how would you feel if your child didn't like your choice of name and changed it when they were older?

syllables even!

My daughter has a rather long name (5 syllabels) and so when she was born we gave her a shortened version of it which then turned into a nickname of that. She is now school age and asked only the other day to be only known by her given long name (which is beautiful and not at all odd btw) and we have all accepted that. Her shortened name i love in its own right but could never call another DD it as wouldn't be fair to DD1. Only we are allowed to call her by the shortened name and sometimes nn and i am glad as it always pops out especially when calling across the park to her etc.

Her middle name is my first name so would be a bit confusing (my middle name is the first part of her first name) anyone confused?

Lollipopshoes, in your case, I think your parents need to respect your wishes. THey took a risk making up a name, and it didn't pay off, you don't like it, and you've been consistent in your feelings since you made the decision. You have chosen one name and stuck to it for 28 years. I think it's a real lack of respect for your wishes.

An old acquaintance changed her name from Tracy to something more classic and her mother wasn't thrilled but accepted it.

If a child dislikes a name as normal and as popular as William I'd take him to see a child psychologist just to check that there was nothing serious going on.

If a child hates the name Rainbow or running-river then that kind of figures.

I would be upset that they didn´t like the name but would go with their wishes.

I suppose it would be easier if they asked to use their middle name as at least it would still be something that I had chosen iyswim.

Your partner is right about your parents imo.

Poor Rainbow-Sky.

I know a Rainbow of hippy parents. He works for a hedge fund. Drives them insane .

I have a friend (aged 42) named Rainbow-Sky by her hippy parents. she changed it to Jo...parents were fine and realised they'd actually given her a really stupid embarrassing name.

I would go with what they wanted of course. They have unusual names, I hope they'll love them, but I'll understand if not. They have more normal middle names they can switch to or indeed they can choose whatever they like. My sister changed her name by deed poll, it's not a big deal to me.

My son started using his second name at age 6 ( I think).
I felt guilty that I had saddled him with a name he hated (William) and wrote to his teacher about the change.

she was a bit resistant as her own child, in the same class, had my son's second name as his first name and 'wants to be the only one in the class.'! Well, tough.

Anyway she gave in (!) and he relabelled all his stuff, and it was fine.

I mostly remembered, family and teachers mostly remembered, and soon other children all made the change.

Now I think of him as xxxxx.
At 16 he changed by deed poll so his name would be correct on exam certificates.
I don't feel it was a big deal now. Sometimes I come across a book with William written in wobbly pencil and think 'aah, that was you.'

I'd feel a bitsad and guilty that I landed them with a name they hate - but of course I'd respect their decision.