What to Name the New Baby..

Updated on August 18, 2009
M.A. asks from Dickinson, ND
46 answers

We are having our second child, a boy, in the beginning of December. I also have a 20 month old daughter. Her name is Hailey Nicole (my middle name is Nicole, that's where it came from). I want to name our son Hayden Michael (Michael is my husbands middle name). I have had mixed comments from close friends and family. Most like it, others not so much. The main worry I'm beginning to have is that it may be too much like my daughters name. However, since they are of different genders, I really don't think that we are going to get the names confused or anything! Lol. I just wanted to hear some outside opinions. If not Hayden.. any other ideas that may start with an H? I really wanted to keep them similar in that aspect. Thanks!

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K.F.

answers from Dubuque on

I agree that it shouldn't really matter what other people think. But some other H names could be Holden or Harrison.
Good luck!

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J.P.

answers from Lincoln on

I have a friend who named her kids Tyler and Skyler, same middle name (not twins). I have another friend that has used every variation of Chris he could think of because it was his dad's name. Name them what you like. Especially if it has a special meaning. Also, all my girls' names are very different (except that they end in A), and I get them mixed up all the time! I even call them my sister's name. I think what you are planning will be fine.

C.N.

answers from Milwaukee on

I don't mind Hayden for a boy or girl but trends in the last year are labeling it more of a girls name, as long as you don't mind that I say go for it. Personally I prefer Hudson or Hunter for a boy and Hayden for a girl but I think it is a good boys name too.

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M.T.

answers from Davenport on

I agree with the majority here -- name your baby what you two agree on, forget the rest! Sure, you can consider other H names, but pick what you love!! My Grandma told me during my 1st pregnancy that folks will criticize potential baby names right to your face, but most will have the decency to keep their opinions to themselves once it's an announced baby name. Isn't that so true & so sad at the same time? It's actually quite rude for someone to cringe at your name idea. I'm sure you don't retort with "Yeah, well I don't like your son's name much either." :)

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L.B.

answers from Omaha on

I have an Emma and an Ethan! We never planned it that way we just like the names and they both happened to be "E" names. My opinion....you do what you and your husband feel comfortable with. This is YOUR child! Not anyone elses! If you feel odd talking about the name and feel like people will say something negative, save the name until he is born. We did that with my daughter and it was so much fun watching people try to get me to slip on her name.
Congratulations adn good luck!

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L.A.

answers from Minneapolis on

I had a student named Hayden, and he had an older sister named Hayley. I think it's a great name! I've also had a couple boys named Henry in my class, and it's such a cute, old-fashioned name. It could work with Hayley, too. Congratulations!

I do agree with a previous poster that said to make sure you choose a name that will grow with him to when he becomes an adult (I think Hayden works!) I'm also for choosing names that won't cause a child to be teased when they get to school. (Hayden is not in this category.)

This is an interesting article I found on the internet that talks about baby boy names, and I thought you might enjoy it. (My nephew's name is on the bad names list, so I don't agree 100% with this article, but the writer makes some good points!)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31960846/ns/parenting_and_fam...

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A.B.

answers from Fargo on

We never told the names we were thinking of until after the baby was born and officially named. That way, no one could say they didn't like the name. It was hard enough finding a first and middle name that both my husband and I liked, we didn't need 100 other opinions to try to please! I personally like Hayden Michael. I don't think it's that close to where the two would get mixed up. We also named our first Hailey (Kaitlin) and the same spelling! :) Bottom line: if you and your husband both like and agree on the name, forget about what everyone else says. :)

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A.H.

answers from Omaha on

My son's name is Hayden Lee and my daughter's name is Hope Christine. (The middle names are our middle names too!) We liked the sound of the two names together. I do have to say people often think I have two girls (until they meet us obviously) because Hayden is a unisex name. Other than that, I think Hayden is sort of unique, but not too trendy either. I think Hayden Michael sounds like a great, strong name. If you and your husband really like it, I think you should go for it!

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E.H.

answers from Madison on

Our daughter's name is Hailey, and I have thought about if we had a boy I would want to name him Hayden... the only thing stopping me is that I knew a Hayden in HS which kinda weirds me out...

But then again, I also knew Hailey's and I got over that.

