[topato]

DH feels that we can choose whatever first name we want for our future children, but that the middle names we pick need to be established already within our families.

I understand (and agree with) this tradition, but he and I both like names that are a bit more unusual... Our family is names like Marie, Anne, Lynn, Rose, (and for the boys) John, James, Paul, Robert, Richard, and Joseph. All of them are great names, but kind of common, especially as middle names. My middle name is Marie, and I feel like half of all women I know can say the same.

How do you guys feel about this tradition? Should we choose a family name even though they're all commonly used?

[Elysia]

I like the tradition of carrying on family names but I also think children need their own identity so I like to put a more unique spin on the traditional names...for example instead of rose maybe Rosalind, Rosalie, Rosemary or instead of James perhaos Jameson. It still carries the symbolism and meaning but gives the child their own identity and a more unique name if thats your taste

[Aillidh]

My middle name is Rosemary and I love it! But I'm very traditional/classic with both first names and middle names...All of the middle names on my list are from family members.

[RootBudSkyTree]

I love the tradition of carrying on family names too. I think it is a very special thing to keep alive within a family. I do agree with Elysia though! If they are not your taste, there are definitely twists you can put on the more boring names
For example, my brother is Sean named after our grandfather John (I know that isn't a huge style change, but it still has special value to him).

[redbirds]

Yep.... we do the same thing, sort of DD has my mn and DS has BIL's name as his mn (Scott) because BIL died 10 years ago of stomach cancer and it was in honor of him. Two of the names we are considering for mn's for this one are May (in homage of all the Mary's we have in our families, particularly my grandmother, whom I miss dearly) and Clare/Clair... some such spelling to incorporate my mom's mn of Claire and DH's grandmother of Clara... We've also considered Lane as an homage to MIL, who's mn is Elane.

I like the idea of putting a new/fresh spin on very classic names.

[Memi]

I really like using family names because they are sentimental and in honor of your loved ones. However, even if my most beloved family member had a name I couldn't twist or bend into something I cared for, I wouldn't use it. So I guess I like this tradition as long as you can get a name out of it that you're both happy with. In the end, I think it's not necessary but nice.