Do you know anyone who has changed their baby's name and how did people react?

[mrsibley]

Daughter is six months old and I have completely changed my mind about her name. It's really upsetting me, but I just can't face people's reactions if I change it. as i feel quite embarassed. however its really got me down and i would really luje to change it. Anyone any experience of this?

bugabooed
Yes, that is exactly how I felt too. I would be at the park with my two and I would literally want to rip my head off just to stop thinking 'why didn't I call her xxxx' over and over and over and over again.

For me it was definitely PND/anxiety related OCD. I really felt like I was losing it!!! DH did not get it either.

Hi, just to say I signed in specially to say we changed our DS's name - it did take a lot of courage to do it, but he is 18 now and I'm so glad we did! You can change the birth cert for up to a year I think... Why don't you have a naming day with a few friends.... The thing to remember is that other people will only want the best for you... everyone else has got all their own stuff to think about so it won't be a big deal to them. I think you will be pleased at how supportive people are. Just be honest and say you got a bit muddle-headed/ it doesn't suit her. I Promise one day you will look back and laugh about this, although I know you can't believe that now. All best wishes

How are things OP? Hope you're ok - been thinking of you loads today.

I have two friends who have changes their babies' names, one after couple of months, one after nearly a year. Neither were certain about the name in the first place and dithered for ages. Noone was really bothered when they did change the name, we just started using the new name.

I have an aquaintance who changed her daughter's name at 4mo. We all briefly raised an internal eyebrow but nobody actually said anything and tbh, it wasn't an untypical thing for her to have done - she was very 'alternative' in the first place, so nobody was exactly shocked by it.

I think once you've told people it'll be 'yesterday's news' after a couple of weeks - other people are rarely as bothered about things as we are ourselves.

I have no experience of this, but if it helps I think you should go with your gut instinct. Even now, I sometimes wonder about whether I chose the right names for my two - like you I prefer gender neutral / more masculine names - but I am generally happy with the name I gave. However, if this is bothering you this much now, it will only get worse.

Seize the day - change the name.

I don't think "your baby your choice" is very good advice here. The child has another parent to consider, who from the sounds of it doesn't want to change the name as well as siblings, other family members, paperwork etc etc. It's not just her choice.
Isn't getting some help with the depression maybe a better idea here? Hope you feel better soon OP.