I also like the name Hunter. :)

I also just saw how some people said you will mix up names anyways... Very TRUE!... I always mix up my sister and my daughters name Hailey and Ellie even tho one is 6 and one is 20! lol... and I also call our dog , Ava, Hailey alos also..

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T.S.

answers from Waterloo on

This is YOUR baby! Please do not let anyone else opinion sway you! When I had my daughter, we named her Reegan.... no middle name. Family and friend thought we were crazy!!!! They tried to change our minds (on the first name and giving her a middle name). We stuck to our guns.....she's now almost 3 and we are SO happy we decided to do what WE wanted to do! I love the name Hayden! USE IT! ;-)

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S.A.

answers from Duluth on

Go with you heart. My son is Trevor Dean named after his Grandfathers, my daughter Tricia Diane named after her Grandmothers. They are two years apart. Just a warning thou there are alot of times I mess up and say Trevicia or Trisher. But even after the mistakes I am glad we named our children after their Grandparents.

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J.S.

answers from Des Moines on

I've always felt that the name you choose is your right and privilege. If others don't like it that's OK, you like it and it has meaning to you. I really like the name, I think you should go for it!

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N.S.

answers from Milwaukee on

I think it sounds fine. We used our first names as middle names for the kids, which just happen to be Nicole and Michael. It wasn't because I wanted to use my name, but it was the only middle name we both liked with Alixandra.

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B.B.

answers from Minneapolis on

I really like Hayden. You won't get them mixed up. I mean you will sometimes, but you would if there names were Hailey and Scott. Other H names? Holden?
Go with Hayden if you like it!! Who cares what anyone says. I think they go great together.

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K.T.

answers from Minneapolis on

I think Hayden sounds like a great baby and little boy name, but not such a great name for a man. For me, it is in the same category as Braden, Hunter, Kylie, Libbie, Logan, Mason, Mackenzie, Mikey, Missy, Patty, Petey, etc. Think about when he gets to be an adult. Imagine a him as a judge, or a doctor, or the president. Girl names that don't work well are less likely to be an issue- Libbie and Missy and Patty CAN work [Mackenzie definitely doesn't work no matter what!]. But for boys, they really need to have a strong manly name. That's just my opinion though, and who cares what I think. If you like it, go for it.
I was thinking of naming my son Aidan because I loved that it meant "little fire" but I changed my mind because I just could not see a president named Aidan. Not that I am pushing for him to be the president- he can be whatever he wants to be- but names really do affect people's first impression and I don't want any choices I make to hold him back in any way

By the way- I always thought it would be cool to use Penny, Lucy, Eleanor, Jude, Robert, etc. after the Beatles songs...maybe those will be the names of our pets as my son grows up :)

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S.N.

answers from Minneapolis on

I love the names - definitely go with what you want!! Ours are names Cooper and Carsyn (boy and girl in that order). We've had people get their names mixed up - mainly relatives that haven't seen them in a long while - which usually gives the kids a great chuckle. And I love that you used your middle names. Our kids middles names are also from family members!

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J.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hayden does seem very similar to Hailey, and even though they are different genders, you would be surprised that you will still mix up their names. I call my sons by the dog's name all the time!

I still like Hayden though and I would go with your gut. You will never get everyone to like a name, so I wouldn't worry about the family thing too much. Another boy name I like with H is Hudson.

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E.I.

answers from Duluth on

you know what? if you and dad agree on the name, who the heck cares what everyone else thinks!
you are the parent. and one thing that you HAVE to do NOW is to define that for others; that YOU are the parent, you will take some advice, but YOU and DAD will be the ones deciding whether or not to do something.

seriously, if you let them determine what you name your child, what else does that give them "permission" to boss you around about? your very style of parenting?

you dont have to be rude, but you can say vague things like "hmm, we will think about that" or "thanks for the information, my husband and i will discuss it and see if it works for us"

that kind of thing.
NEVER let anyone else determine ANYTHING about your children. you as parents are the only 2 people in the world who are given the specific instincts for your child. right down to the name you give them, you are the ones who make the decisions. not your family, not your neighbors, not friends. you.

and name your son whatever you want. i personally love hayden michael, i think its great, and though its similar to hailey, its not like your son is going to be a twin or even similar to your daughter!! :P hes going to be his own person, with his own looks and his own personality. :D his name doesnt determine that, he does. :D and the name you have picked is great. so just go with it! :D

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L.R.

answers from La Crosse on

Pick a name you and your husband like. You might be better off not telling anyone the name until after the child is born. You're never going to please everyone; and everyone always has an opinion when it comes to names. Just pick something that you and your husband agree upon, and you'll probably be happier in the end. Good luck!

