By Erickka Sy Savané

Back in the day, naming your son after his father was an honored
family tradition. You’d have Eddie and Lil’ Eddie. No one questioned
whether it was a good idea, and when you spent 20 minutes on the phone
talking to Bobby Sr. instead of Junior you laughed and kept on going.
Today, however, people are breaking with tradition and stepping out on their own for many reasons. In fact, some people love nothing better than giving a son his own unique name. Had you ever heard of the name Shemar before actor Shemar Moore? Probably not, since his name is a combo of his mom and dad.
Now boys named Shemar are common…
But really, there are pros and cons to naming a son after his dad, so if you’re currently struggling with what to do, hopefully this list can help!

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REASONS TO NAME YOUR SON AFTER HIS FATHER

1. A 1940’s study showed that III’s, IV’s and V’s don’t have as many
mental health issues as the general population. So the peace of mind
that comes from having a family name can increase your chances of
birthing the next Bill Gates III or Tom Cruise IV.

2. A 1980 study showed that sons named after their dad had fewer
behavioral problems, which makes sense because a kid is constantly aware
that he is carrying that name. It’s like having dad breathing down your
neck 24/7.

3. It’s the ultimate family bond. Dad’s with a namesake are more aware that the child is representing him in the world.

4. It gives your son something to live into. George Bush Jr. Definitely followed in the footsteps of George Bush Sr.

5. When dad has a fancy name like Sammy Davis Jr. It’s like automatic PR.

6. A family name is handy when you just
don’t want to spend countless hours coming up with a new name. Just name him
after his or your dad already!

7. It can encourage a ‘wandering’ dad to stick around. Can Ronald Sr. just turn his back on Ron Jr. so easily?

REASONS NOT TO NAME YOUR SON AFTER HIS FATHER
1. You’re pregnant by someone with a name like Charles Manson. Probably not a good name to pass on.
2. You don’t want him being called “Jr.” and you hate the word Lil’ on a
grown ass man.
3. You don’t want your son getting used to being II or III. It’s not his lot in life to follow any man, not even his dad, and his dad’s dad.

4. There are ten people in the family with the same name. Talk about a chip off the old block!

5. You’re stealing his identity. Did George Bush Jr. really want to become President or did he want to be an artist? (Seen any of his paintings?)

6. You’re not really sure he’s the father. Maybe you should wait for Maury and the results of the DNA test.

7. His name is Djakarakabeebojalagyshu. It’s got to be pronounceable.

8. Dad hasn’t been paying his bills so creditors are constantly calling you. 


So what do you think? Yay or Nay to naming a son after dad?

Erickka Sy Savané is managing editor of CurlyNikki.com, a wife, mom, and freelance writer based in Jersey, City, NJ. Her work has appeared in Essence.com, Ebony.com, Madamenoire.com, xoNecole.com, and more. When she’s not writing…wait, she’s always writing! Follow her on Twitter, Instagram or ErickkaSySavane.com