I went by a different name for a little while, and I don’t remember exactly how I chose it, but I do know that I had more trouble adjusting to returning to my birth name than I did adjusting to a new name. It just felt so right. I attempted to change it twice more from my chosen name to two other names at different points, and neither stuck. I’ve also considered changing it again since going back to my birth name, and though I like the name I had in mind much more than my birth name, that didn’t stick either, because my birth name is just right for me now.
I’m not sure how helpful this really is, but it was just right for me. I wasn’t a namenerd, I just found a name I liked, and I used it. I chose a really easy one, with a super accessable nickname, that everyone who called me by that name, used.
If I was suggesting something, maybe write your full name out, trying both first names. [name_m]You[/name_m] might find you prefer one first name over the other when it’s written out with the rest of your name. Look at yourself in the mirror, and say each name a few times, and see which one feels more like you. Maybe have a few close friends refer to you by one name for a few days, then the other, see which one feels more natural for you.
In the end, it’s not final, if you choose one, and decide you don’t want that to be your name, you can always change it. I had trouble changing mine again, because the one I picked the first time was truly me. If a name isn’t meant for you, there’s nothing wrong with changing it again.
All the best in your decision making!