Name Change

[Keane900]

Hi all, I'm 28 and was thinking of changing my name to a name I prefer. I went by my birth name until I was in my 20s then changed to my middle name officially when I was 24. However, I don't think I'm happy going by my middle name now as everyone shortens it, and it is a name that inevitably always gets shortened. I'm a bit depressed about the whole thing for the past year and I'd like to change it to something I prefer more. I'm just hesitant to change it because I'm afraid people will think I'm weird. I also don't know if it will put off future people I meet when they learn that I changed my name at 28 as I just didn't like it. Also, I can't go back to my birth name as it is just very embarrassing. Thanks.

A name change wouldn't put me off when meeting someone new?
Your over thinking it.

If your dislike your name that much go for it!

I know someone who Changed there name in there 30s.
If your unhappy go for it. It doesn't matter what other people think. Do what makes yourself happy.
You life after all not there's.
Call yourself what you want and be happy.

I changed my name, both surname and first name. How often will future people find out? As time goes on it will be less of an issue, And if they questioned it you can just explain you didn't like it.

Thanks. I forgot to say that I'm also a male, would it make a difference or not? My sister changed her name but I don't know if it is more acceptable for women than a man to change their first name? I also live in Ireland

@Keane900

Thanks. I forgot to say that I'm also a male, would it make a difference or not? My sister changed her name but I don't know if it is more acceptable for women than a man to change their first name? I also live in Ireland

Absolutely no difference

I don't think it makes a difference. Honestly lots of male and females don't like there names, or change them for lots of reasons. If your unhappy go for it.

OP, I'm similar to you.

Changed my name and after some years, I hated it for a reason. Changed it again (swapped my names around between the former name and the changed one) and now happy with it. Really don't care what people think but the talks behind your back (if any) don't last long before everyone gets used to it and moves on.

So you went back to your original name? I'm afraid if I change it, that I would feel guilty and probably change it back too.

Also have to say I changed mine in my early 30s (middle and last name) and late 30s (first, middle and last - swapped around and a mix between the old and new).

Also, I got married and took my exh's surname in my mid 20s. So, I've changed my name three times.

Ok. Yeah, I think I should should probably think about it longer then. If I'm still thinking of doing this in a few months then I might change it.

@Keane900

So you went back to your original name? I'm afraid if I change it, that I would feel guilty and probably change it back too.

Not really. A bit complicated.

Let's say: My name was Sarah Ann Doe (Doe being exh's surname).
Changed it to Sarah Judy John.

Later, realised I love and hate Sarah. Love because my parents gave me the name for a reason. Hate because of trauma relating to exh and the name. Each time I was referred to as Sarah in a letter, email, phone conversation by strangers, I wished I hadn't kept it as my first name.

Eventually changed it to Ann (former middle name) Sarah (now middle name and won't have to hear strangers call me by it) Judy (because it's a special name from my godfather that I never went by. Also, why do I need to have a male sounding name as a surname anyway. I love Judy and not attached to John.

Now known as Ann Sarah Judy. Or mainly Ann Judy. I'm fully happy with it now.

I agree with thinking about it. It took me a couple of years of considering each time before I went through with it.

You're right though, I did end up with the old first and middle, just swapped around. But wasn't because I felt guilty and regretted changing. I'm happy I did.

Yeah, I'm currently going by my middle name the past few years as well, which is Patrick, I am happy enough with the name, but it's just the shortenings people call me of the name I don't like. I don't know if I should change it just because of that reason or not?

Yeah I understand.

It depends on if you're attached to it. You'll have to deal with people shortening it forever if you keep it so unless you don't mind correcting people each time, you could change it.

You can go back to your first name (screw the embarrassment, if you can. It will only be for a while) or use a whole new name, which won't be as embarrassing I suppose.