It sounds like you’re caught in a really difficult situation, and it’s understandable why you’d feel conflicted. From your perspective, Liam is simply a name you and your husband loved—something timeless and meaningful for your family. But your parents’ reaction reveals a deeply personal and painful history tied to the name, one you were unaware of until now.
It’s important to acknowledge that, for your parents, the name Liam brings up a lot of unresolved emotions tied to your mother’s affair. While you might not have intended to hurt them, they’re clearly struggling with the association. However, it’s also crucial that you feel empowered to choose the name you and your husband love, as it represents your family’s journey, not theirs.
That said, I wouldn’t say you’re a “terrible daughter”—far from it. You’re not responsible for the past, and you’ve done nothing wrong by selecting a name that resonated with you. What’s happening now is more about how to navigate the emotional fallout from a situation you didn’t create.
It’s understandable that they’re having a hard time, but it’s also vital that they respect your decisions as parents. Maybe the best thing you can do is give them time and space to process their feelings while continuing to reassure them of your love and respect for them.
This doesn’t make you insensitive, but it’s clear there’s a delicate balance between honoring your past and creating your future. It’s tough to navigate, and it may take time for your parents to come around.