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Baby names

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

Original poster

actually not for baby, for me, I'm changing my name, help me choose a new one pls

161 replies

ErnestTheBavarian · 30/01/2009 14:32

I've decided at the ripe old age of 30ish (ok, 38) that I'm gonna change my name.

Want something short (1 syllable, max. 2)

like Kathy but can't have that. Like Kim but dh doesn't.

Nothing beginning with A

Nothing wacky or made up, or too 'of an era' eg Tracey.

So, any ideas?

OP posts:
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TooFoggy · 02/02/2009 15:33

Susan is nice, all Susans are really nice people

Umlellala · 02/02/2009 14:28

Oh, how funny, my sisters are Jenny (Jennifer) and Laura. I am another boring classic 70s name beginning with S

FWIW I changed my surname by deed poll about 6 years ago. People think it's funny but they get used to it. And IME, after about a year you don't cringe so much at your old name anyway (so becomes easier to say I'm Jenny-used-to-be-Hilda to people who knew you before)

Do it, I have NO regrets. But do it properly - deed poll. I did online deed poll v cheap, no probs.

frazzledoldbag · 02/02/2009 14:08

Your DH will get used to it. As will everyone else. If it makes you happy then just do it. In a while nobody will think of you as anything else but Laura (or Jenny) . Or whatever you go for.

AliandHerScallywag · 02/02/2009 13:07

We are well thanks although sleep is elusive. Does Deb know you are coming back to the UK? They are planning to do the same.

I live in Surrey (Guildford) and work near Sutton.

Come and say hello on June 08 if you get a chance. It's still very chatty and I know people would love to know about the move (and the name change course)

Ignore DH too. If changing your name makes you feel happy then why not. My Auntie had braces put on her teeth when she was in her mid fifties. It made a huge difference to her self confidence after a lifetime of avoiding smiling at people. It's kind of similar I think.

melpomene · 02/02/2009 13:06

Not a stupid thing to do at all. Your name is such an important part of who you are, so it should be one you're happy with.

I changed my name by deed poll at age 18 because I didn't like my first name or feel it suited me. I kept my original name as a middle name, and added the new name onto the front.

I have never regretted changing my name. Funnily enough, when I was drawing up my shortlist to chose a name for myself my second choice of name was the feminine version of my dh's name (this was long before I met him). I'm glad I didn't chose that one.

Original poster
ErnestTheBavarian · 02/02/2009 12:54

just asked dh if he thinks Jenny or Laura and he sounded pissed off about it tbh, refused to say 1 or the other, just kept saying he thought it was weird thing to do, and why I hadn't done it years ago if I was going to , and did I expect him to call me by new name, expect his dad, my mum to Maybe it is a stupid thing to do at my age?

OP posts:
WinkyWinkola · 02/02/2009 10:15

Laura is lovely btw. Lorna is nice too.

WinkyWinkola · 02/02/2009 10:10

Not mad at all, Ernest. V. brave of you to do this and a good move if you really hate your name. Why not make yourself happier if you can.

Are there any derivatives of your current name that would do for you? (Is your name Hortense?)

I like:

Eliza
Olivia
Lucy
Rosie
Rachel
Naomi

ninedragons · 02/02/2009 10:02

I think you have it there. I know and like quite a few Jennies but you're right, it is jolly.

What about Jilly? Too hockey-sticks?

You'll be surprised how soon everyone gets used to it - I have a friend who changed her name from something Irish and unpronounceable (her English Jewish parents had a moment of mad Celtic romance when they named her). I'd say within three months everyone had almost forgotten her old name, and after a year if you'd said her former name it would have taken quite a while for the penny to drop about who you were talking about.

Original poster
ErnestTheBavarian · 02/02/2009 09:55

Hi Ali, how are you? We're finally completing the circle - back to UK - can't believe we're returning to Uk - thinking Sutton/Surrey.

Jenny or Laura. hmm. Like both.

Jenny is jollier, Laura more elegant?

OP posts:
AliandHerScallywag · 02/02/2009 09:47

Hi Ernest hope you and the DCs are well. (I'm Alipalli from June 08)

Welldone for being so brave.

Of my closest group of friends one is a Laura and one is a Jenny, so they are both great names IMO. We are all in our 30s so I wouldn't worry that Laura is not right for someone our age. My preference is for Laura. I think it is classic and elegant.

BTW can't believe you have to move again. Can I ask where to?

GossipMonger · 02/02/2009 09:38

Jenny

Original poster
ErnestTheBavarian · 02/02/2009 09:21

Def not Agnes, but hideous name.

BTW thanks for the words of encouragement - it really is that - gives me the courage to go through with it, and makes me feel less mad - dh very , but I am determined, so your encouragement is a big help, thanks.

So - Laura? Or Jenny. hmm

OP posts:
spongebrainbigpants · 02/02/2009 09:21

Ernest, hi, long time no 'see'!

No suggestions on name change (although I've always loved the name Eleanor - but not sure it's what you're looking for!), but your thread is very interesting.

Wonder whether it makes anyone think twice about the name they're about to inflict bestow on their LO!

brimfull · 02/02/2009 09:21

helga-hmmm no don't like

if it is that thne Helen would be a nice alternative

AliceTheCamelHasGotTheHump · 02/02/2009 09:19

Helga?

brimfull · 02/02/2009 09:19

agatha ?-I like that too

mooseloose · 02/02/2009 09:19

What about Lauren if you aren't sure about Laura?

GossipMonger · 02/02/2009 09:18

ggirl - a cross between Olga and Hilda - if it is the name I am thinking then I am glad it isnt my name!!

brimfull · 02/02/2009 09:17

I really really want to know your name.

If it's Agnes -I love that name!

brimfull · 02/02/2009 09:16

I would love to change my name.

Love
Claire
Sara
Laura
Susan
Rea

DunderMifflin · 02/02/2009 09:12

No new suggestions I just wanted to say good for you!

I vote for Anna - my mum's name and one of my DD's middle names. Actually her other middle name is Maud after my MIL - your name isn't Maud is it?!

AliceTheCamelHasGotTheHump · 02/02/2009 09:11

How about Susanna? Actually I'm not sure how it's usually spelled but you know what I mean.

Original poster
ErnestTheBavarian · 02/02/2009 09:07

believe me, no one thinks my name is lovely.

I have mn threads to prove it.

OP posts:
GossipMonger · 02/02/2009 09:06

How exciting!

I am Joanna and get Jo for short which I love.

I was going to suggest Maggie but I think Jen might be the way to go! It doesnt stand out too much and sounds chic! without making too much of a statement.

Obv your DH didnt mind your name when he met you.