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Baby names

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

Change name spelling at 4?

30 replies

Thinkingonmyfeet · 07/04/2024 21:41

We used an accepted but more unusual spelling of a traditional name for our daughter which has links to our culture, but is not the most widely used spelling in any culture. After a few comments, I worry that the spelling looks made up, that she’ll always have to correct/ explain to people etc.

Before starting school should we change it to the traditional spelling? The traditional spelling is fine, I just preferred the variant, felt more special, but not special enough to give her aggro throughout her life. She can’t spell it yet either.

Does anyone know anything about changing spellings at this age? Obviously it’s via deedpoll now. Will she always have to declare she was known by a different name? Does this question even come up much?

any advice would be great, thanks.

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DistinguishedSocialCommentator · 07/04/2024 21:49

I have a name that most people mis-spell and have done since my school days.
They even managed to cofuse my middle name with my surname

IMO, it is important that when chosing a babies name, it is easy to say and spell, IMO otherwise along the raod come to signing stuff, opening acounts, work etc, things can get slightly mixed up

FYI, my name is not English but it is not hard to spell

mnahmnah · 07/04/2024 21:44

Honestly, i don’t think it matters how you spell it as people often come up with their own variants anyway. My youngest’s name is spelt the traditional and widely used way. But people often spell it in a way that I have never met one!

Ellysa · 07/04/2024 21:42

At age 4 I’d actually let her choose.

usernother · 07/04/2024 21:42

I don't know the answer to your questions but well done for thinking of the difficulties and irritation your daughter going through life always having to spell out her name for people.

SkaneTos · 07/04/2024 21:42

Do not change the spelling. Use the spelling that you prefer.

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