Pregnant Woman Refuses To Reveal Son’s Name After Sister Pulled The Same ‘Name Theft’ Trick

Two sisters are pregnant at the same time, but past family drama has created tension around baby names. When the older sister’s daughter’s name sparked conflict with her best friend, the younger sister learned a hard lesson: names can be stolen.

Now, as she prepares for her first child, she’s keeping her son’s name under wraps to avoid a repeat scenario.

Curious how a simple name can trigger family rivalry and strategic secrecy? Read on for this tale of preemptive protection and sibling rivalry.

A woman keeps her unborn son’s name secret from her sister to avoid a repeat of a past naming conflict

When two siblings are pregnant at once, sharing baby‑name choices can feel like a natural, fun tradition. But sometimes what feels fun for one person can trigger history, anxiety, or conflict for another.

In this case, the younger sister chooses not to tell her older sister the name she picked for her son. Her decision is rooted in a prior experience: the older sister once reused a name her BFF had planned, which caused serious hurt and resentment.

That past episode understandably makes the younger sister cautious about sharing anything that might spark a repeat.

Psychological and family‑dynamics research supports the idea that even in adult relationships, “creative territory” like baby‑names can become symbolic territory.

The phenomenon of what people call “sibling rivalry” or more broadly “family resource conflict” doesn’t only apply to childhood: it can persist into adulthood when siblings compete for uniqueness, identity, or emotional recognition. (EBSCO)

Even more, experts on healthy family boundaries emphasize that each parent (or parent‑to‑be) has the full right to privacy and autonomy when it comes to decisions about their own child, including the child’s name.

Setting and enforcing boundaries, when done thoughtfully, is important for respect, emotional health, and preventing conflict. (Calm)

In this light, the younger sister’s refusal to share the name emerges as a valid boundary, not a spiteful act.

Her hesitation isn’t necessarily personal against her older sister but informed by real prior hurt, awareness of how quickly a name can become “taken,” and a desire to protect her own child’s identity and her own peace of mind.

On the other side, the older sister’s frustration, her argument that name sharing is part of pregnancy fun, reflects a common feeling: siblings often want to bond, co‑celebrate, and share milestones.

Psychology shows that sibling relationships are complicated: while rivalry and competition are common, many siblings manage to balance fairness, respect, and closeness if boundaries are clear and respected.

Given these dynamics, the younger sister’s choice seems reasonable. She’s not betraying her sister, she’s protecting her own space, reducing risk of conflict, and avoiding repeating an old mistake.

Of course, this choice may cause hurt feelings or suspicion of secrecy. But from a family‑systems point of view, maintaining autonomy and boundaries can prevent escalation, jealousy, and long‑term resentments.

In sum, nothing in research says she must share the name. On the contrary, healthy boundaries, especially around emotionally charged decisions like naming a baby, are often recommended for mental health and relational well‑being. Her decision is defensible and psychologically healthy, not selfish or unkind.

Here’s what the community had to contribute:

These commenters said your sister’s repeated asking is manipulation and clear name-theft behavior

This group recommended fake names or hilarious decoys to catch her if she tries copying again

These commenters noted your sister’s past actions and your mom’s pressure prove you’re right to stay silent

This group insisted you keep the name secret because she’ll steal it the moment she hears it

Would you reveal your child’s name in advance, or guard it closely after previous drama? How would you handle a sibling with a history of “name theft”? Share your strategies and experiences below.