Name regret: should I change my baby’s name?

I don’t know if it’s sleep deprivation and overthinking, but I regret my six-week-old’s name, [name_f]Betty[/name_f]. I actually don’t mind the name itself but it doesn’t really go with her last name Kurth, I think it sounds too harsh - it was a last minute decision and I only sounded out the whole name (middle name is Rose) instead of the first and last together. Stupid, I know. Anyway, is it mad to want to change it? The problem is it’s my late grandmother’s name so it would look bad to the family. I wanted a classic name with a bit of spunk - came close to calling her [name_f]Poppy[/name_f] but decided that was a bit too common. Now I’m thinking a classic name like [name_f]Anna[/name_f] would be nice. Am I crazy or should I just leave it and move on? We’ve obviously already told everyone and done Facebook announcement etc. Haven’t even mentioned this to my OH btw, although he’s very easygoing …

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I think if you really wanted to, you should. IMO flow doesn’t really matter that much, it won’t affect her that much. And I agree that it might look back to the family. Have you considered [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] nn [name_f]Betty[/name_f]! It flows and avoid all the problems. You might even be able to play it off as “Oh yeah, we put [name_f]Betty[/name_f] in the announcement because that’s what we’re calling her, although her name is actually Elizabeth.”

Another idea is [name_f]Lilibet[/name_f].

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Thank you! That’s a great idea except I’m not a huge fan of [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] for some reason. [name_f]Lilibet[/name_f] I’m not sure about but [name_f]Libby[/name_f] is cute. Oh man I probably should just leave the whole thing alone!

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It can be common to experience all sorts of dysphoric thoughts and feelings in postpartum. I’d probably advise against making any decisions now unless you feel really sure that this isn’t her name and you have a clear alternative that feels right. As for your choice, [name_f]Betty[/name_f] is a great classic making a bit of a come back, nice and recognisable but not too common. The family link is wonderful.

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I think if you had a clear cut idea of what to change it to then I would say maybe do it. But since you’d be starting basically from scratch it’s hard to say you wouldn’t just regret the new name choice in a few weeks and then be back to square one again.

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[name_m]Hi[/name_m] there! Congratulations on the arrival of your baby girl! [name_f]Betty[/name_f] is such a charming, classic, & spunky name. And maybe I am missing something, but the flow of [name_f]Betty[/name_f] Kurth is wonderful! I can imagine your daughter will grow up proud of her name as she has such a special namesake. I recommend giving yourself time to adjust to the newborn phase, as it leaves Mamas totally exhausted and name regret is common in this sleep-deprived stage.
If it is still on your mind as time goes on, I suggest then deciding what you feel her name is. On a side note, rarely is a person called by their First + Last name. Yet, I do love the sound of [name_f]Betty[/name_f] Kurth. If it was me, I would stick to [name_f]Betty[/name_f] and then sometimes call her [name_f]Betty[/name_f] [name_f]Rose[/name_f] since that is equally as lovely!

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I think it’s cute.

I also like the idea that it’s “short” for something. [name_f]Bethany[/name_f] with nn [name_f]Betty[/name_f]? That would also be super cute!!!

Hugs! I think second guessing names is pretty normal in the postpartum phase. :heartpulse:

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I definitely think second guessing your babies name is really common postpartum- particularly amongst name nerds. Having to narrow it down to just one name/combo seems to always leave me feeling that something is lacking with the name IMO- I’m used to seeing it as part of a curated list and now it has to stand on its own.

I’d suggest leaving it for now- maybe consider what names Betty could be a NN for in case you decide to put a different, official sound name on the birth certificate eventually but otherwise just embrace the name and see if you think your daughter grows into it. X

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Thank you so much for your lovely message, is has made me feel a lot better about it. :smiling_face_with_three_hearts: With the first and last name, I think it’s more that Kurth is a strong-sounding name so I thought the first name might lend itself to a softer, prettier name to offset it, if that makes sense! But I am soo probably overthinking it :joy:

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I actually thought [name_f]Claudia[/name_f] Kurth sounded lovely but OH didn’t like it…

I think her name sounds nice. Not harsh. You could call her [name_f]Betty[/name_f] [name_f]Rose[/name_f] since both named are short. [name_u]Or[/name_u] just [name_f]Rose[/name_f], or [name_f]Betsy[/name_f], Rosie… No need for a full name change.

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[name_f]Betty[/name_f] is a cute nickname and I think it flows well with your surname. (I also really like Betsy.). I like the idea of [name_f]Bethany[/name_f] as a more formal, softer sounding name and I like the three syllables with the single syllable last name.

Some other names you might consider:
[name_f]Bethan[/name_f]
[name_f]Bettina[/name_f]
[name_f]Beatrice[/name_f]

If you decide to change the first name altogether, any of these would sound nice with your surname ….
[name_f]Cassandra[/name_f]
[name_f]Christina[/name_f]
[name_f]Camilla[/name_f]
[name_f]Carissa[/name_f]

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[name_f]Betty[/name_f] Kurth sounds beautiful to me!

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Thank you so much x

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I absolutely love Betty!!!

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Thank you! You’re all making me feel lots better, it may have just been 2am angst :joy:

Thank you! I love all those ‘C’ names!

I agree. If more time passes and you still don’t like her name, you might be able to find a nickname you’re happy with. That would probably be less jarring to your family than a name change.

[name_f]Rose[/name_f] is classic and pretty like [name_f]Anna[/name_f].
[name_f]Ro[/name_f], [name_f]Rosie[/name_f], [name_f]Betsy[/name_f], [name_f]Bess[/name_f] and [name_f]Bee[/name_f] are spunky like [name_f]Poppy[/name_f].

I also think [name_f]Betty[/name_f] Kurth sounds great!

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Firstly congratulations :two_hearts::two_hearts:

I think [name_f]Betty[/name_f] [name_f]Rose[/name_f] Kurth is delightful very preppy and sweet definitely not harsh honestly you sound like me many months ago take my advise and just wait it out before changing her name.

I named my daughter [name_f]Lilia[/name_f] back in [name_u]February[/name_u] this year and suffered with name regret honestly it was tough. I felt like I had made a terrible mistake naming her [name_f]Lilia[/name_f] so many pronunciation issues, everyone in the general public thought I had made the name and each time I introduced her it was met with a comment the whole thing was to much! I regretted it and wished I named her [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] which is her second middle name. Anyways it was becoming overwhelming I thought I had cursed by beautiful baby with a terrible name so in the end I spoke to my OH. After speaking to my OH we made a list together about [name_f]Lilia[/name_f] a pros and cons list about her name and realised it was the general public who put me off her name nothing to do with [name_f]Lilia[/name_f] itself. I’m so glad I realised this I absolutely love her name now regret the hyphenated surname but [name_f]Lilia[/name_f] itself is my name. It’s my daughters name. I love [name_f]Lilia[/name_f]. I think a pros & cons list concerning [name_f]Betty[/name_f] would help immensely and make you realise why you love the name!

[name_f]Betty[/name_f] is so sweet especially [name_f]Betty[/name_f] [name_f]Rose[/name_f] and the family connection is an added bonus. I hope you fall further in love with [name_f]Betty[/name_f] and this name regret passes :hugs:

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Honestly I think [name_f]Betty[/name_f] Kurth sounds fine. If you like [name_f]Betty[/name_f], I don’t think it’s necessary to change it for the sake of the flow. If anything I would agree with the suggestions of choosing a longer name that can nickname to [name_f]Betty[/name_f].

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