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?

wow, good on you! I personally prefer Jan to Jen, although not so keen on Janet. What else is Jan short for? I suppose Janette/Jeanette or Janice.
I'm dying to know what your name is, can you give us a clue?

Jenny is lovely, think if I changed my name I'd want to be something a bit more interesting though like Claudia or Camille.

Joanne
Genevieve (could still be Gen)
Gina
Nancy
Nina
Emma
Anna
Sarah

Good for you! What a tough decision though!

I think Joanna is a lovely name.

My sister is Zoe, is 35 and there were 9 in her year at school (south London). In my experience Zoe definitely reeks of early 70s!

I always wanted to change my name to Laura! Not old at all! I know a 38 yo one, a 10 yo one and one who is coming up for a mont

hmm
Claire
Helen
louise
linda
lynne
Jan

Well, really simple, pretty, classic names that would never scream a particular decade, nor seem pretentious or common (tarnished)

Beth
Ellen
Rachel
Joy
Anna
Sarah
Susie
Kate

I like PollyGarner's idea of choosing Margaret, Elizabeth or Catherine because they have so many nns. But really, I don't think you can let a nn evolve when you are 38 and changing your name! I think, whatever you call yourself now, that has to be IT!

I like Beth, Ellen, Rachel, Susie the best from my list.

What is your old name?? You have to tell us!

My mum changed her name when I was about 7 (she was in her 30's then). She changed it because she too had a horrific first name. So one day she sat down with us and said it's either or and we helped her to pick. It was amazing how easy it was for her to change it and after a short while nobody batted an eyelid. (Her parents couldn't understand why she did it and still called her by her old name but they were the only ones!)
In terms of what name you should go for, haven't you always had a name in mind when you've fantasised about changing your name? Maybe you should ask the people who know you best what name would suit you and see if a trend appears?
Good luck
(by the way I've always liked Louise!)

Thinking of names of schoolfriends that I liked:

Sarah
Samantha - Sam
Josephine - Jo

Leah
Ruth
Lucy

Hi

You said something jolly and my friends name (who is 31)is Jolie. It always makes me smile when i hear it
Good luck with your choice

How many syllables in your surname? and where is the emphasis in it - will help to find a decent sounding first name if you have an idea how it will fit together. I understand you will not want to tell us your surname, but can you think of a similar sounding one to give as an example.
Do you have a middle name to keep or lose? Do you want a middle name?
Are there any old family names that you would like to use/have considered?

How intriging!

Josie is a lovely, jolly sounding name.

Please tell us your old name!

If I were too change my name I would chose:
Mary
Lily
Martha or
Harriet (that's what my mother wanted to call me).

If I were to change my name I think I would choose Rachel or Beth. They are just two names from my own generation that I really like. I like Ellen and Anna and Susie too.

Names like Esme, Edie, Beatrice or Flora or Dulcie or Polly etc,,would call to much attention to an adult who'd changed their name. So I think you're wise not to go down that route.

Only one suggestion for Clare so far, I think its fab. And Beth, Sarah, Marie and Helen.

well im helen and i get elle for short and in my 30s what about jodie

Your names not really EnestTheBavarian is it?

I have a relative called Claudia (Cloud i a) its different!

but not 1 syllable sorry!

I always wanted to be a Jodie
how about

Sara
Cleo
Sophie
Emma

friends at school and I'm about your age.

please tell us!!!

wow, so many suggestions thanks everyone

frazzledoldbag that's really interesting - so I'm not the only one then. Did your mum go the whole deed poll route, or just get people to call her by her new name?

Don't feel able to divulge name, but not too dissimilar to Hilda. Or Olga. Just think old and ugly.

Surname is 2 syllables, stress on 1st, beginning with K.

I've always dreamt of changing my name. in my teens & early twenties I wanted Kim, but don't fancy it so much now for me, tho I still really like the name. (maybe cos married surname begins with K now) Then it was Laura or Louise, but family member just called her dd Louisa, so think it's too similar & they'll think I'm weird & piss off family knicking baby's new name iyswim.

like TheFirstLiffey says, don't want anything too obvious - not one for drawing attention to myself, and don't want to it be obvious I've changed. DOn't want anything too different that makes my name stand out - I've had a name that stands out (for the wrong reasons) all my life. I want something happy sounding that blends in, doesn't sound too old serious or boring but also age appropriate

I like Clare, but is it a bit boring ? (Sorry any Clares - it was on list for dd, I do like it honest)
Like Christine (Chrissie & Maggie - too simpsons?) Seem to be leaning to something with ie/y ending now I think of it, which is odd, cos when choosing name for dd last year, I decidedly didn't want this ending?

What about Jessica/Jessie? Victoria/Vicky?

Maggie is great, so is Christine.

I like the name Olga.

all the names I'm suggesting I know were people born in the 1970s.

Amy?