I believe that a person is the one who defines the name, not the other way around. Any of these names could be used, but if you really want me to choose, then it’s [name_f]Lea[/name_f]/ [name_f]Lia[/name_f].
I do really like [name_f]Lea[/name_f]-pronounced-[name_m]LAY[/name_m]-a. If you aren’t game for the pronunciation problems that’ll probably come along with it, [name_f]Juliet[/name_f] it my pick. I think you could definitely pull off [name_f]Juliet[/name_f]!
Best of luck I also changed my name because I never identified with my legal name. I feel way more like myself!
The reason I want a name is because I live abroad now. It bothers me when I introduce myself with my “Wade-Giles” Mandarin name. First, it’s not so easy to pronounce or remember for non-mandarin speakers. 2nd, when Mandarin names written in ABC, it lost its meaning.
The 2nd reason bothers me the most, a name without meaning. Once a person who has learned Mandarin told me my name “Jing-Wun” is beautiful, because “Jing” means “crystal” or “silence”, though he doesn’t know what “wun” means. He is sweet and I didn’t tell him my “Jing” actually means “pacify”.
For us, the chinese characters stand also for one’s own personality, good wishes and expectations from parents. It’s a pitty that we can’t share it easily.
This website and the advices from you guys are really helpful, I will think over it and tell U my choice!
Cheers,
(and I don’t mind more picks and sharing!)
PS. I remember one thing that I want to remind my dear international friends, ask someone who really knows chinese before you get a chinese character tattoo!!