To dislike my name

[whyidontlikemyname]

My name has three syllables and honestly decades on I STILL hear my mothers voice screeching it with the emphasis on the second syllable and I really dislike my own name!

Wondering if anyone else hates their name?

I don’t like my first name, my middle name is possibly the dullest name ever (I’m convinced it was given to 99% of girls in the 70s)
However, I hate my surname and absolutely detest the combination of first and surname. Hearing my first name and surname together almost makes me shudder with revulsion.

I didn't like it when I was young. I did a trial period of using my much nicer middle name for a bit after a year of having two names being used i decided i actually quite like my name. My Maiden surname i always hated and still do, was glad to change it when I married.

Not keen on my name. Short and functional. My parents didnt like "fancy names"
If I could have chosen my own name it would be Cleopatra 😆

I’m a Victoria and I hate it! So it’s nice to hear people do like it!
I mean, there’s nothing really wrong with it, but it’s so fussy and formal. I don’t like Vicky so everyone calls me my full name, but it feels so frilly and cold at the same time somehow. Four syllables!
I’d love a simpler, elegant name like Sophie, Anna or Zoe.
i did try changing it in one workplace in my early 20s but it just felt really pretentious so I never did it again.

Julie is a beautiful name. I am in my 60s and we had a few Julie's in school but none born in the past 30 years so it is really unusual now..gorgeous name

Empathy @eggandonion I was also named after a 1920s Aunt - but my name never even makes it to the classic revival lists. It is only my middle name. It was an issue because I was shy and teased about it in school. I won’t completely out myself but I shared my name with an old curler-wearing character from Coronation Street. My parents didn’t know because they were too posh to watch ITV in those days.

I now live abroad - I use my middle name in ID etc. No one bats an eyelid and often even with only 3 letters it is mispronounced. I do love my first name though. It is still in use - goes through waves so must be nice.

To the people complaining that their name is misspelled - that is so common - even the most ‘normal’ names - Jayne/Jane, Sara/Sarah, Ann/Anne I could go on. Ok the poster who referred to Christmas cards was unlucky, but mostly you are not so unusual.

I changed both my first and surname (oh, and my middle name actually, so that’s three!) in my forties. It’s true that I spent a lot of time correcting people (“No, it’s not Shirley, it’s ….”) but they soon got used to it.

Apologies to any Shirleys, but I hated it.

yeah, I changed mine from one of those. My family and old friends call me my given name, and for the last 20 years everyone else knows me by another

My mum was asked after I was born if she had a name for me "Julie" was her answer. The nurse apparently screwed her face up so I wasn't called Julie.
I'm also now in my 60s and hate my name I was given. Mostly due to political events in this country recently.
Also I was at school with 2 Julies that were lovely and they still keep in touch 😊

I don’t like mine . Objectively it’s OK, but it’s very 80s. At one point there were 4 of us in a class. And even now, in a room of 40ish women there are always a lot of us.

I wish it could be shortened at least, so that I had some personalisation.

I can’t imagine why my parents were so boring (I’d like to be Starlight!).

I love Mhairi. I was always jealous of the kids with Scottish names at school.(I also liked Mairi, Eilidh, Catriona, Morven - and loved Isla which was rare in the 80s).

@KingofQueens I was also at school with a Vicki and work with a few now. I definitely think it's aged better than many 1970s/80s names - better than mine anyway!

I have never known what my name signifies to other people... It was almost all the girls' middle name in the 80s. I don't know if it's posh or naff or how it's perceived.. is that weird? I was almost called Olivia and do regret that it wasn't chosen. I feel like it would suit me a lot more!

Do you have a nickname or middle name you could go by instead? A celebrity you vaguely resemble? How do you feel about your surname? My usual internet handle riffs off my surname even though I'm not especially fond of it; would have no issue if somebody decided to address me by it in real life.

My first name's grown on me over the years, probably because it's intrinsically middle-aged and I needed to catch up to it. And people frequently get it wrong, which is a useful litmus test for idiots.

My name is Joanne and I never liked it, if only parents had thought of Joanna instead. I could have just dropped the 'e' and added an 'a' instead, but never got round to it. Have always mostly gone by Jo which I don't mind.

With a 3 syllable name is there not some shortening or nickname you could pick to at least improve it?

I think people might react better to a complete change than you expect. I remember a Duncan at my work changing to his middle name Alex, and it was so easy because Alex suited him 100% better.

Your friends would much rather call you by a name you like than by one you hate wouldn't they? I bet you would make that small effort for a friend no bother.

I’ve never liked mine. It wasn’t popular back when I was in school. I was the only girl in my infants and junior school with my name. I wanted to be called a more common name like Karen. Also hate the meaning of it. It means father’s joy. My dad has had nothing to do with me since about 9.

Detest my name. It’s not even a pretty sounding name, it’s really ugly. It makes only a very rare appearance on naming threads on mumsnet, which makes me feel hopeful few are saddled with my rubbish name going forward. I have no idea why I didn’t change it when younger. The shortened version sounds even worse, so that was out. I had the opportunity to pick anything I wanted, so why didn’t I? If I tried to get everyone to call me something different now I’d look ridiculous.

But just think... is anyone on this thread named Apple, Blanket, Aquanetta, Lemonjello or wtf Summersalt?? Or whatever the bejezus names of musk's kids are? Like mama always said..things could always be worse!

I actually like my name (and both 4 and 3 syllable middle names!)...but the last name is quite blah...and 1 syllable. Joke was always my parents were making up for the boring family name lol

You must be a Louise… that is THE middle name badge of honour for all 80s’ girls!

Would you hate it as much if it were Diana? It makes me think of the Roman goddess of hunting and the moon, if it’s any consolation. I think that’s pretty cool and rather beautiful. You’re a goddess!

I do know someone who changed her name in her 40s . Began using her middle name. Actually its amazing how little we cared. We just went with it. There was absolutely no connection between the new name and her previous name but yet we didn't blink an eye. I only knew her a few years when she changed so maybe those who knew her a life time found it strange. Saying that she was a bit eccentric..in a nice way so was able to carry it off.
I started using a shortened version of my name in Secondary school and sometimes wish l didn't as my relatives and old neighbours call me by my full name and it can be a bit awkward at times.
Seeing all the people who hate their names..quite reasonable and of a time names l think it might be time to go with acceptance and give your name a little love.

I hate my name as well.
Practically cringe every time I hear it

Mhairi Is a beautiful name but I can quite see it is not an easy one to own!

Starlight is a beautiful name if you are a unicorn. I can see that it could cause a few problems!

I knew someone who changed their name, when they must have been in their 40s, from one very ordinary name to another! Apart from wondering why, I can’t say it seemed a really big deal.
And someone else who changed her name at 18 to Jade, which I believe she later regretted!