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E.B.

answers from Duluth on

First--name your baby whatever you like! The names are not damaging or outlandishly weird, so go with it!

But--my name is E., my first son's name is Elijah and my second is Ethan...we DO confuse the names, as do grandparents. To me, this is not a big deal, but maybe we would have thought twice about two E names? I don't know. It really doesn't matter at all, but it maybe does to someone else.

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K.B.

answers from Waterloo on

No matter what you name your kids you will probable mix up their names at some time. My mom used to call us the cats name :) If you like the name than I would say use it. Good luck

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S.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

I love the names you've chosen! Hailey Nicole and Hayden Michael are really great names and there's a lot of meaning to them. If those are your favorite names, then go for it. You can't please everyone, unfortunately, so don't change them for someone else.

Good luck!

S.

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L.M.

answers from Rapid City on

My three children's names start with 3 different letters and I'm still mixing them up all the time - boy, girl, that doesn't even matter! lol I think that is just something that's going to happen, so I wouldn't worry too much about that.
With the exception of my daughter and one aunt, my family all hated the names I picked for my sons, and I haven't regretted using them at all. The family members have gotten over it (though I'm still a tad resentful of their thoughtless attitudes in the hospital!) and the names suit my boys very well. :D It's your and your husband's choice. Hayden is a cute name for a baby and boy, and I can see a boyishly handsome man with it too!

C.J.

answers from Milwaukee on

That sounds like a great name to go with.

This is coming from a Chris that is married to another Chris(topher.) Now THAT can be confusing.

I learned from my sister-in-law NOT to say the name in advance just to avoid any and all comments.

She had an extra HARD time naming their kids since she's a teacher just like my brother-in-law. It's hard not to associtate names with past students.

No matter what, you'll mix up their names so they may as well sound similar but I don't see any similarity other than the first letter of the name.

Good luck.

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B.H.

answers from Minneapolis on

I like it alot!

Reminds me how nicely Jack and Jill go together and other names like that.

My only concern would be if you had a 3rd would there be another similar H name that the 3rd baby could be named?

I think Hayden is manly enough and makes a great boys name. There are so many wussy momma's boys names out there these days and crazy names with crazy spellings Hayden will be nothing in 20years. Things are changing Mike Joe Tom are out! Out with the old in with the new.

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M.R.

answers from Madison on

Congratuations on expecting a new baby! You should name your baby boy whatever you want!!! Who cares is NO ONE likes it - you do!!! I think that Hayden is a wonderful name, and I love how you used you and your husbands names as middle names!

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D.P.

answers from Minneapolis on

I like the name and I think it is fine. I have 3 in my family and all of our initials are DMJ. It did confuse my mom a little growing up because she would say my sisters name when she meant to say mine but I think that happens anyway!

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C.S.

answers from Omaha on

as long as you like the name and your husband agrees who cares what anyone else thinks, they will get used to.

That being said, I love the name Hayden, in fact I have a very cute nephew named Hayden.

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D.L.

answers from Bismarck on

For me the name is fine. Have you ever try pronouncing the names; one Hay-den the other is Hai-ley, different in pronounciation.

Discuss it with your husband and once he has no problem well then that is the Children names.

D. L

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T.N.

answers from Minneapolis on

M., I love your name choices. It is a mouthful, but they sound nice together and have a special meaning to you. Go with what you like. When you start polling family and friends, you know there is no chance everyone will agree. It isn't their opinion that counts. Besides, if they don't like it, it will grow on them when they meet the new baby who is owning it!

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C.D.

answers from Omaha on

Name your child whatever name you & your husband want to. Forget the busy buddies who just want there own way! Stick to your guns...

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A.F.

answers from St. Cloud on

Hi M.! I love the name you chose! I wouldn't worry about them being too similar. My son and daughter are Elijah and Eliana. We truly didn't realize how similar our daughter's name was to our son's until someone asked if we had planned it. It is so obvious to me now, but we literally just loved each name and didn't try to match them!

