Changing an infant's name when she's nearly 2

If child is less than 2 years old - idk, if you do anything, definitely change it before she actually turn 2. That said, you shouldn't have need to change it if you plan to use middle - just use middle.
That said, is your child name Lucia? That name has three different pronunciations and I totally understand if you want to change that name, because everyone has very strong opinion how to pronounce Lucia - at least in English speaking world.

I’ve never really liked my name, it just doesn’t suit me. Old friends use a rather stupid family nickname which I prefer. But I always introduce myself with my given name, as that’s what it is, my name and identity. I’ve never lost any sleep over it and neither will your dd. Just correct people’s pronunciation if it will help.

Just correct the people saying her name wrong. I had to do that with one of my DC even though their name was pronounced as written. Some people just have a poor memory for names.

But no, I don’t think you should change her name now. It’s part of her and her identity. I know she’s still a child, but imagine how you’d feel if someone changed your name. Names area big part of who we are.

TBH, I think you’re making this a problem when it really isn’t. I’m sure her first name is fine. Don’t torture yourself like this.

Changing it at this age is quite frankly ridiculous

I correct people daily on my name and there's only one sodding way to say it
There's a male version, which is the one people keep calling me. I've said if it hasn't stopped happening by the time I'm 40 in 6 months then I'm changing my name by deed poll as I'm fed up

My eldest was at school with a girl who was called, Alexis, Alexandra and Lexi.. at different stages during the first year at school.

I think you could change it, especially as it's her middle name.

Don't keep calling her chubs though... she is 2...

If people are pronouncing her name incorrectly then you need to correct them . Are you using an unusual pronunciation ?

You need to correct people who mispronounce her name. That makes far more sense than changing it because people can't pronounce it. That's crazy.

If it still doesn't sit right then start using her middle name. Lots of people go by their middle name.

I completely agree with those who say you can't change a 2 year olds name. It really isn't on at this stage.

I think you need to concentrate your mind on something else and not be so fixated in this. Enjoy your daughter.
I'm sure there are loads of us who if given their time again would choose a different name. But it's done now. It needs putting into perspective as it's not a big deal, but changing it would be.

My husband was named after a family member and was called by his initials until he was two as they didn’t actually want him to be called by that name and didn’t know what else to do. After that he became known by his middle name and that’s been his name ever since. He only uses his full name for official documents etc. So change it now before she’s too much older but I think it’ll be fine. She’ll adjust quickly and won’t remember being called anything else if you change it now.

I don’t think you can change it now in all honesty. My DS is turning two next week and refers to himself by his name sometimes (xxxxx’s toy, xxxxx’s drink etc) he knows it’s his name. I think it would be very confusing and also maybe weirdly hurtful? to her to change it now. She’s developing a sense of self and her name is part of that.

I think it will be fine to start using her middle name, as long as she doesn't object.

My DM changed her own name at 2, just refused to answer to her real name and only answered to a completely different name - which is the name she still goes by now.

Of course you can switch to using her middle name, this isn’t so unusual and she certainly won’t remember. Start by dropping the (dodgy) nicknames and replace by double barrelling her first and middles names eg Amelia-Jane. A bit later you can sometimes call her Jane or Janey and I’m sure there will be no problem.
Do get it sorted out before she starts nursery though

I have had

I don't think you need to actually change her name. I would start by telling her her full name " your whole name is Alice May " or whatever then gradually swap them around she's 2, she won't be learning to write her name yet
When she starts school you can state " known as" on her entry form
I have severe PND myself and I know nothing seems right about life when you're in its clutches

My brother and dad both go by their middle names. my brother has said it's always a massive pain for letters, forms etc when he got his PhD he was Dr "first name" not the name he goes by all the time which really bothered him too .
Personally it's way to late to change her name and I also think it's not fair to call her by a different name than her official one.
Just call her by her give name, correct people if they say it wrong and accept it. You're doing her no favours by changing it or calling her a different name, it's just unnecessary confusion for her and other people for the rest of her life

I think that whatever else you decide, you need to stop calling her Chubster now, before she figures out what it means.

If it's the pronunciation that's bothering you is changing the spelling an option. If she's Esme (for example) and you prefer the pronunciation Esmay rather than Esmee.

You think that you made a mistake in choosing her name, but if it’s a normal known name it’s probably fine. What if this is the mistake that you are making now?

Could you create another less babyish nickname that you and she might be happier to carry on with as she grows? My DS nickname is just a silly mispronunciation of his name, we just changed the vowel sound e.g. calling him Grag instead of Greg. Grag isn't a name but I'm hoping he won't mind us calling him that as he grows because it's not babyish.

That might solve your day to day usage without changing her whole identity.

I think what you’re saying is fine! I know lots of people that go by their middle name. And if she isn’t ever called her first name anyway it’s not like it’s a big change for her. Try a couple of days going by her middle name and go from there.

@KinderCat thanks for clarifying, that makes sense then! All adopters I know are in the same region

I know a couple who adopted children (as opposed to babies or toddlers).
The children kept their known as name but had a new middle name.

Agree.
Three girls in my year at school went by their middle name.

Don’t change her name- it’s part of her identity. Just correct people when they mispronounce it. Your daughter is a person not just an opportunity for you to name something.

I think adopted children are adopted with their name. That might be the only thing their birth parents ever gave them, so new parents should not take their name away from them. They could add in an extra middle name if they felt it was really necessary.