My Sister Forces Me to Rename My Baby, and Our Parents Are Taking Her Side

Emma was over the moon when she learned she was expecting. After months of trying, she and her husband Jack were finally going to become parents. It felt like the start of something magical. But as joyful as the journey was, it came with unexpected challenges—ones they never saw coming. She decided to write to us to share her story and ask for advice.

Emma shared her story in a letter.

“Hi, Bright Side!

After reading a lot of letters from your readers, I felt the courage to also send mine. I recently had a beautiful baby boy. The labor was long and exhausting, but holding my newborn son in my arms made everything worth it. My husband and I picked a name we love for our newborn. The first time I looked into his eyes, I knew it was the perfect name for him, Benjamin.”

“We had always planned to wait until our son was born before announcing his name—it felt more special that way. So when we finally introduced him as Benjamin, it came as a surprise to everyone. When my sister heard it, she freaked out, saying it’s been her ‘dream name’ since childhood. She demanded we change it. But we refused.

I already knew about this baby name list, but I assumed it was just a childhood fantasy. She isn’t in a relationship and, as far as I know, isn’t thinking about starting a family anytime soon.”

“But she wouldn’t let it go. In the weeks that followed, she constantly brought up the name issue, dropping suggestions left and right, some of which were completely outlandish. It felt like every conversation became an opportunity for her to push a new name on us.

I did my best to stay understanding and calm. Then, at a family dinner a month later, things came to a head. My husband and I had invited Alice and our parents over to celebrate Benjamin’s one-month milestone. The evening started off beautifully—warm conversations, laughter, and everyone cooing over the baby. But once again, she brought up the name, clearly still upset.”

“I turned to my parents, hoping they’d step in and help put an end to this. But no. Our parents backed her. My mom gently said, ‘Alice has a point. Benjamin is a lovely name, but she chose it before you. Why not consider something else? We just want what’s best for our family.’

Now, I feel stuck in the middle of a family conflict during what should be one of the happiest times of my life. Do you think I was so wrong by choosing this name?”

Here’s our suggestion for navigating this situation.

Hold your ground.

• The name you and your partner chose wasn’t random—it was filled with love and meaning. While it’s understandable that your sister feels emotionally attached to the name, it doesn’t give her the right to override your choice. This is your child, and the decision ultimately belongs to you and your husband.
• Talk to your sister and parents together if possible. Gently explain that the name Benjamin feels right for your family and that it’s not something you took lightly. Make it clear that while you appreciate their perspectives, the name is final.

Set healthy boundaries.

• If the pressure continues, it’s perfectly okay to draw the line. Let them know the conversation around the name is closed.
• Remind them guilt trips aren’t helping—they’re causing stress and strain during a vulnerable time.

Invite them to connect in other ways.

• To reduce the tension and help them feel included, offer them ways to contribute—maybe helping decorate the nursery, picking out books, or planning future milestones. This shows that you value their presence without compromising your decision.

Family disagreements can be painful, especially during life-changing moments like this. But by staying calm, firm, and respectful, you can protect your peace while reminding your loved ones that your choices deserve respect. At the end of the day, you and your partner are Benjamin’s parents—and that means your love and decisions should lead the way. Check out this article to see how another couple handled a similar dilemma.