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Original poster

Teenager wants to change their name

242 replies

Stressedgiraffe · 26/11/2024 10:11

I don't know what to do. I've said if they still want to do it at 18 they can. My major worry is that what they want to change it to isn't a name it's a noun. I don't want to say the name but think 'table' ' truck' 'monitor'
I worry that they won't be taken seriously when they get a job/career.
They don't want it to stay as a nickname but as their proper name.
What would you do?

OP posts:
Original poster
Stressedgiraffe · 26/11/2024 10:59

It's a transport noun but not a name. It'd be easier if it was a nature one

OP posts:
Snoken · 26/11/2024 10:54

Is it a noun that other people also use as a name, like River, Ace etc or is it really as bonkers as Table? If it is a bonkers as Table then it would be a no from me. I am so thankful that my parents put a stop to a lot of the brilliant ideas I had at 16, like a tribal tattoo around my thigh.

loropianalover · 26/11/2024 10:43

I’d just say no, and not even mention ‘you can do as you please at 18’. Say no because it’s a stupid name and will embarrass them when they’re an adult. It’s fine to have a silly nickname but you need a proper name too.

Original poster
Stressedgiraffe · 26/11/2024 10:43

I'm not sure. We've used the name as a nickname for the last 3 years. They want to make it official.

OP posts:
needsomewarmsunshine · 26/11/2024 10:40

By the time they are 18 it will probably be forgotten anyway. Sounds like an attention seeking thing, look at me I'm so cool and edgy.

JustSaltPlease · 26/11/2024 10:34

is the name, brick?

WifeOfMacbeth · 26/11/2024 10:34

To use a new name documents etc, a statutory declaration is the way to go. But you have to be 18 to go down this route.

InformerYaNoSayDaddyMeSnowMeIGoBlameALickyBoom · 26/11/2024 10:30

At 16 I would just let them, its easy enough to change back again.

16 is very much the age where I give my opinion (in this case I would suggest using it as middle name) and then support them in what they want to do anyway, and help pick up the pieces afterwards.

Original poster
Stressedgiraffe · 26/11/2024 10:26

That's my worry. Weird names will look odd on a CV. Would you really interview 'table smith'?

OP posts:
walltowallkents · 26/11/2024 10:24

There’s loads of things I thought were a good idea at 16 that I thought were daft when I grew up! Maybe they’ll grow out of it! Nicknames of any kind are fine, but silly names just don’t work on CVs!

Caselgarcia · 26/11/2024 10:22

Yes, I would tell them they are free to change it at 18. And I would do absolutely nothing to facilitate it.

Original poster
Stressedgiraffe · 26/11/2024 10:18

They are 16.

OP posts:
PhoenixFireBum24 · 26/11/2024 10:17

How old are they now?
My DC are much younger, but I'd say "no" 'til 18.

Original poster
Stressedgiraffe · 26/11/2024 10:15

I'm pushing for 18. Then they can do what they like. Or perhaps chose another actual name with this as a nickname.

OP posts:
Diplo · 26/11/2024 10:14

"your name is your name, once you're 18 you can do as you please"

Rickrolypoly · 26/11/2024 10:13

I would say no.

WearyAuldWumman · 26/11/2024 10:13

Once they turn 18, it's on them.

Until then, if they want their pals to call them "Tank" or whatever, they can - but it doesn't have to be changed officially.

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