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Original poster

I’ve decided to change my name

43 replies

EIIa · 12/12/2021 19:51

I have a very elegant middle name and a horrible lumpen 1970s first name
I want to officially change my name
So far have started with Facebook watsapp and my LinkedIn account
Have sent off for dvla
And have found somebody to do the deed
Poll

I’m about to move to a new town and get a new job so it’s the perfect time to go for it

Would love to hear anybody’s experiences of this!

When I decided earlier today I instantly felt so much better lighter like a new start

I am 46 and know that sounds daft - would
Love to hear from anybody whose done similar

Currently nobody knows me by my first name, my new one!

OP posts:
WinterDeWinter · 12/12/2021 20:05

Well done op. Life is too short to love with anything that makes you unhappy but can be changed. Good luck ! Ps I hope it’s something fabulous but even if it’s not, woo hoo !

Original poster
EIIa · 12/12/2021 23:58

Thanks

I think it’s fab and have just changed every online account I have!

OP posts:
Luredbyapomegranate · 13/12/2021 00:00

I think that’s great! Never too late to live as you want (not that you are v old, but you know what I mean.) congratulations.

OchonAgusOchonOh · 13/12/2021 00:04

Fair play but why the deed poll? Loads of people go by their middle name. My sister has never been known by her first name, always her second.

Anordinarymum · 13/12/2021 00:26

Go for it. I changed my name after my father died and have never looked back.

Original poster
EIIa · 13/12/2021 06:11

@Anordinarymum

Go for it. I changed my name after my father died and have never looked back.
Was that your first name? Did you feel liberated?

I really hate my name and have done for years, anybody else would have used the middle name already, I just never thought about it too much.

OP posts:
Original poster
EIIa · 13/12/2021 06:12

@OchonAgusOchonOh

Fair play but why the deed poll? Loads of people go by their middle name. My sister has never been known by her first name, always her second.
Banks?

That was my main thought
Also my passport has expired so I did sable with the idea of changing to a different name on that too

OP posts:
Original poster
EIIa · 13/12/2021 06:13

@Luredbyapomegranate

I think that’s great! Never too late to live as you want (not that you are v old, but you know what I mean.) congratulations.
Thanks!
OP posts:
GoodnightGrandma · 13/12/2021 06:16

Years ago babies were very often named after a relative, but known as their middle name.

CakesOfVersailles · 13/12/2021 06:28

A family friend did this recently. Or rather, she started using the name on her birth certificate. Her father had given her a nickname when she was a toddler that she then used until her mid fifties when suddenly she said she wanted to be known by her actual name. The nickname was totally unrelated to her name, it wasn't like Liz to Elizabeth but more like from Minnie to Charlotte. Most of us didn't know her birth name!

It took a bit of getting used to and we slipped up a few times but it was absolutely fine. She didn't have to do any legal changes however, all her legal paperwork was in her formal name already (we had just never seen it!).

cantbeforeal · 13/12/2021 06:37

I've been thinking of doing this too. I just don't feel like my name anymore, I don't know why but when I hear it or have to say it now it gives me a cringe sort of feeling. I don't know how I'll ever decide on a new name though and it seems like it'll be really awkward telling people in work etc Shock

ColdShouldersWarmTummy · 13/12/2021 06:37

Good for your I OP Smile My mum dId this in he 50s after her own mum died. She seems very happy with her choice and everyone got used to it eventually, even my dad (they'd been married 30+ years).

CheddarGorgeous · 13/12/2021 06:51

I really want to know your names now!

fluffythedragonslayer · 13/12/2021 07:03

My friend did this when she went to Uni. Didn't change anything legally just her known by name changed to her middle name.

Whenever I start new jobs i decide whether to be my full name or pick a diminutive - like do I be Elizabeth or am I Liz or Lizzie here 😂

52andblue · 13/12/2021 07:21

I changed mine aged 29. (my original name reminded me of an awful childhood). Did a postgraduate, got married, had my children all with my new name (changed by deed poll). My family refused to use my 'new' name then & still do & I'm 53 now.
But its my 'new' name & I like it.
Go for it, OP!

SoupDragon · 13/12/2021 07:28

I've gone by my middle name my whole life. (With hindsight, I should have switched to my first name for similar reasons to you!)

KissedintheDark · 13/12/2021 07:39

Good for you op, I changed my name about 4 years ago too and feel
better for it.

When I did mine I phoned HMRC to register my change of name
and it was done on the phone there and then. Once they're informed
it makes everything else easier because lots of other departments go to
HMRC for confirmation of name change.

Jacaranda75 · 13/12/2021 07:41

Whenever I start new jobs i decide whether to be my full name or pick a diminutive - like do I be Elizabeth or am I Liz or Lizzie here.

@fluffythedragonslayer I love this Grin !

ShippingNews · 13/12/2021 07:44

I've cared for a lot of elderly people in my job - I'd say that about 10% of them go by another name , either their middle name or a completely different name. I think it's pretty common . Go for it !

BedSoComfyWhyLeave · 13/12/2021 07:57

Mine was changed as a child unofficially which makes all my certificates in my original name. I was actually advised by a solicitor that you can call yourself whatever you like but in reality that is bollocks because you will get people using your birth name because that is what is on your birth certificate.

Luckily for me my family, especially my parents understood why my name was changed and stood by the new name. Only one person called me by my birth name which was someone from my Mum's church who I saw maybe once a year.

Vallmo47 · 13/12/2021 09:05

I hated the ending of my name (think Belle/Bella, though that’s not my name). It took a long time to get people to adhere to change as it’s never been on any official deeds. My passport still says original ending. But I moved abroad and just made the change to the ending I preferred. I felt liberated. Do it OP! I’m so happy I did- I never think of it other than when I see my passport (which is next to never) 😂

CormoranStrike · 13/12/2021 09:08

My DS changed his in his 20s.
Maine family members still use his birth name, but all his work and friendship circle know him by the new one.

MistySkiesAfterRain · 13/12/2021 09:10

People get used to it. I went from using the full version of my name, lets say Robert (im female but just an example), to using Bobby (a quiekier version, too many Roberts) and most people barring parents got on board.

Triyo · 13/12/2021 09:11

I changed my names a couple of years ago (first and surname) it's quite easy just make sure you have a couple of copies of your deed poll for sending out to the various banks, bills etc
And have found somebody to do the deed
Poll
For free? Don't pay anyone you can get templates online.

Original poster
EIIa · 13/12/2021 10:05

Elisabeth is my new name
(German parents so S not Z)

@fluffythedragonslayer - are you psychic 👏

@CormoranStrike - were your feelings hurt? I haven’t said anything to mine at all but I figured - they chose my (former) middle name so have one approved it in a sense

@Triyo my best friend is a lawyer so the deed poll - easy

@KissedintheDark
Did you have to provide proof?
Do you feel like a new person?
After a truly crappy year (like most people have had ) it’s been a positive move

OP posts:
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