I’m a “John Smith IV”. My son, due in September, will be a “John Smith V”. Personally, I’m a huge fan of this tradition.

  • HelloThere@sh.itjust.works
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    4 days ago

    It always comes across to me as a very american thing, specifically trying to make something feel older than it actually is.

    I’m something like HelloThere XV because the firstborn son in my family has had the same name since at least the 1700s - even across language when we got forcibly relocated for sheep.

    Would my future son be XVI? Sure - but they won’t have the actual numerals.

    • Rhynoplaz@lemmy.world
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      4 days ago

      I find it odd that you say it’s an American thing. I’m not disagreeing, as I’m American, and I’ve encountered plenty of Jrs and thirds, but any higher than “the 3rd” makes me think of the British and French Kings, or the Pope.

      Maybe every other country has quit the practice in the past 200 years or so, and we’re the only ones continuing it at this point.