I Love the Name 'Miles' for My Soon to Be Born Boy, But -

I am 45 and didn't know who Miles Davis was. Although the name sounded mildly familiar. After googling his name I found he was a jazz musician during the war era. Although you wouldn't be naming your son after the famous musician, it would be an honor to carry a name of someone who had been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Do you think the generation your kids grow up with will be familiar with who Miles Davis really was. I don't think so. Heck, put a trumpet in his hand and if he does get teased he can say Yeah I know who Miles Davis was, he was a great musician, I'm learning the trumpet just like he did. Think of it this way, your last name isn't Dahmer, and you love the name Jeffrey.

Dear Cathy,
I would not do something like that. Each child is unique and will find his own way in life. You don't want him to feel pressured to compete against another more famous him (or namesake).
What I would maybe do is, give him the name Miles as a second first name. Something like John Miles Davis. In some cultures the two names become so connected that it is impossible to only say one. (Jean-Michel, Jean-Francois... here it is more common with girls names: Mary-Ann, Betty Jean ect.). Or the second first name is your little "secret" and for every body else he is John M. Davis, but for you - you know the secret password. Good luck to you all. A.

I would go for it, what an honor to be named after an american musical icon. This generation and those to come sadly will not even know the name or the man....so let your son carry the light...who kows maybe he will be a great icon some day as well!

Hi Cathy,

Miles is a wonderful name and if it is what you really want for your baby - you should do it. The important thing is to choose a name that you and your husband mutually agree on. If this is the one, then this is the one.

My husband and I thought really hard about a name for our son and we considered the "teasing" factor also. We tried really hard to come up with a name that couldn't be shortened etc. Guess what - the kids still found a way to tease, make up a rhyme or mess with his initials! Kids are creative - I'll give them that. One 6 year old kid even saw him wearing a "NEMO" shirt, looked over his shoulder and said "Ha! Your name is NEMO spelled backwards and upside down!" Clever kid. (You can probably figure out my son's name now).

My point is - even if you came up with a name that you liked less - they would still find some way to play with it and then you would really be upset.

I also agree with one of the other posts that most kids won't know who Miles Davis is until they are mature enough to be past the teasing stage - any yes he was a great musician. There are worse things to be teased about.

Sometimes you have to see your baby first before the name really fits. When he is born, you may look at him and think Miles is perfect for him...or something else may suddenly inspire you.

Piece of advice - if you REALLY like a name - don't share it with family/friends till he's born. I did this, and many of their comments, (though well meant), stopped me from considering those names. Once he's born and named - every one will congratulate you on his name.

Sending you lots of good vibes for the remainder of your pregnancy and delivery....

S.

What about using it as a middle name?

Why would he be ridiculed? Miles Davis is a great musician and it should be an honor to be named after him. Also, most kids by the time he grows up won't even know who he is unless they study Jazz appreciation in college.

Hi,

Julie M and Andrea F, both make good points and suggestions. Go with what your heart desires.

N.