Four middle names - too many?

[MackerelOfFact]

I've recently lost both my grandmothers. I was never given a middle name, apparently my parents hated their own and wanted me to have the option to choose something if I wanted later on. (They latterly gave my brother a middle name though so not quite sure what happened to that particular chain of logic).

The combination of names I like includes both their first and middle names. This, however, gives me 4 middle names. The main problem I have is that I love the first name of one grandmother but the middle name of another. I could use just these, but the middle name is similar to my first name. It sounds fine with the other names but a bit weird otherwise. The first name of this Grandma isn't that pretty but I love it with her middle name.

Since I'm choosing four middle names and not inflicting them on a poor unsuspecting child, does that make it better? Or is it just poncy and pretentious to have more than a couple of forenames (which is not my intention at all, I just want to honour my grandmothers by taking their beautiful names).

I'm probably overthinking this and just want some thoughts really. DP thinks I should just go with the middle names, but they don't really feel like their names

[Bellbell]

The main problem I have is that I love the first name of one grandmother but the middle name of another.

I'd go with that - a perfect solution - and quite sweet that the middle name is similar to yours, not a problem IMO.

[MackerelOfFact]

I just realised I didn't actually say in my OP, but I am choosing middle names for myself, not for a DC. So the fact that one of the names I like is similar to my name probably would be weird?

Argh. I don't know. I might just go with either their first names or their middle names. I adore the whole thing together but it's a bit ungainly.

[frenchie73]

why not?go for it if you like it .I've two middle name myself just because my mum liked the names.My nephew got 4 its godparents name plus its mum and pa.xx

[bigbluebump]

That's what middle names are for imo. And you rarely say or use them all together anyway.

[iskra]

Gosh, so you are changing your name to add middle names in? What are the practicalities of that?

Desperate to know what the names are!

[MackerelOfFact]

Yes, adding middle names. I currently have none, could potentially have four. I only have a provisional driving license, my passport has expired so I need to reapply anyway, and I'm not yet married to DP, so it does seem like the best time to do it.

My main worry is how many names are too many?!

The names are (in no particular order, in case any family members recognise me) Florence, May, Violet and Jean.

[iskra]

Do you have to change it via deed poll or a statuary declaration? I'm wondering because DP thinks of changing his first & middle name around (he has always been known by his middle name).

I think the royal family have about a million names, don't they?

[fallingandlaughing]

I think you would regret that many names.

Cramp hand while filling in forms quickly!

[allhailtheaubergine]

Do it! It is nobody's business but yours.

I think it is rather brilliant actually.

[UrsulaBuffay]

I want to add a middle name but can't be buggered with the faff & cost of changing passport/driving licence etc. My name has always been a gripe of mine & felt unfinished.

Going from no mn to 4 would be too much I think, 2 max.

[Youcantaffordme]

I think the royal family have about a million names, don't they?

Not necessarily - the current crop seem to have 4 forenames (eg Charles Philip Arthur George) but the Queen herself only has 3 (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary). Perhaps you're thinking of Edward VIII/the Duke of Windsor who did have a lot of names (Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David) these included the 4 patron saints of the British Isles.

[MackerelOfFact]

"i honestly don't understand why you are bothering"
Mainly because I can't bear the thought of never seeing the names of my Grandmothers even being used again :( and I feel they are lovely names.

"I think the royal family have about a million names, don't they"
Maybe but I don't really uphold them as a good example of sense and rationality.

I've still not come to a decision really. I keep rolling the full name around in my head and I do like it. I don't really like any of the compromises though, so think it's going to have to be all or nothing. I've actually always quite liked not having a middle name but now suddenly feel like I really want their names.

[bidibidi]

You get asked for "Child's full name" on a lot of forms. I am already too lazy to include DC middle names (only one each). Yes, I think 4 is too many.

[KittyBigglesworth]

Go for it's what you want to do. The only people who will see your name in full will be strangers from organisations that need to be informed of the name change if you want to make it formal. I wouldn't worry about filling out forms as an obstacle to going through with it, as an adult, you will rarely have to every write your name in full after the initial change.

Are you going to do it by deed poll or by just informing banks, passport, DVLA, electoral roll etc? Your birth and other records (marriage, qualifications) can't be altered though, can they? So this is just for the quiet comfort/strength of knowing you have other family names? In other words, you don't want to declare the change to the public at large or use them all on a daily basis? It's nice that you are commemorating them in that way.