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Original poster

Changing name after announcement

30 replies

Bootsandcats12 · 02/06/2023 22:28

Hello all,
I’m feeling thoroughly miserable about this and frustrated at myself for getting into this situation..!
Our beautiful DD is now 5 weeks old and we’ve only just named her. DH and I had fairly different tastes all along (he wanted something cool and trendy and I wanted something pretty and classic) DH had his favourite name during pregnancy and he’s stuck to it throughout, offering very few suggestions of alternatives. I’ve driven myself half mad looking up names and finding many that I like but none that I love. Fed up with being hounded about naming DD, I decided we must come up with a name and announce it. We went with DH’s choice on the basis that he, at least, has a firm favourite whereas I don’t. I thought I’d grow to love the name but I really don’t think I will ☹️ I feel awkward saying the name and anticipate negative reactions because it’s a bit of a marmite name. I was far too honest about the names we both liked when I was pregnant so I’m well aware of friends & family who don’t like the name. It’s just put me on a real downer and I feel like I’m doing my DD a disservice having not given her a beautiful name.

My dilemma is this: do I stick with the name now we’ve announced it and hope that I’ll
come to love it as DD grows into it? Or, do we change it before we officially register the name next week? How would I style this out now we’ve announced it?!

Please go easy on me, I feel terrible enough that I’ve made a hash of this already.

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SunnyGrass · 02/06/2023 22:29

Change it if you both agree, it’s not too late.

EineReiseDurchDieZeit · 02/06/2023 22:34

"Style it out"

You can be cutesy and announce Little DD decided she wasn't a Lexie after all and would rather be Blossom

No-one will care as much as you do

JandalsAlways · 02/06/2023 22:36

Change it now, sooner rather than later

Polik · 02/06/2023 22:38

Does DP agree with the proposed change?

If yes, change it. If not, its more tricky

quietnightmare · 02/06/2023 22:41

How bad is the name? Can you get a variation or tweak?

Like Leah to alleah
Fern to fleur
Elizabeth to Bethany

Toddlerteaplease · 02/06/2023 22:41

Just say that you've had second thoughts about the name. Can't see why it's a huge issue. I don't understand why people announce the name before the baby is even born though. What if it just doesn't suit them?!

drpet49 · 02/06/2023 22:42

JandalsAlways · 02/06/2023 22:36

Change it now, sooner rather than later

This

Thesunwillcomeoutverysoon · 02/06/2023 22:44

Not being rude op but the only people who really care about your dc's name are you 2.!!so change it!

Original poster
Bootsandcats12 · 02/06/2023 22:45

Thanks all, I appreciate the input.
DH has said it’s ok to change. I don’t want to put him in the same situation I’m in currently but choosing a name he doesn’t love but I’m not sure he’ll overthink it like I will.

I had thought about coming up with a similar sounding name @quietnightmare there are a couple of options so I will have a think on that

OP posts:
Original poster
Bootsandcats12 · 02/06/2023 22:46

@EineReiseDurchDieZeit this is a great idea, thank you

OP posts:
Original poster
Bootsandcats12 · 02/06/2023 22:47

@Thesunwillcomeoutverysoon you are absolutely right and I’m sure I’m overthinking this massively!

OP posts:
pasbeaucoupdegendarme · 02/06/2023 22:48

We had a niece who was announced as (for example) Edith Rose, and a few weeks later we just had an email saying actually it was going to be Rose Edith.

It wasn’t a big deal at all to anyone except the parents.

Daftasabroom · 02/06/2023 22:51

We really couldn't decide for DS2, we even spread the most ridiculous rumour via my DB just to get DM off our backs, huge drama much to DBs delight! Name was after an animal hero e.g. Skippy or Lassie. Settled on something very normal but totally suits DS. Not sure DM has forgiven us, but she swears she wasn't taken in (she was). DS nickname is skips.

oldnorsesaga · 03/06/2023 09:44

I would change it. I think your SO should offer more help and suggest some more names.
that's said, it's only one week left so maybe you should do some research could you delay naming a baby until more time? Maybe send a mail to office and ask could you have more time?

KirstenBlest · 03/06/2023 10:19

What are the names, @Bootsandcats12 ?
I think 'cool and trendy' might be anything but at some point, but the name might be quite an established one.

fairydust11 · 03/06/2023 10:36

I know someone who announced their daughter as Adelaide - but due to negative reactions from older family members - completely changed the name 3 weeks later to Matilda…
I know it’s not the same, but I still can’t believe they changed her name (one that they loved & chose as her parents) because grandparents didn’t like it…

Find a name you both love & change it - possibly a traditional pretty name for you that could have a modern cool nickname twist for your husband?

HouseMoveCollyWobbles · 03/06/2023 10:46

We did this. Just said after trying the original name for size, it was clear he was more of 'new name'. It's no Biggie! I appreciate it feels like one at the time, but he was 6 weeks when we changed our mind and 4 years later it's now ancient history

Bigcat25 · 08/01/2024 16:48

My boss's name was changed as a baby, just do it! In her case she was named after her grandmother and given a harsh name suited to a very mature women, and then her parents thought the better of it.

MySlipperAddiction · 08/01/2024 16:55

I know a couple who changed their child's name both first and middle names, no one batted an eyelid. Honestly, if you want to change it, then change it. Congratulations on your baby.

TheRealProfessorYaffle · 08/01/2024 16:58

Absolutely do it. You've given it a try, it doesn't fit. Not a problem. Genuinely and kindly agree with PP who said that (gently) no one really cares apart from you. People might flap their lips with a opinion, but no one actually cares.

TempleOfBloom · 08/01/2024 17:04

My friend changed her baby’s name a couple of weeks after birth. We all just said ‘oh, OK! Lovely!’.

Scottyme · 08/01/2024 19:04

I was in the same boat I was a bit like really? When he said it and I was waiting for the negative comments and tbh I still don't love it but at the same time she suits her name down to the ground.

BluJanuary · 08/01/2024 19:25

It's ok to change it! We changed our son's name AFTER registration (that sucks a little more as his birth certificate has both old and new name on.. but it is what it is!)

Moveoverdarlin · 08/01/2024 19:42

Change it, it’ll be a funny story when she’s older. You have to really love her name. In terms of styling it out, either tell people face to face or send a jokey follow-up message to the previous announcement saying:

Change of plan!! Miss Willow Rose Johnson is now going to be named Olivia Katherine Johnson. There has been much debate over the last five weeks over her name and was nearly lumbered with Alexa as we just couldn’t decide. We registered her yesterday so no going back now! Olivia can’t wait to meet you all! She’s despairing of her indecisive (and at times argumentative) parents already!

hidinginthegarden · 08/01/2024 22:30

We went with my husband's choice of name despite me spending 8 months saying no way and most of my family and friends agreeing with me that it was terrible!!
I can't remember when I realised ii loved it but it took a few weeks of blaming the pregnancy hormones for giving in. He couldn't possibly be anything else now and I'm so pleased we picked it.