actually not for baby, for me, I'm changing my name, help me choose a new one pls

[ErnestTheBavarian]

I've decided at the ripe old age of 30ish (ok, 38) that I'm gonna change my name.

Want something short (1 syllable, max. 2)

like Kathy but can't have that. Like Kim but dh doesn't.

Nothing beginning with A

Nothing wacky or made up, or too 'of an era' eg Tracey.

So, any ideas?

Gosh do you mind if i am really nosy and ask why you are changing your name?

Helen
Sam
Chloe
CLaire
Anna/Anne
Laura
Zoe
Kate
Elise
Dana
Cara

A new first name will be very difficult to get used to I think

What is your name now, if you don't mind us asking?

Any reason why your changing? (insert nosey emotion)

Katie ( a bit like Kathy?)
Sophie
Grace
Hope
May
Hiedi
Phoebe

But Kate is great

always hated it, and moving soon, and decided, sod it, I always cringe when I have to introduce myself, so I'm taking this opportunity to change my name. I'll say my name is .... without feeling ashamed & embarrassed.

How about something with the same first initial as your current name or with a similar sound, ie something that could be derived from your current name?

That might make the transition a bit easier and also give you a good explanation to ward off nosy people in RL who keep asking why your name has changed - you could just say its a nickname you were given from your name and you've got so attached to it you are keeping it?

If you like Kathy though, Kate is a classic name and a good snappy alternative.

Can't have any Kate, Katie, Cath etc etc.

Like Laura, but is it too old?
Ditto Helen.

Something jolly please.

Sophie & Grace etc all now in fashion so thought would sound a bit odd?

My name is hideous. DOn't want to divulge. I know it'll be weird getting used to new name, but hell, if you hated your hair as much as I hate my name you'd do something about it. It's not as drastic as getting a nose/boob job surely? (not that I would do that mind lol)

I guess I'd have to keep bank stuff etc all in original name unless I went deed poll route?

Emma
Louise

How old are you? What do you like/do/look like?

You're 38. Sorry

If I were you I'd change by deed poll or keep the same initial tbh.
(I speak from experience of changing my name by deed poll, although mine was my surname)
If not you will have problems with:
Cheques given by people who know you by new name only
You will only be able to register with Dr etc with old name as medical records etc will be in that name.
Anything you need proof of ID for will have to be in old name, such as joining library, getting anything delivered recorded delivery (you cant collect parcels taken back to depot without photo ID)
Travelling abroad - tickets/passports etc
Re-directing any mail

I'm sure there are loads more, but I'd say if you are going to do it then do it the whole hog!!

Whats your middle name? Could you use that?
Is there no name that you could get as a nickname from your current name?

Ernesta

How about a name with lots of choices in it like

Margaret: meg, marge, maggie, greta, madge

Elizabeth: libby, liz, eliza, beth, betty...

K/Catherine: Katy, Kate, Kathy, Kat, Cath...

Nice to have a formal and informal name for all occasions!

Laura is lovely, my katy was very nearly laura

Also your mouth makes a lovely shape saying names begining with L

Ernest - get a change of name deed drawn up by a solicitor

i used to do it for £50 plus VAT

you can do it for free under legal help (legal aid ish) if you are on a low income

you will then LEGALLY be known as new name - all banks, passport stuff etc will be changed.

Looking at a selection of names from the 70s (and avoiding ones that seemed too 70s!):

Jen, Susan, Sarah, Rachel, Beth, Carla, Kelly, Carmen, Ruth?

Sarah, Kate, Liz, Emma , Jo, Helen, Nicky, (all from our era - I am the same age as you). if you want to have a "normal" name these would fit in iyswim

What kind of a character are you? are you outgoing or shy, sporty or delicate.

more unusual names that I like (for 38 year olds) I quite like are

Zoe, Polly, Martha, Isabel, Josie, felicity, Anna, Olivia (uncommon in 38 yos imo),

I think you'd make a good Helen, or even Ellen.

Otherwise Elizabeth and its various diminutives is quite good.

If you can't have Kathy/Kate, what about Karen?

reallly like Jen(ny) actually.

What is a Jenny like?

All the ones I knew had perfect hair.

Not helpful I know...

maybe not so good for me then

All the Jenny's I've met have been lovely, friendly and fun!

I'd go for Jenny.

Justine
Sarah
Jude
Charlotte
Charlie
George/Georgina

Helen
May
Jane
April
Fiona
Joy

Fran
Ronnie
Jules
Jo