.
I like your husband’s test sentence LOL. We definitely are considering the same thing in all of our attempts to come up with a name. We don’t want something too “cute” that he’ll never grow into as an adult.
Post # 8
Member
91 posts
Worker bee
I love it, and I like the reasons for it. My friend’s son’s name is Theo and he’s a great kid. If he was a monster, I might not like it as much! I say go for it.
Post # 9
Member
891 posts
Busy bee
I think as long as immediate family members would be okay/not saddened by it, then go for it if you guys like it! It’s definitely a nice tribute.
Theo always makes me thing of The Cosby Show! But, Theo Huxtable was a good kid so it was probably because of his name. Lol. 😉
Post # 10
Member
3830 posts
Honey bee
SnowInApril: i think that story is a bit of a stretch for the name to envoke sadness.
theo:
1. the cosby show
2. theodore roosevelt
Post # 11
Member
1645 posts
Bumble bee
SnowInApril: I personally don’t love the name…. But maybe that’s because my ex had a dog called Theo!
Post # 12
Member
130 posts
Blushing bee
SnowInApril: I love the name Theo! My FI and also like to brainstorm future baby names even though we’re not TTC yet, and it’s one of our top two boy names. I agree with PP. I think it will be a nice tribute and won’t be too sad of a reminder since the nicknames are different.
annb9: I think of those Theo and Beau pictures when I hear the name too. So adorable!
Post # 13
Member
1152 posts
Bumble bee
SnowInApril: Its a great name and a beautiful way to honor his memory. I think its good of you to check with relatives first, I’m sure they’ll love it too 🙂
Post # 14
Member
549 posts
Busy bee
I love the name! I think it’s a wonderful tribute
Given how your FIL doesn’t even mention his brother, have your husband have a moment with his dad to sorta “ask” about it. That way if it does make him emotional, it’s sort of private.
Post # 15
Member
391 posts
Helper bee
Its a very common name for dogs where I live.
