I'm thinking of changing my first name....

[onthehill]

My name is quite long, and I always used the abbreviated version as a child and teenager. I hate to be called that now, had a pretty messed up teenage hood (?) and I think it reminds me of that. I use the longer version now, and have done or about eight years, but it just doesn't feel like my name at all. I'm really tempted to change it. Has anyone done this? Also, how would you feel if your friend/ daughter eye changed their name? Xx

Don't know why it says eye...

Anyone? Someone out there must have changed their name....

I often think about changing my name. I don't have any particular problem with it (which is probably why i haven't actually changed it), I just don't like it particularly and don't think it suits me much. But do it if you want - it's a good way to help leave the past behind. I wouldn't have any problem with my dc changing their name when they're older. Someone else chose it for them and if they don't like it, they can choose their own. Unless it was to one thing like Ned Rocknroll. Then I'd just take the piss out of them mercilessly. I'm fully prepared for my dd in particular changing her last name to her dad's; she has my last name which doesn't really go with her first name whereas her dad's last name sounds really beautiful with it!

I changed my first name when I was 19. It was a bloody stupid made-up name and I really really hated it. I changed it to the nearest-sounding normal proper ACTUAL fucking-name I could find. And life has been wonderful ever since. My parents didn't talk to me for a few years, but got over themselves eventually. They still use the stupid made-up name though, and I live with that. My DS think it's hilarious...

Just to add - naming your child is a RESPONSIBILITY. Use a proper name. I am with the French and the Icelandics on that front.

Curious about your original name now souperb

What is the name superb? Or will that out you? I knew someone called Beenie.

A friend of mine changed her first name in her 20's when she changed her religion. She sent an email memo to everyone she knew to let them know she would no longer answer to her previous name. She did it by deedpoll. and it seemed straightforward. Hassle was changing passport/drivers ID etc.