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.
“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?”
All I read was "I knowingly stole my sisters dream baby name so why am I considered the a-hole? " Some people are empty inside They only feel complete They have something that you want or have. I firmly believe in stealing someone's destiny, if you don't you better look at history...
Your precious baby came first so you get 1st dibs on the name. Since it's already on his birth certificate, so cherish that name. Your sister is too possessive and overly spoiled by your parents especially she's not in a relationship any time soon. With her narcissistic attitude, I doubt she can maintain a long term relationship.
She knowingly stole a name that she knew her sister wanted to name her baby.. why is that not considered malicious? It was done on purpose. I firmly believe nobody owns a name I'm sure there's plenty of families with multiple Jessica's Ashley's Amanda's and so forth, but don't encourage people to steal something and then call the offended party the selfish one.
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.
I would agree to change the name. Then go no contact and change my last name. They wanted a name change, they'll get a name change.
Tell them they have three choices. First to shut up. Two never to see any of you again. Tell them third choice is that you will do it only if your sister changes her name to one you pick. Pick the name of her worst enemy in high school. Then tell you parents that you will do it only if they set up a 529 account for the max with you in control of it.
My aunt had a baby name list with several names on it. Her younger sister, my mother, married and started a family first. She steered clear of her sister's names and found beautiful ones of her own. A couple of years later my aunt married and started her family. She used all of the names of her list for all eight of her children! No drama, no fights. Everyone was happy.
