When we refer to family names we are making references to the traditions in which parents give their children the same name or that of the children’s grandparents. It is a nice way to pay homage to the father, mother or grandparents, but is it really a good option for children?

This tradition of naming children after parents or grandparents is still valid today, but until not long ago, it was something that was done almost automatically. If he was born a boy, he would be named after his father, who had the same name as his grandfather… and so the generation of the same name would continue. Although it was more common in men than in women, this could be found in both genders.

Doing so brought pride to family members as their name would continue to be heard generation after generation. But is it really a good practice or does it have a dark side that we should all know about?

The dark side of putting the same name of the parents to the children

It is known that choosing a name for children is not an easy task and it can even be a topic of discussion among parents who do not agree on choosing the perfect name for their offspring that is on the way.

Following the tradition of naming relatives saved time and trouble, because it was something anchored in family life and therefore was not negotiable or debatable. That is what had to be done, period.

But the ideal is not that in many cases. The ideal is to think of a different name for the children, because it is a way of giving them their own identity… so that they forge their personality independently based on their experiences and not on the expectations of other relatives who bear the same name as they.

This could cause identity confusion in children as they grow up, since comparisons between relatives of the same name, although not made explicitly, could occur implicitly.

The different name is necessary for identity

The name of a boy or girl is important for their development and for the formation of their identity, that is why it is so important for parents to choose it carefully, and without being carried away by obsolete traditions if it is something they really do not want. do.

When you name your children after their father, uncle, grandfather, or someone else close to you, you unconsciously prevent them from genuinely forming their personality. You will be condemning him to take the place of the other in the history of the family. Something as unfair as unreal.

Without you realizing it, emotions are projected and an identity is transmitted that is not your own, but that of the other person who bears the same name. You will be putting a heavy burden on your child that does not belong to him and that he will have to carry throughout his life. An invisible but disabling burden that will prevent him from having an adequate development in terms of creating his own idiosyncrasy.

Choose your baby’s name with love

For all this, it is so important that you choose your baby’s name with all your love and affection. To do this, we are going to give you some tips so that you do it thinking of your child and only of him… Take note:

• Think of names that you like both in resonance and meaning.
• If the last names are long, a short name will fit better, and if the last names are short, you can use a longer name. Look for harmony in the pronunciation of the name together with the surnames… it has to have a good rhythm.
• Choose a simple, beautiful name that is easy to pronounce… and always knowing what it means and that this meaning is consistent with what you want your child to feel.

Of course, choosing the name of your child is something very personal, so, as fathers and mothers, you have absolute freedom to choose the name that you consider most appropriate.