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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

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

109 replies

Backtothe90splease · 04/07/2023 07:30

When DD was born we couldn't decide on her name for weeks. We narrowed it down to two and went back and forth and eventually gave her one of the names with the other as a middle name. They quite similar, and start with the same letter.

I've had momentary wobbles since but always stuck with the choice. Last night I woke up in the night and just had a dawning realisation that I preferred the other name and I'd never have a chance to name a child again and I'd fucked it up.

She's 2 in September. Is it too late? I haven't broached it with DH or anyone else but can imagine the people who bought us lovely personalised gifts won't be too happy...

It doesn't help that people don't pronounce the name we chose as we'd expected. That's probably the case for a lot of names to be honest, people get my wrong all the time.

Gah. Is this a blip? Anyone changed a name this late?

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SoupDragon · 04/07/2023 07:41

I use my middle name. The only time it's ever a problem is if someone else is booking plane tickets, which is rare!

it is quite late to be changing it though. Not necessarily too late - it's probably your last chance until you have to leave it up to her to choose which she prefers.

Whinge · 04/07/2023 07:39

In my opinion it's too late. She's almost 2, she will recognise her name and may not feel the same about it as you do, if she decides she wants to change it then it should be her decision to make in the future. Also because of how long has passed it will always need to be declared on future forms, so changing it won't erase the fact she was called that name.

Littlegoth · 04/07/2023 07:39

@Mercymymercyme adoptive parents are allowed to give their children new names. Everyone I know who has adopted kids 3 and under has done so. The one who adopted a 7 year old gave the kid the option and she picked her own new name.

outside of this though no I wouldn’t.

toomuchlaundry · 04/07/2023 07:39

It’s her name now. Maybe when she is older she might change it, but not for you to decide

LadyBird1973 · 04/07/2023 07:39

If people are pronouncing her name incorrectly you could address that and it might help you feel better about it.

romdowa · 04/07/2023 07:36

Not really an infant at 2 to be fair and no it's too late now to change the name.

fortheloveofflowers · 04/07/2023 07:36

Loads of people go by their middle name, just use that.

Mercymymercyme · 04/07/2023 07:35

I changed my son’s name at 4 months but I wouldn’t at two, no. They know it is their name then. Just like adoptive parents are not allowed to give their adopted child a new name.

I have never really liked my second child’s name. It’s never seemed to fit ( his dad chose it). I just accept it. It’s not that big a deal.

SoSoSoSo · 04/07/2023 07:32

It's too late. It's her property now. Not yours imo.