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Original poster

To want to change my first name

52 replies

Winecurestiredness · 10/09/2021 20:21

Is it offensive to my parents?? They named me Jennifer. It really doesn't suit me. I don't suit Jenny, or Jen really but I've become known as Jen. I honestly wish they named me something more feminine as that's more what I'm like. I get name envy sometimes, not even at particularly extravagant names, but names like Laura or Samantha for example.. sound so much more feminine. As a student I named myself "Jenna" but my parents didn't like it and kept correcting my friends that I'm actually called Jennifer..is it unreasonable to want a nicer name?

OP posts:
gabsdot45 · 10/09/2021 20:25

Well, your parents picked that name for you so they must like it. However it's your name so ultimately it's your decision. Be prepared for your parents to be upset though.

spartanthehorse · 10/09/2021 20:26

I love Jennifer and Jen (not Jenny)

CloseYourEyesAndSee · 10/09/2021 20:28

It's a bit weird to change your first name tbh
Jenny is very feminine. You can definitely use Jenna if you prefer it.

Pemba · 10/09/2021 20:28

I don't see the problem with Jennifer really, it's a lovely name. Jenny is a nice nickname too . Not popular for babies right now, but that doesn't matter. It's very feminine I would say. Still if you don't like it, you don't like it.

2lsinllama · 10/09/2021 20:28

Do you have a Middle name that you like more? I know several people who are known by theirs, for a variety of reasons

WeAreTheHeroes · 10/09/2021 20:29

If you're in the UK you can call yourself whatever name you like without legally changing your name. What not start there and tell friends and colleagues you want to be known as NiceName Winecures? Sounds as though your parents won't like it/call you by your chosen name, but that's only two people.

RandomMess · 10/09/2021 20:30

My eldest completely changed her names and it hurt! However her choice.

I don't think Sam for Samantha sounds particularly feminine btw!

turnthebiglightoff · 10/09/2021 20:32

Just be Jenna? There's nothing saying it can't be short for Jennifer, it's the beginning and ending of the name!

Disfordarkchocolate · 10/09/2021 20:34

I think they will be upset but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it.

I think Jennifer is a very pretty and feminine name; much more than Samantha.

YourBonesAreWet · 10/09/2021 20:38

YANBU. I changed my names about ten years ago. It made me really happy and I haven’t regretted it.

My mum wasn’t thrilled about it but she said she understands and accepts it now. We agreed that she would still call me by my original name and it has worked for us.

I love the name Jennifer but I understand not liking your name.

Stevearnottsbeard · 10/09/2021 20:39

I love jenny, I think it's really pretty 💞however it's your choice

Bouledeneige · 10/09/2021 20:46

Change it. I don't like Jennifer - it's very old fashioned. And ultimately it's your name so why not choose it? I have tried friends who changed their names.

Lightningrain · 10/09/2021 20:47

Jennifer sounds very feminine to my ears and I like Jen.

If it would make you happy by all means change it. Just bear in mind that some family/friends might find it difficult/impossible to call you something different. My DH’s aunt changed her name when she started work in her late teens but her family carried on calling her the original name. It always seems a bit awkward at family gatherings when her DH is calling her a different name to her parents and siblings.

Kakser · 10/09/2021 20:52

Jennifer is much nicer than Samantha and very much on a par with Laura. It's a very inoffensive name. Jenna is nice though, I'd just go by that if you like it.

OnTheBenchOfDoom · 10/09/2021 20:53

Your choice of what you wish to be called however your parents don't sound supportive so they will probably call you by your birth name.

Considering how many opinions there are on baby name threads show that just because someone else likes a name doesn't mean you have to like it, especially if it has been bestowed upon you.

I am not called by my birth name or anything like it, however, my parents also rarely used it either. I had an issue with it from when I was very young. It is a long & very private story and not one I will share on here but my name was legally changed and everyone, siblings and parents included call me by my chosen name.

If you dislike your name that much, change it.

SavoyCabbage · 10/09/2021 20:54

It sounds like you have been unhappy with your name for a long time. It's not just a passing phase.

My dh changed his name as an adult as his name was ridiculous and he felt like it was holding him back in his career. His mother wasn't very happy about it but he was in his late twenties at the time and he was very sure he wanted to do it. She just calls him by his old name and everyone else calls him his new name. It's been surprisingly easy.

Bontanics · 10/09/2021 20:55

Do you have a middle name?

LolaRoses · 10/09/2021 20:56

I love the name Jennifer and always wanted to be called it when I was a child. However there is nothing wrong with changing your name if you'd prefer to be known as something else. Jenna is lovely, too!

Jasmine11 · 10/09/2021 20:57

Jenna is a fine shortening of Jennifer. Your parents were being controlling and mean to correct people once you'd told them your name preference.I would change it now just to spite them 😂

FlatteredFool · 10/09/2021 20:59

How old are you OP? It took me until I was about 30 to accept and like my name.

DrinkFeckArseBrick · 10/09/2021 21:00

Of course you can change your name. However I also agree that Jennifer is much more feminine than the other names you mentioned. It's in my opinion not a neutral or masculine name at all, I picture a lady in a hippy flowery dress with a fringe when I hear Jennifer!

IsDaveThere · 10/09/2021 21:27

My name is Samantha and nobody calls me that, unless its my mum when I'm in trouble Grin

StoneofDestiny · 10/09/2021 21:29

Jennifer is a feminine name. Samantha is commonly shortened to Sam (some would say a male name).
But your name - call yourself what you want.

PaolaDiLorenzo · 10/09/2021 21:41

I wish I had changed my name when I was younger. My DM gave me a name of her generation and I hate it. My middle name is equally hideous.
I think I'm too old now and probably nobody would remember to call by my new name.
It is your name, so if you don't like it you should definitely change it .

FindingMeno · 10/09/2021 21:46

I've always wanted to do this, but trying to establish it seems like a pita.