AITA for not wanting my sister to be named like me?

An 18-year-old’s name, Roseanne, is more than just a label—it’s her identity, tied to a life where her dad was barely present. Now, living with him and his pregnant wife, she’s stunned to learn they plan to give their new baby her exact name and surname. Her objections, met with accusations of jealousy and immaturity, have turned a personal boundary into a family feud, lighting up Reddit with debate.

This story tugs at the heart of anyone who’s fought to claim their individuality in a family that overlooks them. Was the teen wrong to push back, or is her dad’s naming choice a step too far? Readers are drawn into a thorny mix of identity, family ties, and the pain of feeling replaced.

‘AITA for not wanting my sister to be named like me?’

Naming a new child the exact same name as an existing sibling isn’t just unusual—it’s a recipe for confusion and hurt. This teen’s objection to her dad and stepmother’s choice stems from a shaky relationship with her father, who’s now embracing his new family with enthusiasm she never felt. The stepmother’s claim of jealousy dismisses the teen’s valid concerns about identity, while the dad’s “gatekeeping” accusation ignores the practical and emotional implications.

Naming decisions carry weight. A 2022 study in the Journal of Social Psychology found that 80% of people view their name as central to their identity, and duplicate names within families can spark rivalry or erasure. The dad’s choice risks making the teen feel like a placeholder, especially given his past absence.

Family therapist Dr. Karyl McBride advises, “Parents must respect each child’s unique identity, especially in blended families.” The teen’s suggestion of similar names like Rose was a fair compromise, which the parents rejected. Solutions include the parents choosing a distinct name or using Roseanne as a middle name.

Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:

Reddit’s takes are as sharp as a thorn on a rose—let’s dive in!

From calling the dad’s choice creepy to urging the teen to stand firm, these comments bloom with opinions. But do they root out the core issue, or just petal around it?

This naming drama thorns at the heart of family respect and individuality. The teen’s pushback wasn’t about jealousy but about preserving her identity in a family where she’s felt sidelined. Was she right to object, or should she let the name go? It’s a reminder that names carry stories, and parents must tread carefully. Ever faced a family choice that felt like erasure? What would you do in this teen’s shoes? Share your thoughts below!