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Should babies be named after their dads? Pros and cons of that Jr. suffix

Jr. suffix baby names: Yay or nay? Here's what to consider before signing the birth certificate in ink

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Pregnancy is a time of change and preparation — we likely don’t have to tell you. You might have many decisions, from choosing the safest car seat to considering whether you’d prefer to nurse, pump, formula feed, or a combination of these options. These are important choices. Yet, naming your baby can feel like the tallest task of all.

You may pore over baby name books and articles, hoping to find something that feels “just right” to a developing little one you have yet to meet. However, someone in your life may have had the baby’s name picked out for years: Your partner, who wants a junior. Disagreements about Jr. suffix baby names can get stressful, with strong opinions on either side. Considering the pros and cons of Jr. suffix baby names can help you come to a decision both of you feel good about.

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Jr. suffix baby names: Pros and cons

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Caleb Oquendo / Pexels

Jr. suffix baby names are typically reserved for sons named after a father. However, juniors (and II, IV, V, and so on) can apply to babies and families of all stripes and types. A mother may want to name a daughter after herself, including a birthing or non-birthing partner in a same-sex relationship. Regardless, they have their pros and cons, and considering each (and the other person’s feelings) is a helpful place to sort through the debate.

Pros of junior baby names

While junior baby names may be a bit out of vogue in contemporary parenting, they have their perks.

  1. The name honors one parent. Having a child named after you is an honor and may make one parent feel good. (If the parent, unfortunately, passed away during the pregnancy, this name can feel extra poignant.) Also, knowing the child will have your name may help the parent who isn’t pregnant (often the dad) feel a stronger connection when they aren’t experiencing impromptu karate kicks.
  2. The name might recognize other family members. “Juniors” are often a catch-all for names that have been passed down. Technically, junior might be taken — one partner’s family may be looking to use the name for the third, fourth, fifth time, or beyond. In these cases, the moniker honors one partner and multiple family members. This one might be significant to one person if they have a close relationship with one or more of these people.
  3. Regal. Royal families often use family names (Hello, King Charles III). Giving your baby a similar moniker can feel like a royal statement.
  4. Unique. Plot twist. Anecdotally, Jr. suffix baby names aren’t as popular these days, so you might (ironically) be unique in choosing one.
  5. Keeps the peace. If one partner feels strongly about having a junior, letting them take the W might be less stressful.

Cons of junior baby names

Not everyone is game for raising a junior. Here are some commonly cited reasons.

  1. Confusing with records. “Junior” doesn’t usually appear on birth certificates. Having the same name as a relative can be confusing later when a person tries to purchase a home and needs to jump through some red tape to prove they are distinct from their parent. They may also frequently get the other person’s mail or phone calls from people looking for their parent.
  2. Confusing at gatherings. “Which one?” may become a common refrain at family parties when you tell Junior to “cut it out.”
  3. Lacks individuality. Every child is unique regardless of their name. However, some parents may not like the idea of repeating a name, feeling the baby should have their own.
  4. Follows the person. This one goes hand in hand with No. 3. If the person the child is named for goes on to make poor and public decisions, a reputation they didn’t earn might follow them (especially during an era where employers can Google prospects).
  5. The other partner would strongly prefer something else. Sometimes, one partner should let the other have a junior. Other times, the opposite is true.

Concluding thoughts

a pregnant woman close up of her belly with a man's hands around her belly
Amina Filkins / Pexels

Junior suffix baby names have anecdotally become less popular in contemporary parenting, as people look to give their little ones a distinct moniker. However, some people may still hope for a “junior.” The debate can cause stress among expecting parents, and requests for advice in parenting groups are often met with strong opinions on both sides.

Ultimately, you’ll want to make the best choice for your family — there is no right one for everyone. Consider the pros and cons. You might be able to meet in the middle — no pun intended – such as using the other parent’s first name as a middle name. Other times, the best path is to let the person who feels strongest about the name have their way. If multiple kiddos are in your plans; perhaps one parent can name one baby (as junior), and the other can name the next.

BethAnn Mayer
BethAnn Mayer
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