Is it the same?

My mother in law always wanted to see her grandkids and one named after her. Her kids never come around. Ones an actor, ones a cop, the other cant stay out of jail. So she sees none of her children or grandchildren besides my SO and shell be able to see our little one once shes born. We decided on the first name Annika. He wanted to give his moms name as the middle so it be Annika Tina Y. I liked it. He got excited and told his mom we decided on it. Lately i been getting other suggestions and being told it doesnt sound right. I was given Annika Marie witch i adore. Marie is also his moms middle name. Would it still be considered Naming the baby after his mom if i talked to him about using Marie instead?