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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think that a name change could change my life?

100 replies

floraeasy · 03/04/2017 14:01

I've been thinking about this - on and off - for a few years now.

My DH thinks it's daft, but would support me. I'm into some woo stuff, so should confess that first up.

I've been reading the Kabalarian Philosophy site and I am very tempted.

My first name has always bothered me. Much less so now than when I was a child, but part of me doesn't see why I should just accept it either.

I ran my first name through their free assessment page and it is not considered auspicious, whereas my husband's is. The stuff they say about what my name means for my life rings true as that has been my experience.

For a fee they will give me 30 to 50 name suggestions. I hope I like one of them though! It wouldn't be like just choosing any old name I like.

Has anyone changed their name and felt happier and more successful as a result? What problems if any did you encounter?

Thanks all!

OP posts:
CharliesSister · 04/04/2017 12:29

This is self-fullfilling prophecy surely? If you believe strongly that a certain name will make you happier, it will - simply because you believe it.
These people are charging a fortune for placebo names.

OP, by all means change your name but choose something special to you (like Rachel, your sisters middle name as you mentioned).
And for Gods sake pick something easy to spell, I changed my surname to my Mothers maiden name five years ago and I spend half my time spelling it out these days

RufusTheRenegadeReindeer · 04/04/2017 12:31

You dont like Jess?

Sounds a bit more down to earth

Rachel is nice

Rebecca? Then you could have Bex

floraeasy · 04/04/2017 12:31

I agree CharliesSister

I would definitely get an easy-to-spell name. That's half the problem I have with my current one! Get sick of it sometimes.

I think it would help me make a break with my past, psychologically. Nothing can be scientifically proven, of course, but that may be the case.

I have another angle on the name issue, but I think that may be for another thread.

OP posts:
floraeasy · 04/04/2017 12:32

I like Jess and Rebecca.

Apparently, I was nearly named Lauren which is much better than what I ended up with. I don't see that it would go with my married surname though.

OP posts:
Gallavich · 04/04/2017 12:33

Wow. A fool and her money are soon parted.
Change your name by all means but don't pay someone to pick one for you and don't assume it will make any material difference to your success or luck in life.

LadyPW · 04/04/2017 12:49

Load of utter ***cks! Apparently I have a "desire for sociability" - well that's crap in the first line. Yes I'm too generous, idealistic & avoid causing friction, but I don't have the drive to achieve my goals (crap), and my name doesn't allow me system & order - I'm autistic & my life runs on system & order!!!!! And I have kidney issues & varicose veins. Not.
Thank god my parents didn't name me Tallulah! But I do fit well with Fanny Grin It's obviously the lesbian in me!

LadyPW · 04/04/2017 12:51

It's fairly accurate for my dog if that helps.... And my cats. Maybe the OP should stick with it for pets' names & not human ones.

floraeasy · 04/04/2017 12:59

Reading for my current first name. Not taking into account DOB or anything at the moment:-

The first name of XXXXXX leads you to assume considerable responsibility and to prefer to work independently, without direction or interference from others because you have very definite ideas of your own.

Your mind is quick to comprehend and you can be depended upon to do any job well.

Because you tend to be somewhat of a perfectionist, you might insist on doing too many things yourself instead of delegating jobs to others who might do less satisfactory work.

This name does make you quite direct and straight-to-the-point.

Your verbal expression does not reflect your inner thoughts and feelings, and you often wonder why people react to what you say.

The influence of this name does not promote the friendship that you desire or the relaxation and naturalness you should enjoy with people.

It is a name that makes you far too practical and serious-minded, and makes it difficult for you to act with spontaneity.

Health Analysis

You could suffer physically through head tension, with eye, teeth, or sinus problems, headaches, or mentally through worry.

OP posts:
floraeasy · 04/04/2017 13:00

Maybe the OP should stick with it for pets' names & not human ones

I fear I would like something cutie-pie but be more suited to "Grumpy Cat" Grin

OP posts:
ExplodedCloud · 04/04/2017 13:07

What does it say if you put Madonna and her birth date in?

MrsExpo · 04/04/2017 13:19

Never heard of this before, so I had a go, out of interest. My given name is one which has a common diminutive, by which i'm usually know ... sort of like Elizabeth and Beth (but not that, of course) so I ran both and got very different answers. Strangely, the one nearest the "real" me was the diminutive, not the full name, so I guess I've been right to use it for pretty much my entire life.

