Boy's Name Meaning "Second Son"

Updated on April 06, 2013
C.S. asks from Allen, TX
20 answers

Hi Mamas!

Does anyone know of a boy's name meaning "second son"? My husband and I lost our first son the day before Valentine's day when I delivered him at only 22 weeks. His name was John-Robert, and we have recently decided to start trying to get pregnant again. We have a 16 month old daughter named Bella who is an absolute joy and blessing to us. We would like to have another child soon so that they can be close in age. I read on a name finder sight that the name "Brodie" means second son, but now everywhere I look says that Brodie actually means "ditch" or "muddy place". Please help!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

What happened? I'll just say that I've chosen not to post anymore questions due to the negative feedback I've received. (Thanks, Allison!) John-Robert was named after my Father (and his father) and husband. His middle name, Howe, is also a family name. Our thoughts of naming a possible brother for he and Bella has nothing to do with him living in someone else's shadow. It's more of a tribute to his brother so that he will always know that he does have an older brother who also is an important part of our family. It has nothing to do with the fact that he i s "second-best" or has anything whatsoever to live up to. Thank you for taking something important and sentimental and turmning it into something negative. Thank you to all of the moms with positive, constructive feedback- it is very much appreciated.

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.K.

answers from Madison on

http://www.thinkbabynames.com/

Jiro ... "Second son."

Kenji ... "Intelligent second son; strong and vigorous." Kenjiro (ken-jee-ROH) means "second son who sees with insight".

Abel ... the second son of Adam and Eve ...

Simeon ... Biblical: the second-born of Jacob's 12 sons ...

5 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.F.

answers from Columbus on

I did a search and found Brodie also. Here's a site where you can put in the meaning and it gives names.

http://www.babyhold.com/list/AdvSearch/

3 moms found this helpful

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.H.

answers from New York on

Why do you want to name him something that means second... it's kind of like you second.. not first.... ... Why don't you just name him something you love... If you like Brodie or Brody.. just name him it because you like it.. not because it will mean 2nd son.. what if you have a daughter.... will you name her something that means 2nd and not first... i think you should think about it.. i know you probably just are doing it because you like 2nd son... but he may feel like 2nd best... or less than the first... think about it.. would you like to be 2nd anything.. good luck... i hope you have a wonderful healthy baby... and that baby will be #1 in your book.. like you daughter will be #1 too..

5 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.C.

answers from Cincinnati on

Japanese has a lot of names for "second son," as well as "first son," and "third son." However, if you are looking for an Anglo-Saxon sort of name, I'm not sure. What about making John (or John-Robert) the child's middle name, in commemoration of your first-born? I know some people think this is a bit morbid, from reading responses, but I don't. I think it's very sweet, actually. I had a friend whose son died 3 weeks after he was born, and they gave his name to their second son as his middle name. It is a special tribute to hope - hope that this time, things will turn out better. Good luck.

3 moms found this helpful

L.M.

answers from Dover on

I am not sure on meanings but what about picking names that would allow your second son could have the same initials as a tribute like maybe: James, Justin, Joel, Jackson for first names and Robert, Russell, Roger, Richard

3 moms found this helpful

L.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I believe Abel means 'the second son.' I'm going to google this and see what I can come up with. I think that's a beautiful way to remember and acknowledge your first son.

3 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.D.

answers from Dallas on

Kenji actually means second son but it's also Japanese. Abel is also related to a second son. I just want to say I love the name Brody. I have two friends with boys named Brody. What about Chance? I don't know the meaning of it but you have a "chance" at having another son...

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

It, will also really vary, per the culture of the person.
Maybe, try researching it that way...

Each culture, would have different ways of saying "second son."

For example: in Japanese, the 2nd son is called "Jiro" or "Kenji."

But, what will you say when your son asks why he is named "second son?"

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.H.

answers from Dallas on

I think it is a great idea and I hope you find a name that means second son that you really love. I know it is hard when we have gone through the pain of loosing a child but never think of those siblings that have lost and don't even know it yet. Family is so very important and we always try and teach our kids that friends may come and go but your brother/sister are always going to be there for you. Again, I think it a lovely tribute and I don't think your son will ever feel inferior to the brother he lost. I think he will feel honored that you and your husband felt the son lost was an important part of the family even for the short time he was here. God Bless!

