We chose some of our favorite saints for our kids' first names and used family names (also good saint names) for their middle names. Catherine Ann is after her grandmothers, who both have the middle name, Ann. Teresa Rose is after her paternal grandmother Rose Q. Anthony Edward got his dad's middle name, who got it from his paternal great-grandfather, Michael Edward. Stephen was the first to be named 100% after family - Stephanie (that's me) and Vincent (his paternal grandfather middle name). Our next baby girl will receive my paternal grandmother's name, Jean. If we have another boy, he will get his maternal grandfather's middle name.We've agreed on spelling our baby girls' name 'traditionally' (thanks, everyone) as she will be named after many Michaels on both sides of the family:
1) Adam's great-great-great-grandfather, who emigrated from Ireland.
2) The previously-mentioned great-grandfather, Michael Edward, who homesteaded in Nebraska.
3) Adam's brother, whose middle name is Michael, and whose birthday is close to my anticipated (early) delivery date.
4) My mom's brother, who is also my godfather.
5) My mom's paternal grandfather, who emigrated from Sicily, Michele (the Italian form of Michael) (one of my great-grandfathers).
6) Great-grandpa Michele's father-in-law (one of my great-great-grandfathers).
7) My dad's Polish grandfather on the maternal side (another great-grandfather of mine).
The middle name we chose, Jean, is also significant. Besides being my paternal grandmother's name, it is the feminine form of John in Scottish and English, which is appropriate because Scotland is where we believe my paternal ancestry originated...and if it didn't, then we're English. The fact that there are a bunch of John's on both sides of the family is a bonus. My paternal grandfather had an uncle John after his paternal grandfather, who was named John. (My dad's brother pointed out that his middle name is John, too). Although there are no Jean's in Adam's family, there are several John's and a Joan or two (which is another English feminine form of John).
So, what about you? How do you choose names for your children? Do you name them well ahead of time or wait until you see them?
1 comment:
We consider family names, saint names, meanings and some just because :) I am all about having multiple options (and reconfigurations, much to Jude's consternation!) We wait until they are born to name them-sometimes the name just fits. On the other hand, I have a cousin whose kids are lucky to have a name by the time they leave the hospital!
Post a Comment