I certainly would not be paying anyone to suggest alternatives to my name OP. Just choose one you feel comfortable with (and with the Kabalarians think is auspicious!!) and go with it.

PoorYorick · 04/04/2017 13:26

For a fee they will give me 30 to 50 name suggestions.

For a penny less I will go round to their houses and punch them out for exploiting people's insecurities and credulousness in this shameless and mercenary fashion. If you want to change your name for your own reasons do it but for Christ's sake keep your money to yourself and don't encourage these charlatans. They're into kabbalah, you say? Are they endorsed by the Chief Rabbi of Israel?

ILostItInTheEarlyNineties · 04/04/2017 13:33

The process of changing your first name would be such a headache.Shock

Family, friends, work colleagues, neighbours would all have to adjust to using your new name.

Imagine how many times you would have to correct people and explain why you're suddenly called Mary or whatever.

All your official documents would have to be changed, bank accounts, driving licence, passport..medical records...

Imagine how many Christmas cards you'd get with your old name on!
Or you'd have some people looking at their card saying "Eh? Has Dave remarried? I thought he was with Susan. Confused

BagittoGo · 04/04/2017 13:35

Yes change your name. Actors do it all the time just pick something you like.

WinterHoliday · 04/04/2017 14:02

I know of a man who changed his first name and surname (he had popular first name and surname and changed to equally popular ones so no issue with spelling or pronunciation). I think he thought it would mean a new start and a break from his past but unfortunately, that wasn't the case and problems from his past have resurfaced so I'm not sure he feels happier and more successful.

I think it would be tempting to see a name change as a quick fix for other issues, but it depends on what problems your current name causes. You could go through a lot of hassle changing it and you will still be the same person underneath.

Platimum · 04/04/2017 14:05

I wouldn't trust somebody else to choose the name and assign it to me! But I have briefly toyed with the idea of giving myself a younger version of my own name so that I seem younger on a cv.
If you get two CVs, one from Margaret and one from say Megan, who do you think you'll bring in for interview?

I did consider this. But obviously I was going to be the one to do the choosing myself!

LadyPW · 04/04/2017 14:09

I'd bring in Megan because I like the name. I'm not smitten by Margaret (it does sound older) but I'd interview a Maggie if that helps...

floraeasy · 04/04/2017 14:10

If you get two CVs, one from Margaret and one from say Megan, who do you think you'll bring in for interview?

All other aspects being equal?

I am really not sure. I would expect Margaret would be the elder of the two, though.

OP posts:
EatsShitAndLeaves · 04/04/2017 14:14

Change your name if you like but I think this whole Kabalarian Philosophy thing is just utter crap.

The descriptions you gave could apply to millions of people - it's you looking to interpret those statements into your own life to validate them, not that they are in any way special or specific to you at all.

Try enough combinations of names/birthdates etc and you'll see the same individual Hmm^^ "stock" answers come up time and again.

A name change might be the catalyst to change your life as the sign of a fresh start, but the name you pick assuming it's not something stupid and your current name is not that odd either is not in itself going to invest you with any new attributes, opportunities or abilities.

DingDongtheWitchIsDangDiddlyDe · 04/04/2017 14:38

If you get two CVs, one from Margaret and one from say Megan, who do you think you'll bring in for interview?

Whichever one was most qualified. Or interesting sounding, if evenly qualified. Or more likely, I'd interview both.
I sure as shit wouldn't choose based only on their name, and would have a very dim view of anyone who would.

elQuintoConyo · 04/04/2017 14:42

Princess Consuela Banana-Hammock has a nice ring to it.

Or Anastasia von Beaverhausen.

Or Pussy Galore.

Or Alotta Fagina.

That'll be £7.50 please.

ComradeHelveticaBlack · 04/04/2017 14:47

I've just been on their website and filled in my real name and the description was rubbish but then put in my part of my MN name and the description was spot on GrinGrinGrin

floraeasy · 04/04/2017 14:49

I hope the good part is Helvetica - what a great name that would be!? You could get christened with your new name at a font.....

....I'll get my coat.... Blush

OP posts:
babysample · 04/04/2017 14:58

I just wanted to say I did the name analysis and its was spot on, spooky!

KanyeWesticle · 04/04/2017 14:59

Ooh, both Rachel and Jessica are nice.
Are they auspicious to the Kabbalarians then?

What's your own middle name?

Other "ordinary names" then, my schoolmates from the same "era" - Emma, Laura, Lisa, Sarah, Rosie, Lucy, Anna... my own name isn't popular, or auspicious!