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A furious husband is demanding that his true-crime-loving wife change their twins’ names, after discovering she named them after mass murderers.

The dad-of-two says his wife has a ‘slightly irritating’ true crime hobby, which they try to keep separate from their relationship.

“For the most part, she’s normal about it and knows when to bring it up,” he explained. “I’m only reminded of it when she’s around another ‘aficionado’.”

The couple welcomed twin boys earlier this year, and the dad admits they had to do some negotiating when it came to their names.

“I know at the end of the day, she’s the one doing the hard work and has the final say, but she was inclined to eccentric, potentially life-ruining names that I had to talk her out of.

“One day she came to me with two surprisingly ordinary names. And named separately, no one would bat an eye at either one. In fact, no one batted an eye until recently.

“We were visiting family and she was showing off the kids when my sister-in-law (brother’s wife) took me aside and said, ‘Are you serious? You named your twins after them?’ I had no idea, I hadn’t made the connection until that moment.”

The boys names are Dylan and Eric. While they are very common names, they also happen to be the names of the teenage boys who killed 12 students and one teacher in the Columbine High School massacre.

“When I got home, I confronted her and demanded we change the names. She said it was just coincidence and that maybe subconsciously, she paired the names, but the names are common, and changing them would be a hassle and draw even more attention to it in the first place.

“I said we can simply explain we hadn’t made the connection at the time and decided to change it as soon as we realised. After all, my sister-in-law already said something! She won’t budge and I find it concerning. Am I wrong?”

What are your thoughts? Share them in the comments below. 

 

  • These are both common names. If anyone mentioned the connection as the parent I would just shrug and ignore it. These boys will grow into their names and become independent characters with their own personalities. If they were that concerned they could shorter Eric to ‘Ricky’ until it blows over

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  • Whether or not the names were intentional, there are very common names and have been for a very long time. I don’t think anyone would make the connection unless it was brought up or know the mother has deep interest in true crime. But I think the couple need to work on their communication.

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  • The article doesn’t mention where this family live which would be interesting to know. I know it can be hard to choose names, but when we selected names both my husband and I would explain where we got the name from and why we liked it (I hope this wouldn’t have happened)

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  • Sorry but is this article for real or made up? They are two common names and I don’t think most people would make the connection.

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  • When you think about it, this is actually cruel and insulting to the families of the victims. Why on earth would you want to lionise people who do dreadful things?

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  • It would be easy to change one of the names now but I don’t think the Mum will allow that. Bit selfish really. Hope it doesn’t break this family up.

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  • I think that seeing your family has recognised these names that your twins have been called are related to a violent killing spree by the boys in the Columbian killing spree, then it is quite possible that many other of your friends will also recognise it because your wife is an aficionado of crime and studies it, so I would definitely want to change the names of your twins. If your wife doesn’t understand your concerns, then insist in the name of decency as your children will suffer down the track.

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  • Hehe I find this funny because subconsciously I think lots of people would have pair the names together and sounds very nice. I am surprise she didnt go for the recently famous Eric and Lyle, but they killed their parents so could be a very bad premonition for the new family

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  • I don’t think she would have deliberately named them after killers. You didn’t think anything of it at the time and I’m sure no-one else would either. If you think like that then nearly every name is attached to a bad person somewhere down the line. Don’t let it bother you and I’m disappointed that your SIL would have mentioned it.

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  • It does sound a little weird but they are very common and nice names. I think the wife subconsciously did this maybe if she reads a lot about mass murderers and crimes. I don’t think anyone would make the connection and if they do it’s a talking point at the most.

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  • I would not have made the connection. If it makes the father uncomfortable, I think it would not be a problem to change one of the names.

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  • I do think it’s a bit weird… but I also think that most people won’t make the connection. I always think of those two murderers by their surnames, and I bet a lot of people can’t remember their names at all.

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  • Look, I don’t really think it’s a big deal to get hung up over. I think very few people would make the connection. I have heard of the shooting, but didn’t know the names of the boys. The hubby didn’t even realise. He had every opportunity to object before, but didn’t. I personally think it’s too late now. They’re just names, it’s not like they’re going to magically turn into murderers. Just raise them right.

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  • This is an interesting situation to be in. Considering how much the mother loves true crime and the fact that the sister in law has connected the dots, I would want to change the kids names too as it will always be a thing with the family which in the end could get back to the kids when they are older. Choosing a child’s name should be an agreement by both parents and if something like this has come to light, I think they should really consider change the names of it means this much to the husband and father of the kids. It should matter how much effort it would be.

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  • I don’t think anyone would bat an eyelid at the names unless you bring it up. I didn’t recognise them as anything and I like true crime. The dissapointing thing is that the wife would have known and went behind his back, keeping it secret.
    Reading other comments I’ve just realised this is an American story so I’m not sure how it would be taken over there.


    • Yes the wife said it was just coincidence and that MAYBE SUBCONSIOUSLY , she paired the names,. This is enough to make you think and clearly enough to make her sister in law and husband think given the wife’s aficionado with true crime. The wife claims it is a hassle to change the twins name.
      It can indeed be considered a hassle but important enough
      Parental agreement: Both parents typically need to agree to change the baby’s name.
      Legal process: You need to file an application with the relevant state registry, usually providing proof of identity and the child’s birth certificate.
      Timeframe: Most states allow a window within the first year after birth to change a child’s first name without additional complications.
      Court involvement: If parents cannot agree, a court may need to decide on the name change.

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  • I didn’t make the connection of the names Dylan and Eric with mass murderes and clearly the husband initially didn’t either and he agreed. However when confronted with it he felt uneased, which is understandable given his wife’s aficionado. It’s important that both parents agree about the names they give their children, it shouldn’t be the case that one parent has the final say, but listen to eachother


    • I had to google the word “aficionado”. Definitions of aficionado. noun. a serious devotee of some activity, genre, or performer. buff, devotee, fan, lover. an ardent follower and admirer. Personally I’m interested in true crime and the mind of killers and serial killers too, but would never ever name my child after a known mass murderer. However there are so many over the world throughout history that we may unknowingly do.

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  • It is always rather sad and disappointing when a couple cannot agree on names for children and when there are issues with communication. Partners need to listen to each other and to respect each other and to act as responsible parents with both people in agreement. There has to be respect in relationships.


    • Names can be changed and children can also change their names when they reach a particular age. Not everyone will have this knowledge about true crime or know about this link as not everyone will follow true crime. It does not need to be pointed out by the adults in their lives.



      • Yes I agree it is disappoiting when couples can’t agree about a baby name.
        To agree on a baby name with your partner, it may be wise to start by creating a large list of names you both like, then gradually narrow it down by discussing which names resonate with you most, considering the meaning behind them ( and that one is quite important in relation to this article ), and being open to compromise; if you can’t reach a decision, consider waiting until after the baby is born

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  • Unfortunately even if they were to change the names they will always be known as “formally known as Dylan and Eric” it’s pretty awful of the mum to pair the names with twins and it’s a real kick in the teeth to the family of the victims that went through so much trauma. I could never imagine naming my babies after a criminal let alone 2

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  • We live in Australia not the USA so bad luck it will not work here we only get upset with names like Chopper or Milat send the story back to the USA where it belongs

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  • What an unfortunate thing to happen! I think for strangers they probably wouldn’t make the connection, but if the SIL already has you are guaranteed that the family is talking about it. What a strange thing to happen, I hope for the husband’s sake it was actually a coincidence and not deliberate, if deliberate that’s pretty sick.

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