I’ve heard of people and seen some people either pondering or actually going through with legally changing their babies name after they were already born because they didn’t feel like it fit with their baby even though they loved the name. So do you think it’s weird to do that? Obviously it would be weird after a certain age, like after 6 months or so, but I mean before that age, or do you think it depends on the situation? I’d really like to hear thoughts
I think it depends on the situation, but I don’t have a problem with it in general.
This is a tough one. I don’t think I would ever change my baby’s name but, if I had to, I would do it within the first week. After one week, I think their name should be set in stone because I think calling your child by his/her name is an important part of the initial bonding process.
So I’ve been left a bit confused since having my daughter [name_f]Lilia[/name_f] in relation to her name and whether I did the right thing in naming her [name_f]Lilia[/name_f]. When I was pregnant I considered soooo many different names! I was overwhelmed by the huge decision naming someone is, it was also particularly hard as my favourite name for girls was a name I couldn’t use so I had to start from scratch which added to that overwhelmingness of actually choosing a name. Anyways the only name that stuck and was liked by everyone was [name_f]Lilia[/name_f] so of course when the 3rd [name_u]February[/name_u] 2021 came that’s what she was called.
I do love [name_f]Lilia[/name_f] she honours my mum, she has a lovely meaning ‘Lily’ which is a favourite flower of me & my Grandma, is universal and feels like the epitome of spring. Still I considered changing her name because of continuous mispronunciation, commentary from people which comes across as negative and me feeling as if I need to explain her name all the time leading to awkwardness when introducing her especially as I have anxiety. The anxiety I have felt in the past when saying her name has been so rubbish! Honestly I have bombarded the berries with questions about name change and I completely get why people do it. I never thought I would but after that initial I suppose adjustment period when me & [name_f]Lilia[/name_f] were facing the public I completely get why you would consider changing her name. Sometimes it’s just that niggling doubt that builds which makes you doubt your decision or deep down you just know it’s not your child’s name either way I completely get it and think it’s fine before the 6 month mark! Concerning [name_f]Lilia[/name_f] I’m happy with her name now thankfully I’ve just got used to people really I suppose
I think if the parent has reasoning, then it’s up to them to decide what’s best for their child, definitely including their name! Sometimes a parent just needs reassurance that they made a good choice with the original name, which is one of the reasons I love forums like nameberry — especially since I’m sure there’s lots to stress about once adding a newborn to one’s family! But if the parents decides to change the name, then all power to them! As long as the baby is still young enough that they don’t really recognize their own name yet. Once they recognize it, I think that’s a part of their identity that can’t be changed unless the child themselves wants to change it when they’re older.
I don’t think its a big deal as long as the child isn’t attached to their name yet. I think its a bit taboo because all the relatives and friends (and probably parents too) get attached and then are sad and disappointed to lose the name.
Choosing the name is sort of the first decision you get to make as a parent and I bet it’s very hard for some people who are dealing with a complete change in their life, a new person they’re learning to bond with, crazy hormones, sleep deprivation, possibly anxiety/depression… We need to give parents a break if they feel they need to change their child’s name and not add to their struggles!
This reminded me of I think a eight year old(this was covered by Insider I believe), named [name_m]Donald[/name_m] Trump, not even after the previous president(I do believe he was born before Trump was president), who got bullied and teased relentlessly about his name, to the point where his parents changed his last name. I know it’s a bit different, but still.
I think it’s fine no matter what age. Maybe your child never felt like their given name, but this name they do, or something. Then I think it’s fine as long as both the child and parents agree to it, unless of course the child is 18, then they can change it to whatever name they want