changing DS name

[Currywurstmitpommes]

DS is 2 and I really want to change his middle name. I have always liked a particular name (its a common name in my heritage but its not too unusual - its shared by a popular hollywood actor...) but DH didn’t want to use it - I think he thought I wanted it because of my crush on said hollywood actor. I would have used it as a first name but DH wouldn’t even have it for a second. Instead we went for a compromise of a ‘boring’ English name - think William.

I’ve never liked DS’s second name and dont’t feel any connection to it. Now I’ve been told, by a relative who has researched our family that ‘my’ name was shared by many of the family, including some well known and colourful characters. Also that it was the family tradition to pass on this name.

DS has no idea he even has a middle name yet so WIBU to ask DH again if we can change his name?

Very happy with DS’s first name by the way...

I would ask your DH again - where’s the harm in it? Explain that the name has familial significance and you’d love for your DS to keep it going. Could DS possibly have two middle names if your DH really loves the one he has at the moment?

If you change it officially i think you might need to jump through some hoops as in the UK you can easily do it up to 12 months. Billie Piper was originally called Leanne - it doesn't have quite the same ring to it!

thanks - Arnold, do you know if it has to be done by deed poll? Or is there another system for children?

Why don't you just save it for the next ds!?
It's not as though second names are well used or known anyway.
And there's nothing wrong with William. If it's good enough for our next King...

Don't do that to your child without a better reason or his consent. Every time he needs to prove his identity with his birth certificate he'll have to explain why it's different and provide the change of name documentation too. Choose some other way to honour your family history.

Boom- thank you. I didn’t realise that its an additional thing? If you can’t get a new birth certificate in the new name than I won’t do it.

Single - no more DCs on the cards. DS is the last baby in the family of this generation, but maybe if more is known about it the next lot might use it?

You'd need to do it by deed poll at his age and it would cause hassle later in life, in terms of ID any applications, DBS/vetting checks etc friending on which career path he takes , can you use it as a nickname?

Get a dog/cat/fish.

You child has an identity. They are an actual real person. You don't just change their name because you feel like it.

I changed my son's middle name and don't regret it. I was lucky that I did it early enough to get a new birth certificate. I think it was just after his first birthday I changed his name.

Curry, unfortunately, it has to be done by 1 year old to get the change on the birth certificate.