To me the name is so common I couldn't imagine possibly using it. We don't have any Matthews in our family either, but I'd be willing to say that I have personally known over 50+ Matthew/Matts during my life. Choosing a name, something that is intended to uniquely identify my child, when I have known that many other people with the name... it's just out of the question. People interact with more than family members afterall. Having classmates, friends, coworkers, neighbors etc with the same name is also a problem.
The last name the child would have is also important. If it's a rare last name, a common first name is less of a problem. If the last name is at all common, strive to find something a little more rare as a fn or at least pick an unusual middle name. Confusion with medical records, utility accounts, credit cards, bank accounts etc DOES happen. (My first name is Jennifer and my last name is not uncommon. I have had issues like these.)
What's the purpose of a name? If confusion arrises because multiple people have the same one does that mean it fails it's primary purpose? Imo, yes.
This message was edited 4/25/2006, 7:23 AM