Changing my first name aged 46?

[Blink282]

I’ve never liked my first name- it is usually the name of women about 20 years older than me, (and not in a cool vintagey way 😂)

I am seriously considering changing it. On the one hand, I could have another lifetime again with a name I actually like- on the other hand… am I too old?! Will people think i’m mad or just not adhere to it?

Anyone got any experience of changing their first name in the middle of life?!

Christ no. I wouldn't.

I bloody would. You could live another 50 years, being called a name you don’t like.
just do it.

I shortened it then lengthened it again. That's about as far as I've gone. I know some people might use their middle name.

Actually changing it, sounds like a lot of admin 😂

I changed my name in my 30s, admin aspect was fine and it was such a relief to ditch the one I hated.

If you have never liked it then yes I would, go for it!! Are your parents around? Have you ever discussed it with them?

I have a very unusual first name, people struggle to say it and often people ask me where it's from although not so much since I have changed job, old job I met new people everyday so I was literally on repeat.

Do it. I've changed my surname to one I've chosen for myself and I love. No more admin to changing your first name.

I kind of changed mine a bit as I hated it when I was growing up. For example, my name was Geraldine - and I've told everybody in the new village that I moved to a few years ago that my name is 'Reena.' Nobody in the village knows. my name's actually Geraldine. I'm just 'Reena Harris.' (That's just an example. That's obviously not my name.) But yeah, enough about me. If you want to change your name at 46 go for it. (Dying to know what it is!)

You could. I know people who've changed their names at all sorts of ages, from their 20s up to their 60s.

Just remember that people who've known you a long time will struggle. A name isn't just a label, it's part of who you are to them.

My Dad isn’t with us anymore but my Mum is, and tbh the fear of hurting her feelings is what’s stopped me over the years. It may yet stop me but increasingly i feel like with hopefully the best part of half my life ahead, that’s a lot of years to keep a name I don’t like! Maybe I should say to her she can keep calling me by my original name if she wants to.

I am possibly approaching a good time of life to do it- divorced fairly recently and considering both a job and house move. Would be nice to be Tallulah and not Marjorie for a new chapter!

(Neither of these are the names 😁)

I changed mine aged 32 after a lifetime hating my ugly first name. No regrets.

Could you invent a nickname for yourself that you like and use that on a day to day basis? It won't be on bank cards or whatever but who reads those.

Just tell your mum yeah I introduce myself as Cat because all the girls in work call me that as I like cats and it's just stuck! Or whatever. So no offence caused.

Or is that not permanent enough.

Do it! The mere fact you are asking shows that's what you'd like to do. Sure, it'll take people a while to adapt, and I think you should probably give your mum the option of using the name she gave you, but what an exciting thing to do.

It will be fascinating to see how much (if at all) you change as a person with your new, glamorous name.

I changed my name by deed poll 40 years ago, and my mother still calls me by my original name. Therefore, her sisters and their families call me by that name. You will never escape your original name, just lessen its use

I’d love to change my name. I would do it but I think my husband would think I’d lost the plot.

My dh changed his name hen he was thirty. It was actually pretty easy admin wise. Everyone switched over pretty easily and his parents still call him by his original name. His old name was ridiculous to be honest and he felt like a twat every time he used it. I don't think people thought he was mad for doing it.

Nobody tells women not to change their surname because of admin.