1. It wouldn't bother me if I was that distant, no.
2. No. My initials used to be JAP and a name I'm considering for baby would have the initials of ELF. Not a big deal to me. Do you plan to use the monogram much? I don't think I've ever used one so I never considered that possibility.
OMG I think having the initials spell ELF would be adorable!
I kinda thought so too, haha. Definitely not the worst initials! We're also total nerds and I love elves (think LotR type elves) so it totally works! Let's see if I can get H on board
My younger son's name is shared by a third cousin, but it didn't bother me. I really love the name. When you have a large name and multiple 2nd, 3rd cousins etc. you are bound to run into repeats. PHD is a good monogram.