Naming children of ~mixed~ ethnic background

[Rochefaton]

First and last names should match in ethnicity.

Really?

So, since I carry a French surname due to my paternal ancestors being of French descent 500 years ago, I should have a French first name as well as my descendants?

Even though genetically I fit in with the Dutch and English and the vast majority of my ancestors over the past 5 centuries were from Britain or Germanic speaking countries?

[jerney]

Well, I think that's kind of expected in the US, but if they child is being raised in a European country, it makes more sense for it to have a matching first and last name.

[Hess]

Going with a Roman name seems like the wisest thing one can do. I am half French and half Croatian and my First name is Emil, but my French relatives call me Emile.

[jerney]

Since I think you are opting for no1, then in the end you will probably be left with no other choice than to name your children after his parents, you know that

The first one I can handle even though I don't like the thought of my son having such a ridiculously common Christian name (I do find the female version a lot more tolerable, though), but by the second kid it becomes my turn and I'm sure as hell not naming my kid after either of my parents. I'd prefer a non-Christian Greek name and I think there are plenty of beautiful names to choose from, male or female.

[Zephyr]

Spanish naming customs make for some interesting combinations of course. Imagine thinking up a forename to fit, oh, let's say something like 'O'Hagan-Ramirez'....

Just imagined...

Éamon de Valera was one of the dominant political figures in twentieth century Ireland, serving as head of government of the Irish Free State and head of government and head of state of Ireland. He also introduced the Constitution of Ireland.

[Osweo]

Just imagined...

Éamon de Valera was one of the dominant political figures in twentieth century Ireland, serving as head of government of the Irish Free State and head of government and head of state of Ireland. He also introduced the Constitution of Ireland.

But what a fine Old English name!

< Eadmund...

[Zephyr]

In my opinion, middle and last name should be given according to parents last names, independently of being parents from the same country or not:

Father is Michael X. Y.
Mother is Anne G. H.
Child should be Firstname H. Y. if it's a boy and Firstname Y. H. if it's a girl.

The first name should definitely be given according to the country where children will be raised.

If you are not sure where the kids will be raised just choose a name that can easily fit in both countries. I suppose you are Brit + Greek, so you have plenty some choice like Alexandra, Sophia, Thomas. For his/her own good would be odd to have a kid raised in the UK called Eleftherios or Elisavet...

Makes sense?

[R4ge]

Biblical names are best.

Just don't name your children Cedric or Tyrone, etc.

[jerney]

I'm surprised there are not more votes for the last option

[Marmie Dearest]

I think dual ethnic names are fine, and if I ever have a child I will call them a first name that I like, and I'm not particularly concerned if it matches mine or the father's ethnic background, as long as it's European.

I can definitely see, though, giving an ethnic or family name as the middle name (from the mother's side) then having the father's last name, of course.