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Baby names

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

Original poster

I want to change my baby name (6 months old)

60 replies

GG300 · 25/10/2025 02:17

I am having quite a strong baby name regret. My husband and I couldn’t agree on a name at the time so we came to a ‘middle ground’ that neither of us loved but we came to an agreement on. I used one of my first choice name as a middle name.

the first name has never quite sat perfectly with me. It’s quite uncommon and is often met by surprise/questioning as to why we have picked it.

I feel after 6 months the name should fit and it just doesn’t. Everytime I say it or hear someone say it it makes me feel almost a little uncomfortable.

I think I would like to change to her middle name but am worried about judgement. However I am more worried that I will regret this name forever

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Cerialkiller · 25/10/2025 16:20

ClareVoiance · 25/10/2025 14:58

@Cerialkiller , if the baby is up to 12 months old, you get the birth certificate changed, and it's £46 or thereabouts.

Thanks for clarifying, yes she did this.

ClareVoiance · 25/10/2025 14:58

@Cerialkiller , if the baby is up to 12 months old, you get the birth certificate changed, and it's £46 or thereabouts.

Cerialkiller · 25/10/2025 14:17

My sister changed nephews name at 4 months. I believe you can change it within the first year with no issues or need to deedpol?

I preferred his previous name but it isn't up to me and dsis felt like you, it just wasn't right.

The family was a bit bemused but at that point we had only met the baby a couple of times so it wasn't a big adjustment.

ClareVoiance · 25/10/2025 14:12

Funnily enough, I discovered many people are known by their middle names - even Boris Johnson!
Boris Johnson is Alexander/Al to his family. He used his middle name publicly to make himself stand out. Other former PMs used their first or middle names, notably Hilda Thatcher.

At 6 months, I'd officially swap the names on the BC. I'm a Nicola Clare known as Clare, and I'd much rather be Clare Nicola, to avoid the situations where people assume I'm a Nicola/Nicky. The name's OK but I don't identify as one.

@GG300 , it doesn't really matter what the family think, it's what you and the baby's father's baby, and ultimately the baby think that matters.

We have a baby in the family, and unless it grows on me, I'd be quite pleased if they changed it. Smile

Anewuser · 25/10/2025 13:04

Just use her new name. There’s no need to change it officially, as PP says you just write “known as.”

For some reason, a lot of my family are known by completely different names. Think Sally (Colleen), Joe (Brian).

As far as others are concerned, it’s no different to using a nickname. When child was born, called Helen known as Nellie.

user1492757084 · 25/10/2025 12:56

What is her name?
You have thought about it soundly, so just go ahead and change her name to her second name, as long as Dad agrees..

Terrytheweasel · 25/10/2025 06:49

GG300 · 25/10/2025 03:08

Thanks for your reply. How was this met by family and friends?

Show quote history

A couple of family members were a bit funny about it but don’t worry, they’ll adapt to the change, it took a few months to a year. Baby won’t know the difference.

Officially on their passport, doctors, school etc. they are the original name but I always write ‘known as X’ and it’s never an issue.

Funnily enough, I discovered many people are known by their middle names - even Boris Johnson! Also, a friend originally named their daughter Isis and decided to do the same.

Original poster
GG300 · 25/10/2025 03:08

Terrytheweasel · 25/10/2025 02:26

I changed my sons at around 6 months to his middle name and just switched it around. It was absolutely fine.

Thanks for your reply. How was this met by family and friends?

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Original poster
GG300 · 25/10/2025 03:07

Thanks for your reply. How was this met by family and friends?

OP posts:
Terrytheweasel · 25/10/2025 02:26

I changed my sons at around 6 months to his middle name and just switched it around. It was absolutely fine.