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?

Hi Ernest hope you and the DCs are well. (I'm Alipalli from June 08)

Welldone for being so brave.

Of my closest group of friends one is a Laura and one is a Jenny, so they are both great names IMO. We are all in our 30s so I wouldn't worry that Laura is not right for someone our age. My preference is for Laura. I think it is classic and elegant.

BTW can't believe you have to move again. Can I ask where to?

Hi Ali, how are you? We're finally completing the circle - back to UK - can't believe we're returning to Uk - thinking Sutton/Surrey.

Jenny or Laura. hmm. Like both.

Jenny is jollier, Laura more elegant?

I think you have it there. I know and like quite a few Jennies but you're right, it is jolly.

What about Jilly? Too hockey-sticks?

You'll be surprised how soon everyone gets used to it - I have a friend who changed her name from something Irish and unpronounceable (her English Jewish parents had a moment of mad Celtic romance when they named her). I'd say within three months everyone had almost forgotten her old name, and after a year if you'd said her former name it would have taken quite a while for the penny to drop about who you were talking about.

Not mad at all, Ernest. V. brave of you to do this and a good move if you really hate your name. Why not make yourself happier if you can.

Are there any derivatives of your current name that would do for you? (Is your name Hortense?)

I like:

Eliza
Olivia
Lucy
Rosie
Rachel
Naomi

Laura is lovely btw. Lorna is nice too.

just asked dh if he thinks Jenny or Laura and he sounded pissed off about it tbh, refused to say 1 or the other, just kept saying he thought it was weird thing to do, and why I hadn't done it years ago if I was going to , and did I expect him to call me by new name, expect his dad, my mum to Maybe it is a stupid thing to do at my age?

Not a stupid thing to do at all. Your name is such an important part of who you are, so it should be one you're happy with.

I changed my name by deed poll at age 18 because I didn't like my first name or feel it suited me. I kept my original name as a middle name, and added the new name onto the front.

I have never regretted changing my name. Funnily enough, when I was drawing up my shortlist to chose a name for myself my second choice of name was the feminine version of my dh's name (this was long before I met him). I'm glad I didn't chose that one.

We are well thanks although sleep is elusive. Does Deb know you are coming back to the UK? They are planning to do the same.

I live in Surrey (Guildford) and work near Sutton.

Come and say hello on June 08 if you get a chance. It's still very chatty and I know people would love to know about the move (and the name change course)

Ignore DH too. If changing your name makes you feel happy then why not. My Auntie had braces put on her teeth when she was in her mid fifties. It made a huge difference to her self confidence after a lifetime of avoiding smiling at people. It's kind of similar I think.

Your DH will get used to it. As will everyone else. If it makes you happy then just do it. In a while nobody will think of you as anything else but Laura (or Jenny) . Or whatever you go for.

Oh, how funny, my sisters are Jenny (Jennifer) and Laura. I am another boring classic 70s name beginning with S

FWIW I changed my surname by deed poll about 6 years ago. People think it's funny but they get used to it. And IME, after about a year you don't cringe so much at your old name anyway (so becomes easier to say I'm Jenny-used-to-be-Hilda to people who knew you before)

Do it, I have NO regrets. But do it properly - deed poll. I did online deed poll v cheap, no probs.

Susan is nice, all Susans are really nice people

I like Susan too, and although this is weird, I prefer it to Suzanne. Suzannes are annoying, Susans are not.

Clare is a bit dull. I'm 37 and I couldn't thow a stone without hitting a Clare/Claire.

I could say the same for Jenny but I prefer the name, it is an upbeat name. All Jennies I've known were pretty, friendly, normal approachable people.

I like Laura, but I think you are a teensy bit too old to be a Laura, sorry! The oldest Laura I know is 35.

Btw, I know a Helga who is about forty and it took me by surprise the first time I met her. SHe is slim, blonde, wears lovely clothes, has a house in Bermuda, 3 young children, not a Helga at all!!!

So if that's your name, you're not alone out there.

I vote for

Anna
Beth
Jenny

(all really unpretentious)

I agree re Suzannas, how funny!

Also like Anna and Helen. Really good strong names.

Its a fundamental thing to change and I can understand your husbands reluctance, take it slowly is my advice. Be gentle with him

YOu could change your name to Ernest (puree- formerly makecakes, formerly flosspot!) And what will you change your MN name to when you return to Sutton/Surrey?!!

At least this time you are not pregnant and planning a move!!

PS- I like Laura.

(Am not Susan - am another S name ending in h. Maybe more 80s )

Nina is nice

I always wanted to be George (Famous Five)

If you have any welsh roots (or even if you don't) Sian is a nice, no nonsense but pretty one syllable name. Other good ones would be Anna, Laura or Rebecca (shortened to Becca or Becky)

hmmm Laura keeps coming up - is that coming out on top? I do like Jenny though..... asked dss 2 votes for Jenny, 1 vote for Laura & abstain from dh

Hey Ernest how is dd?? and the boys ??

Wow you coming back to UK

I think it's a great time to change your name then , why not!

Will your family go along with the new name as it sounds as if DH is a bit peed off about it?

So, at a party, you introduce yourself as Laura and in the same conversation DH says, 'Come here Myrtle, there is someone I want to introduce you too.'

Are you going to look foolish?

Just a wonderingment really.

Ever since I first read this thread a couple of days ago its really been bugging me as to what Ernest's real name is (the clue "old lady name beginning with K" has been given but I still can't think what it must be)

Can I have another clue please Ernest(without giving the game away as I realise that you don't want to "out" yourself) ? I can't lose another nights sleep wondering about it

i think Jenny or Jenni does for any age

Oi liffey, watch what you bloody say about the name Clare - bloody cheek!

Jenny is at the top for me, all Jennies I know are lovely people.