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.S.

answers from San Francisco on

I think it's a lovely tribute to the baby you lost to commemorate him in your second son's name. I'm sure you will love him for who he is, but the fact that your children will never know their brother will always be part of your family. Good luck for a healthy pregnancy and baby, and try this site:
http://www.20000-names.com/number_names.htm

(Scroll down about a third of the page for names that mean "second.")

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.W.

answers from Amarillo on

I am so sorry someone was negative. I didn't read any of the posts, just wanted to share a site with you if you haven't heard of it. It's www.babynamewizard.com. One half of the site is a really cool graph thing for names and the other site is this lady's blog. You can ask her questions about names. I asked her about naming our 3rd because we were having trouble coming up with anything and she sent me back a whole list. Hope that helps. I am very sorry for your loss, but congrats on the new addition!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.I.

answers from Dallas on

I am so sorry you have felt criticized. Honestly, I have no idea why some people think your wanting to have the meaning "second son" in a name would in any way mean second best. Hello? From your post, I understand it is simply to acknowledge he is the second born son... the simple fact of birth order. For any child given a name with a personal meaning, he/she will understand the "why" when parents explain the significance of the name - in this case, it is obviously to remember his older brother. A name doesn't determine whether a child feels loved, significant, or is in someone else's shadow. It is how they are treated and respected in daily life that helps develop their self-worth. You have suffered a difficult loss and I completely understand that you would want to acknowledge and remember that birth... your first born son. I think that is a sweet thing to do. Hugs to you. I wish you all the best!!

1 mom found this helpful

T.K.

answers from Dallas on

Congrats on your pregnancy! It's really nice that you want to honor your son. But, I agree with Allison. That is a lot to lay on a new tiny human. Naming him the 2nd might make him feel inferior or like he was a replacement. Can you donate $ to the childrens wing of the hospital - not much, just buy a new nursing rocking chair or something in John-Roberts name to honor him? Then give your new little a name that maybe honors an elder man in the family - your husband or father, father in law, uncle? Somebody with attributes you admire.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.C.

answers from Dallas on

I have not read the respones, but so sorry to hear you got so much negative feedback about a name. RIDICULIOS!! The baby name book I have says second son. My sons name is Brodie and we love it. Getting a bit more popular though.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.G.

answers from Dallas on

Hello my friend, I completely share in your sorrow. I gave birth to my beautiful little Aidan at 22 weeks, and he died. It was the most horrible experience... words can't even express it. I have not had the courage to even get pregnant again, and it was 5 years ago. WE have adopted a beautiful little son and we are completely delighted with him.
Also, when I was in Kenya a few years ago, I learned the there is a very specific name for your situation.. the name is "Kassa" (pronounced like Casa in Spanish)... but Kassa is Swahili, I think. And it specifically is a name given to a child when their brother/sister has died. I haven't googled it yet but anyway, that was my experience in Kenya. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.W.

answers from Gainesville on

I have to agree with Allison H. 100%. Those were my first thoughts. This next baby shouldn't have to be in the shadow of such a difficult time in your family. Of course, your son John-Robert will always be first but I think there are much better ways to remember him and honor him as part of the family. Perhaps a tree or other type of planting in your yard with a decorative rock with his name and such on it.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.D.

answers from Dallas on

Brodie does mean second son, my sister's second son was named Brodie for that exact reason

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.C.

answers from Dallas on

This is not exactly what you were looking for, but the name Thomas means "twin". Just thought I'd throw that out there.

1 mom found this helpful

A.S.

answers from Davenport on

If I recall correctly, Seachlainn means second in Irish Gaelic.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

Of the names I have run across thus far in my research, these come to mind as lead perspectives, in my opinion based a bit around your request:
Eiji: Japanese name meaning 1) "eternity, next," 2) "great, peace," 3) "great, second (son)," or 4) "prosperity, peace."
Abel: Hebrew name which meant "breath". In the Old Testament he is the second son of Adam and Eve
Simon: is Hebrew meaning "He who has heard/hears [the word of God]" Simon was the second son of Jacob, who in turn was the second son of Issac.
Ruben: Hebrew name meaning "behold, a son" Ruben was also not the firstborn boy.
Kenji: Japanese name meaning "healthy second (son)" or 2) studying second (son)."
Nathan: Hebrew "He(God) has given"

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions