Teenager wants to change their name

[Stressedgiraffe]

I don't know what to do. I've said if they still want to do it at 18 they can. My major worry is that what they want to change it to isn't a name it's a noun. I don't want to say the name but think 'table' ' truck' 'monitor'
I worry that they won't be taken seriously when they get a job/career.
They don't want it to stay as a nickname but as their proper name.
What would you do?

Once they turn 18, it's on them.

Until then, if they want their pals to call them "Tank" or whatever, they can - but it doesn't have to be changed officially.

I would say no.

"your name is your name, once you're 18 you can do as you please"

I'm pushing for 18. Then they can do what they like. Or perhaps chose another actual name with this as a nickname.

How old are they now?
My DC are much younger, but I'd say "no" 'til 18.

They are 16.

Yes, I would tell them they are free to change it at 18. And I would do absolutely nothing to facilitate it.

There’s loads of things I thought were a good idea at 16 that I thought were daft when I grew up! Maybe they’ll grow out of it! Nicknames of any kind are fine, but silly names just don’t work on CVs!

That's my worry. Weird names will look odd on a CV. Would you really interview 'table smith'?

At 16 I would just let them, its easy enough to change back again.

16 is very much the age where I give my opinion (in this case I would suggest using it as middle name) and then support them in what they want to do anyway, and help pick up the pieces afterwards.

To use a new name documents etc, a statutory declaration is the way to go. But you have to be 18 to go down this route.

is the name, brick?

By the time they are 18 it will probably be forgotten anyway. Sounds like an attention seeking thing, look at me I'm so cool and edgy.

I'm not sure. We've used the name as a nickname for the last 3 years. They want to make it official.

I’d just say no, and not even mention ‘you can do as you please at 18’. Say no because it’s a stupid name and will embarrass them when they’re an adult. It’s fine to have a silly nickname but you need a proper name too.

Is it a noun that other people also use as a name, like River, Ace etc or is it really as bonkers as Table? If it is a bonkers as Table then it would be a no from me. I am so thankful that my parents put a stop to a lot of the brilliant ideas I had at 16, like a tribal tattoo around my thigh.

It's a transport noun but not a name. It'd be easier if it was a nature one

Is it Digger?

Tram?

Unicycle?

They can do it when they're 18 - all by themselves, all the organisation, pay for it etc. I doubt they will bother......

That is what happens with using stupid nicknames as opposed to the real name.
Why on earth you would call your child something like "monitor" or "truck" ?
I would not be surprised if he or she has been resenting you for this and wants to punish you for this.

They are the ones insisting on the name. I try hard to call them it but sometimes forget and call them their real name.

Address them in their preferred way, ask the school/doctors anywhere official to use it now.
Dont make a fuss, just no legal change until they are old enough to sort it themselves.

This is why we don’t let them get tattoos. Silly choices. They can do what they want at 18 so just hope they grow out of it before you have to call them Tank or Mower. Maybe a friend will take the piss out of the name and break the spell. Will keep my fingers crossed for you.

That's what we're doing at the moment. Doctors and school are supporting.
They just want their gcses in that name. And to use that name for college.
I just wish they'd use an actual name

I once worked with a guy called Chisel, original name Mark or David (can't remember but it was a very very normal name). He renamed himself Chisel (as in the tool), earned lots of money in tech. The name didn't seem to hold him back 😅