I know you’re thinking this isn’t the usual type of question around here, but I MUST change my name and I feel I need expert help choosing one. After reading around the forum for ideas I’m convinced you all are the professionals at this, so please help with suggestions and feedback (Apologies for the wall of text and life story but it adds context; read the simple version if you’re only slightly interested).
The Simple Version:
Right now I’m lost between a few first names. [name_f]Noelle[/name_f] and [name_f]Felicity[/name_f] are top tier choices, but I’m also interested in [name_f]Autumn[/name_f] and [name_f]Aria[/name_f].
For middle names, I like any of the rejected first names as well as [name_f]Mia[/name_f], [name_f]Leah[/name_f], and the more interesting but conspicuous [name_f]Aurelia[/name_f], [name_f]Aurora[/name_f], and [name_f]Serafina[/name_f]. Obvious the combination would have to flow well.
I’m also interested in any similar names (in form or in spirit) that you all might want to see in the mix. This is your chance to name an (almost) grown adult, so have fun! [name_u]Read[/name_u] more if you’re not already bored. And thank you for feedback.
The Tantalizing Background:
I’m a transgender girl in my early twenties. I’ve known I was a girl all my life and I’m finally doing the transition to I’ve always dreamed about. I’ve been on hormones for half a year now and I’m finally starting to feel ‘at home’ in my body because of the changes. That’s inspired me to take the next step in my transition, the name change. The name I choose will go on my reissued birth certificate, drivers license, passport and social security card. More importantly, it’s obviously the name I will be using socially and at work (I’ll be an accredited lawyer in a year). I understand that it will shape the way people perceive and respond to me, which is why I need your help.
As a trans woman there are some special considerations that make this different from naming a baby. [name_m]Even[/name_m] if I like a name, I still might not be able to use it because the name isn’t passable (meaning it doesn’t raise any suspicion about me being trans).
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Then there also some bonus criteria from my wish list:
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I used the name [name_f]Felicity[/name_f] when I went to therapy and my psych would always call me by it. I picked it out when I was 16 because I really love the story of the [name_m]Roman[/name_m] martyr St. [name_f]Felicity[/name_f]. It’s actually my confirmation name. But there’s also something a little tin about it when I hear other people say it. Maybe that’s unfamiliarity, and if it had always been my name I wouldn’t feel it. Maybe it’s not. Some combinations I like are [name_f]Felicity[/name_f] [name_f]Mia[/name_f], Felcity [name_f]Noelle[/name_f], or [name_f]Felicity[/name_f] [name_f]Autumn[/name_f].
[name_u]Noel[/name_u] is a family name because it’s my grandmother’s, mother’s and sister’s middle names. I heard it a lot growing up when my sister would get yelled at, so it doesn’t have that familiarity problem. I add a twist and spell it [name_f]Noelle[/name_f] because it looks prettier and can’t be mistaken for a boys name. Possible combos: [name_f]Noelle[/name_f] [name_f]Aria[/name_f], [name_f]Noelle[/name_f] [name_f]Autumn[/name_f], [name_f]Noelle[/name_f] [name_f]Aurelia[/name_f].
Edit: Here was my original list with some ridiculously unpassable names I just liked.
[name_f]Lily[/name_f] is so pretty, and I wish I could, but for some reason I just can’t see myself in it. Also, one issue is that I already am friends with a few girls with those names, so it would be really awkward to change my name to the same as theirs, no?