Im Thomas Johnson III. My wife is pregnant with our first son. Family expects me to name him Thomas Johnson IV. I love the tradition and connection to my dad and grandpa, but I also know from personal experience how annoying it is to share a name with so many people. My wife thinks we should break the tradition and give him a unique name. What would you do?
5 Comments
I'm a Jr and I've thought about this a lot. The tradition is special. Having that connection to your father and grandfather is meaningful. But your kid will deal with the common name issues his whole life. Maybe compromise - Thomas as middle name?
my dad would probably be ok with middle name but grandpa would be devastated. hes 88 and been hoping for a IV since i was born
tough situation. at 88 maybe making grandpa happy is worth it? your son can always go by a nickname or middle name if he wants to differentiate himself
I was supposed to be the V in my family. My parents broke the tradition and I've always been grateful. I have my own identity. But I also see my cousins who continued the tradition and theres something nice about it. Theres no wrong answer here.
Speaking as a IV - do it. Yes the name is common. Yes theres hassles. But being connected to three generations of men with your name is something special that cant be replicated. You can always call him by a nickname day to day.