So.....I think you should name your son whatever you think will fit him. Congratulations on your growing family!

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J.J.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hi. My daughter's name is Hadyn (pronounced the same way). I love the name! Since it is a universal name, make sure you are ready for possible confusion.
Another boy H name that I like is Hudson.
Gook luck with your decision!

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M.P.

answers from Bismarck on

Hello, M.! Both beautiful names, I assure you. Maybe the concern is because the name Hayden is too much like "hatin'", which is what a lot of people do these days, if all the teenagers are right! lol I was trying to think of ways that the name could be negatively connotated, and that's the only thing I could think of.

How about Harlan or Haylon? Maybe Hayson or Handsome? I hope you find something you like. Don't worry too much about what people think. It's really you and your husband's decision. Good luck!

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C.A.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hayden is a nice name and honestly you will probably get them confused. I have a Conor and Ciara (ponounced Kira not Sierra) and constantly call them by the wrong name :)

But name him whatever you like. It is a cute name and I doubt you'll regret naming him Hayden, but you would regret it if you named him a second choice name. You have plenty of time so look around and see what you can find. There might be an interesting H name out there that you haven't thought of.

B.D.

answers from Lincoln on

Loooove the name! Keep it! This is YOUR, and your hubby's, baby- so don't worry about what other ppl think.

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D.D.

answers from Minneapolis on

I think you should go with the name you like and not worry about what others think... One thing we did was try to envision our son as an adult entering the work force and decide if the name would still suit him then. Just to throw an idea out- what about Holden? It's kind of "soap opera-ish" but not too out there....

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M.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

I haven't read all the responses, so I apologize if this is beating a dead horse, but why tell anyone anyway? It's your child, not theirs. If that what you want to name the babe, it none of their business. With both of mine, we didn't find out the gender, but told people some thoughts on names. We got a lot of flack for some of them. After awhile, my stock reply was "When you pay for 50% or more of the cost to raise this child through college, then you can input your advice on naming said child" Unfortunately, there haven't been any takers.

P.S. I like Hendrix (yes, as in Jimmy)

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J.O.

answers from Wausau on

You name your baby whatever you want!!!

If you and your husband already agree on a name, then you're past the hardest part of it. If people start making comments you don't like, then just quit talking to them about the baby's name.

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K.B.

answers from Minneapolis on

I just saw the request now....I like Brandon Michael.....

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K.E.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hi M.,
My biggest advice is chose a name for your baby and don't tell it to your relatives and friends. When baby is born, give him the name that you have liked and chosen and they will have to bite their tongue and hold their comments. Otherwise, if you continue seeking advice from different people, they will all give you different opinions. It's your baby! You have the right to name him whatever you want!

J.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

I have a Hayley nd my son's name is Hudson. He has a Hutton on his baseball team. BUT if you like hayden and your husband does, too then stick to your guns. :)

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J.E.

answers from Minneapolis on

For myself, I'd probably pick something that didn't have the closeness - just for the sake of ease and reduced confusion in conversation, school records, etc.

That said, I have friends that named their kids Jordan and Jayden - and they seem to be doing just fine. It's obviously not fatal! :) :)

If it gets to be an issue, you could always address them by their middle names or use a nickname that's completely unrelated to their names.

Most important, though, is to name them something that is meaningful to both you and your husband. So follow your heart - and then just love them to pieces, no matter what you call them! :)

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K.R.

answers from Minneapolis on

What about Holden? Hayden does seem too similar to your daughter's name.

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S.M.

answers from Waterloo on

i personally love the name hayden. but don't worry what other people think. this is the 1st major decision you can ever make for your child so you have every right to make it what you want. but other ideas for "H" could be: holden or harrison. it's not as much like hailey as harley is which is the only other one i could think of, if that helps! make sure you want to stick with h names if you want to have more kids later and can't think of very many now.

S. m

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S.B.

answers from Minneapolis on

I think Hayden is a great name :) Of course, as a mom to a Hayden myself, I might be a little biased! All of my kids' names end in an "n" for our theme. I think that Hailey and Hayden go well together and aren't confusing at all.

Good luck!

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