5 baby names inspired by the father’s name: From blending initials and syllables to choosing names with a similar meaning, these creative ideas help parents honour dad while giving their little one a distinctive identity

Plenty of parents want a baby’s name to carry a little of the family with it, and dad’s name is often where the search begins. Naming a child exactly after him can get confusing at home, though, with two people answering to the same call. A gentler option is to weave in a thread, a shared sound, a borrowed syllable or a matching meaning. Done well, it feels personal, never forced. Here are five ways to do it.