Name changes

And also I think it’s normal to not always feel 100% about any decision including children’s names! If you second guess or worry about many decisions then maybe just let it go as good practice.

Can you just introduce the flower names as a fun family nickname/theme, assuming the girls like them - they could even choose them themselves, and you could use them to code belongings or something with little stamps or stickers, then they’re sort of embedded in family life and available as nicknames later but without the paper work. Posh people often have nicknames that are nothing to do with birth certificates.

What @Talipesmum said.

I don't really like my name, but my first name is what I'm known as. I dislike the middle name, but it's hardly ever used anyway.

Given that my parents already gave me two names I don't particularly liked, I doubt I'd have liked the third one.

Their names are what they know now, they are already their identity and not a gift that you’ve bestowed on them. They own the names now. If they want to add something else or be known by something else when they’re older, they’ll say. And can get things adjusted by deed poll then. If you’re having name regret, and introduce extra middle names, are you going to start referring to them by those names? Adding names this late on might make them feel later on that you don’t like their names, which wouldn’t be great for them.

@Weaselfoxandbadger , but they are their names.
Let them choose a new name when they are older.

I know an adult who goes by an ordinary first name e.g. Tracy, but her official name is something else e.g. Barbara Maureen. It's not a problem.
My great aunt was Daisy but her real name was Margaret Mary.
Both of them had been called the informal name all their lives.

@Weaselfoxandbadger yes! I say go for it!

@Weaselfoxandbadger i’m no expert but I seem to think many agencies are far less bothered by middle names. I can see why you’re giving it some thought though.

I would do what makes you all happy as a family. I have changed my surname and the form filling doesn’t bother me as I’d rather the amendment than the previous name so it’s fine by me. I appreciate some people have found it difficult with certain applications but honestly, I’ve had job applications more difficult than the ID/DBS checks and form filling. There will be much more complex things to do in life than the extra bit of admin. I’m sure it’ll be fine and once the names are changed and you have ID with those names on, the BC and deed poll will be rarely needed. Naming a human is a big responsibility, if you feel you want to change it to give them options, go for it. It’s completely your choice and decision and I’m sure they’d never wish you didn’t do it. They’re young enough to never really remember not having those middle names so that’s another plus x

@Weaselfoxandbadger , Pain In The Arse.

@Bridgetjonesheart , The change will be a PITA, and in this case it seems sexist. If OP had a DS, would she be adding a flower name as a middle name?

Add them! People are so rigid about name changes (people are shocked and Surprised) and I have no idea why. You’re their parent, do what you like!

Completely agree with this. I have two middle names and had a change to my first name and my second middle name as a child.

Going through security screening and DBS checks for a Civil Service job was a total nightmare, the NHS had my name written down wrong and so my Covid pass thing never worked when that was (briefly) a thing, my former name on my marriage certificate is wrong because I didn't even know about the second middle name change when I went to the registry office, and when I got a passport from another country it literally took more than five years and lots of time and money to get my changed name onto this new country's records properly and get a valid passport in it.

OP, your children might not thank you for this. Can you just start calling them the flower nicknames? They can change their names formally as adults if they want to, but this honestly might be more hassle than it's worth.

I don't think it's a reasonable thing to do. They'd have to add it onto forms as a name change, and I just think it looks a little silly for no reason.

This. If it was a family name (e.g. adding the mother's maiden name, or because the full name was duplicated at school) it might be justifiable, but adding a flower name for the sake of it seems pointless.

Absurd is too strong of a word, but I don't think it's a reasonable thing to do. They'd have to add it onto forms as a name change, and I just think it looks a little silly for no reason.

How do you do it unofficially though? Just tell them they have a new name but they don't really?
I don't think I would but I can think of people who use a middle name that's not on their birth certificate.

Ok so they need to supply deed poll with birth certificate. That is a bit annoying. At the same time, I, as an adult don't know where my birth certificate is and can't remember when I needed it last? I obviously can't remember what forms the name change thing need to be mentioned as it's never applied to me before. Do you know which type of forms and how often they crop up?
Job applications for any regulated organisations e.g. civil service, military, financial institutions
Security Clearance
DBS clearance

OP, I had a name change as a child and I find it a pain in terms of paperwork.
I have to declare it so often for forms, DBS checks, job applications/screening. If your DC go into a career where screening/DBS checks etc are required, they will not enjoy the extra admin it involves.

@Moreteaandchocolate , They come up fairly regularly if you need DBS clearance.

Your DC (presumably DD) already have a middle name, so could always use that if they don't like their first name. If they don't, they might want to choose their own name.

You would be doing it for you, not them.

Can you call them an unofficial flower nick name attached to their first name?

Your children might prefer to choose their own offical name and whether the extra hassle of extra forms is actually worth it when they are adults.
Do you like reading Cicely Mary Barkers' Flower Fairies series of books?

Let them do it themselves if they are unhappy later in life.

You can’t add middle names onto their birth certificates now, they are too old. The only thing you can do is add them via deed poll. The previous poster was correct though, they will always have to show both forms when confirming their ID.
Personally I wouldn’t bother.
If they dislike their names that much, they can change them by deedpoll themselves once they are adults.
I don’t think it’s fair for parents to do this to their children, it’s the children who have to mess about explaining why their names are different to all officials.

I’m not sure whether things like passports, driving licences, mortgage applications, claiming benefits etc… would need that information? Sorry I’m not more help!