I’ve been having serious regret and second thoughts after we named our daughter [name_f]Addisyn[/name_f] eight weeks ago. It’s not fitting for me at all. It’s awkward to say, it doesn’t feel like it’s her and it feels disconnecting. We’ve discussed changing it but I feel stupid having to explain to family and friends why we’re changing it. DH suggested trying out different nicknames for [name_f]Addisyn[/name_f] except [name_f]Addie[/name_f], which also doesn’t seem fitting. Her full name is [name_f]Addisyn[/name_f] [name_u]Shea[/name_u]. Are there any other nicknames for [name_f]Addisyn[/name_f] other than [name_f]Addie[/name_f]?
You could call her [name_u]Sonny[/name_u], though it’s a bit of a stretch. If you want to, change it. Tell family you just found a new name that’s more fitting.
For what it’s worth, I don’t think there is anything wrong with changing her name (especially since she is so young). I’ve heard more and more people talking about feeling how their baby’s name doesn’t “fit” and about how many parents are waiting until after the birth to name their babies. I wouldn’t feel stupid about it. I would just be honest with family and friends, following @gummybear0724’s advice and telling them you found a name that fits the baby better. You may find that other people felt the same way! Are there any other names that you like for her or considered before?
My sister’s middle name is [name_u]Shaye[/name_u] and she gets called that literally all the time. You could call her [name_u]Shea[/name_u]
But I agree with pp. If changing her name will be more fitting, then just be honest with your friends and family. They should understand. Maybe you could keep her mn to keep the ties to the old.
I see no issues with you changing her name, especially since she’s still so young. Typically babies don’t learn their names are referring to them until 5-7 months of age. Choose a name that you both feel fits and announce it nonchalantly saying something like, “We’ve decided ____ suits her better,” and let that be that. If anyone takes issue with it, it’s on them not you.
I understand that it might feel awkward to announce to family and friends that you’ve decided to change her name, but any awkwardness won’t last long and if it’s the right choice, you’ll never regret making it. Name regret is more common than I think people realise, so I’m sure more people than you think will understand and empathise with your situation, and respect you for having the guts to make a change.
My advice would be to find an alternative which you love and which you feel fits her better, try it out on her for at least a couple of weeks before you make any legal changes, and if everything feels good then you can feel confident that the new name is really “her” and can go ahead and do the paperwork. As pps have said, she won’t understand her name for a good while yet, so no need to rush into anything. It’s definitely worth taking the time to make sure that whatever decision you make this time round is the right one.
Good luck!