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Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Who has changed baby's name after few weeks??

25 replies

williwonti · 16/04/2014 02:58

Has anyone actually done this? I couldn't decide between 2 names my whole pregnancy and am now so stressed thinking we (dh preferred other) went with wrong one. We have registered but seems can change before 12 months. I dont know what to do.

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williwonti · 16/04/2014 03:00

Really stressed, will everyone think i am a complete idiot? Not mentioned in any seriousness to dh as he will kill me, he really wanted the other.

I literally cant sleep tonight (and baby is). What if this is still my hormones talking and i should keep the name we went with?????

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Theonlyoneiknow · 16/04/2014 08:11

Ok, so yes you can change the name no problem before baby is 12 months old.

Lots of people do it so don't stress about it, it is really straightforward and done at the registery office.

No-one will think you are an idiot, once you announce the new name that will be it. Ok people might wonder why but TBH it is your baby and if you aren't happy then change it!

Do you want to share the current name and what you are thinking of changing it to?

MostlyCake · 16/04/2014 08:24

Do you think you just need time for the baby to grow into their name? I felt quite stressed after the birth, do you think you are perhaps feeling the pressure yourself and this (the name) is something tangible to grip onto?

Saying that though, if you're certain you've chosen the wrong name it's better to change it earlier rather than later.

temporarilyjerry · 16/04/2014 09:08

Why not try calling your baby by the other name for a few days? See how it feels?

TrueToYou · 16/04/2014 09:11

Yes, I remember a thread on here from a poster who was worried about the name she'd given her ds. AFAIK she went with the majority and changed it.
I changed my ds name (mum REFUSED to pronounce it properly), but I hadn't registered him at that point.

ACandidBlueandWhiteRoom · 16/04/2014 09:19

if you're certain you've chosen the wrong name it's better to change it earlier rather than later.

Tricky balance, because I remember how bonkers the hormones were at this point - but my most massive, massive regret in the entire bloody world is not changing DS's name. 11 years later, I still lie awake at night convinced to the point of tears that I've ruined his entire life because we picked the name we did. (Yes, really, but I'm not always the best model of mental health and it comes out in things like this.) My dislike of the name isn't anything to do with my MH issues, either, because actually I just never liked it, I just persuaded myself I did because DH did and I was so horrified to be having a boy at all I couldn't think straight (another thread).

So I think what I'm saying is - yes, better sooner rather later, but you do have a year, so if you think you're just responding to hormones, give it a little bit more time, and then don't be afraid to go ahead and change it before the year is up if you still feel the same way.

squoosh · 16/04/2014 13:23

If you're both certain and both in agreement then I'd definitely change it. It will be a 5 minute sensation amongst your family and friends and after that it will just be his name.

williwonti · 16/04/2014 13:50

I've discussed this with my dh, parents and best mate. I never cry so think they realise how worked up i've got. All very supportive. I feel just better talking openly about it. The name we chose is Joseph and the "other" is George. In a weird way i think because everyone been so lovely, husband says we'll trial ut and decide and just being lovely, this has made me think maybe it's fine and i've just been obsessing. For example, it's not as if i don't like it, i do, maybe it's hormones..... I mean George is no better/worse than Joseph is it? Just preference?

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HeyJules · 16/04/2014 15:59

Lots of people do this :) my nephew was Jonah for 6 weeks. My sis and her DH both loved Joseph but wanted something a bit "different". After a few weeks though they said it just wasn't clicking with him and that Joseph suited him much better so changed it

HeyJules · 16/04/2014 16:01

OP I just read your post about Joseph/George..funny..those are my nephews names! George and Joe :)

How old is your DS?

williwonti · 16/04/2014 16:28

He will be 4 weeks tomorrow. I just can't think straight (what hell is wrong with me I don't know, I'm not normally like this). I'm right though arent i? Joseph or George? it's pre preference, they both good solid names?

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Theonlyoneiknow · 16/04/2014 17:25

Both are,fab names! Very hard choice. Cant go wrong with either one

williwonti · 16/04/2014 17:39

My three year old is William ...

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funnyoldonion · 16/04/2014 18:03

I prefer Joseph personally but you're right it's total personal preference with those two as they're both a similar sort of traditional name. I changed my baby's name at 4 months but it was from a really out there name to a slightly unusual but more familiar name and I had the same sort of obsessions and crazy feelings that you're having right now.

My advice is he's only little and you do have 12 months so definitely try it out on him fir a couple of weeks! Who cares what anyone else thinks, your friends and family will want your happiness x

Mrsindecision · 16/04/2014 18:06

I personally prefer George to Joseph, but both are lovely strong solid names. There's the obvious royal connection if you have both William and George, but that wouldn't bother me. William and George make a wonderful sibset IMO, but William and Joseph sound lovely too. Go with your heart - 4 weeks is nothing so take your time with this decision as there really is no rush.

Gugglebum · 16/04/2014 18:34

I did, five weeks in. I loved two names, called my son one of them, but every time someone said it, I'd cringe. It didn't make sense to me, as I really did love the name, but I just kept feeling it wasn't HIM. Changed to the other, and never looked back. Now he's nearly 3, and his name suits him so well, I can't imagine him being known by anything else. Have had another boy since, and used the other name, which is absolute perfection on him. He's 8 months today. Grin Don't worry about anyone else. He's your baby, if you want to change his name, change it.

williwonti · 16/04/2014 19:29

I guess my issue is, i still don't know which to choose. I don't think waiting and seeing (more than a few days) is an option as it's the indecision that's making me ill. I need to decide on a name but can't.

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Coconutty · 16/04/2014 19:50

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

williwonti · 16/04/2014 19:57

Thanks coco, that was a large reason for going with Joseph.

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Coconutty · 16/04/2014 20:02

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elotrolado · 16/04/2014 21:04

I have a Joseph ... Will & Joe, William & Joseph. Lovely.

I like George too (Joseph and George are both my grandads names!)

So I vote Joseph Smile

elotrolado · 16/04/2014 21:06

Oh and we changed my DS2 middle name at 9 months AND he was even known as another first name for 3 weeks before we registered him Confused

williwonti · 16/04/2014 21:37

Elo- what did you change it from/to?

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MissUumellmahaye · 17/04/2014 15:06

I changed my DD's name at something ridiculous like 3 months!

I had PND and PTSD and wasn't really of sound mind. The relief of changing it was instantaneous.

You're right though, both names are equally 'good' (whatever that means), and they're of a type, it's not like you're comparing Joseph with Cody.

My preference would be Joseph, because you already have a William and for me that's a bit much. I too can see a pair of lovely teenager called Joe and Will.

williwonti · 17/04/2014 17:40

Thanks Miss....and everyone, you've really helped me.

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