Space button broken? We don't know your bf, so we can't know how to convince him. In our house we have the rule, if one of us doesn't want a name, it is off the list. What is the name?
Well, if you're presenting it to him as, "I want the middle name to be Ned, after my dead cousin," then I can see how the delivery might leave him cold and creeped out.
Perhaps describing to him who Ned was, as a person; why he meant (means) so much to you; and how the name would be an honor your child would cherish, might help him to understand your stance.
If you explain all of that, and he's still cold on it, then have him explain his reasons for not wanting to use it. Have a conversation about it. Have several conversations about it. See it from one another's side, then see if there is any kind of compromise you can reach. Perhaps you can use a name that starts with an "N," so there's a bit of separation (to make the boyfriend more comfortable), but still a tangible link to the name. Or use Edward, which is a formal form of Ned. Or use two middle names - one being Ned, the other being a mn of bf's choice. There are options, out there, but you both have to play the grown up and address this like people in a functioning, communicative relationship. This is just the first step to co-parenting. If you guys can't come to a mature, mutually pleasing conclusion on the name, then what in the world are you going to do when the actual demands of parenting kick in?
And, for the love of gawds, please stop.writing.like.this.
* mum to an IVF padawan: Steven, 3/2006 *
adoption process started for #2, 2/2014; homestudy approved, just waiting for a placement now!
** waiting for George or Lara **