I hate my name. What can I do about it?

Totally get you! You can start by using a nickname you like better. Try it out with friends and family first.

Can I legally change my name if I don't like it?

Absolutely! You can change your name legally, though it might involve some paperwork and a bit of a process, depending on where you live.

Is it normal to hate your name?

You're not alone! Many people feel this way at some point. It's super personal and can be tied to lots of different feelings and experiences.

How do I choose a new name for myself?

Pick something that resonates with you! You can look into meanings, origins, or just go with what feels right. Ask friends for opinions or try it out for a bit before making it official.

What if my family doesn't support me wanting to change my name?

This can be tough. Start by explaining how much this means to you and why. Sometimes it takes a little time for people to come around, but your happiness is what truly matters.

7 Things You Can do if You Hate Your Name ...

How many of us really love our name? It's strange how we change so many things about our appearance, but stick with the name we were given at birth. Yet often we don't really like our name, and would secretly prefer something different. But what if you really loathe your name and feel so wrong using it? Here are some things you can do if you hate your name …

1. Consider Why You Hate It

Why do you actually hate your name? Is it because of unpleasant associations, or that it just doesn't feel right for you? Do you dislike it because it's unusual? Work out why you don't like your name. Once you understand the reasons, you may be able to make yourself more comfortable with it.

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Understanding the root of your disdain may give you the tools to reframe your feelings or explain them to others. For instance, if a strikingly distinctive name is the culprit, you might discover pride in its uniqueness over time or recognize the memorable impression it leaves. Conversely, if it doesn't resonate with your sense of self, experimenting with variations or nicknames could offer a sense of control and personal identity. Embracing the story behind your name might also help; knowing it carries a family legacy or a special meaning can transform your perception of it from a burden to an honor.

2. Shorten It

Using a shorter version of your name can make it more palatable. Perhaps you don't like being called Alexandra because it's too long, or you're more of a tomboy type. Some people probably call you Alex already; just ask everyone else to use the shorter version as well. It may take some time for them to get used to the shorter version, but they will do.

Frequently asked questions

: Totally get you! You can start by using a nickname you like better. Try it out with friends and family first.
: Absolutely! You can change your name legally, though it might involve some paperwork and a bit of a process, depending on where you live.
: You're not alone! Many people feel this way at some point. It's super personal and can be tied to lots of different feelings and experiences.
: Pick something that resonates with you! You can look into meanings, origins, or just go with what feels right. Ask friends for opinions or try it out for a bit before making it official.
: This can be tough. Start by explaining how much this means to you and why. Sometimes it takes a little time for people to come around, but your happiness is what truly matters.

3. Use Your Middle Name or Nickname

You can also use a middle name or nickname instead of your first name. For example, if your parents picked an unusual name like Princess, you're not going to be taken very seriously if you want to become a lawyer! Switch to your middle name instead if it's more conventional.

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If using your middle name feels too formal or doesn't quite fit, a nickname can be a fabulous choice. It could be a shortened version of your name or something entirely new that resonates with your personality. Imagine going from Bartholomew to Bart, instantly adopting a vibe that's easier to carry in social situations. It's all about crafting an identity that you're comfortable with and gives you the confidence to make your mark in the world. Remember, it's not just a name; it’s a statement of who you are.

4. Go for a Variation

You might like your name more if you used a variation such as a foreign spelling. Sometimes that will look and feel more 'right'. If your name is Elizabeth, what about changing it to Isabella, which can feel more exotic? Margaret instantly becomes more exciting when turned into Margarita or Greta.

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Consider exploring the etymological roots of your name for inspiration; many names have fascinating histories that might resonate with you. For instance, if Alexander doesn't spark joy, you might find Alessandro or Sasha to be a refreshing twist. Embrace the opportunity to reinvent your identity while still holding on to the essence of your original name. Remember that a slight modification can sometimes make a world of difference in how you perceive and project yourself.

5. Look for an Inspirational Namesake

Perhaps you didn't like being called Megan because it reminds you of another Megan that you hated at school. Looking for a famous namesake to inspire you can help you see your name in a new light. Enter Megan Fox - who would mind sharing a name with her?

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You can draw inspiration from historical figures, celebrities, or even fictional characters that carry the same name as you. Imagine sharing your moniker with a notable leader like Margaret Thatcher, or a literary heroine such as Elizabeth Bennet. Reflecting on their strengths and achievements can imbue your own name with additional meaning and pride. It's like a touch of their sparkle has been sprinkled onto you. Plus, when introduced, it might spark a delightful conversation about someone you admire, further associating your name with positive, empowering traits.

6. Change the Spelling

Sometimes a simple change of spelling can make your name feel more comfortable. I'm not that fond of my name, though I've never thought about changing it. But if I wanted I could spell it Allison, Alyson or Allyson. Similarly, Katherine can become Catherine or Katheryn. It might not seem that big a difference, but for some people a different spelling just feels 'right'.

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If you don't like your name, there are a few things you can do to make it feel more comfortable. Changing the spelling of your name is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make your name feel more like you. For example, if your name is Allison, you could spell it Alyson or Allyson. Similarly, Katherine can become Catherine or Katheryn. It may seem like a small change, but for some people, a different spelling can make all the difference.

There are other ways to make your name feel more like you as well. For instance, you could adopt a nickname or alter your name in some other way. You could even create a completely new name for yourself. This is more common than you might think; many people have changed their names to something they felt more connected to.

You can also find ways to make your name more meaningful. For example, you could research the meaning behind your name and find out what it says about you. You could also add a meaningful middle name to your name, or combine two names that you like to create a new name.

7. Choose a New Name

Why should only famous people get to choose the name they want to be known by? If your name doesn't feel right for you, change it. After all, our parents choose a name without knowing the person we'll turn into. So it's not really surprising that we may end up not fitting that name.

You can be known by a new name informally without going through a legal name change. It's up to you. Oh, and apologies to anyone who has the names I've mentioned and loves their name- I'm not suggesting that there's anything wrong with them, but have simply used them as examples for how to pick a 'new' name.

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

#2 what do i shorten naomi to?

This is something I really want to do. My birth name, Stephanie (especially being called Steph) makes me feel really angry and upset every time it’s used. I dislike introducing myself with it, writing it, and having other people use it. On the other hand, Jillian feels like the most beautiful name in the world to me, and I love the nickname Jill. If anyone here is thinking of changing their name, go for it. You’ll be letting yourself down if you go through life with a name and identity you dislike. ❤️

#3 If you don't like your middle name either?..

my name is naomi what should i shorten it too (not omi because i want that to be something only family and close friends call me)

Hard one I used to hate my nAme but now I love it

My name is Nijah and I just don't like that people can't spell it or pronounce it

I never liked my birth name, and never will. Before I was born, my parents were thinking on giving me two names, one of which being Elizabeth, and in my personal preference I like it so much better than what they ended up naming me. They ended up only giving me one name because it would’ve been too long with my last names. I was named after a Jewish prophet because my dad’s a Jewish, but it’s not even one of the 7 prophets, not even close, and there’s many other great Jewish names I could’ve been named as, such as Maya (what I want to be referred as). I never liked my real name for a number of reasons, such as of how rare it is. Sure, it’s a pretty common name in Israel but finding things such as famous actors, movie or cartoon characters who have my name is a task, and when you find one it’s so obscure you don’t even know what they’re from. I’ve always liked the idea of a character being named just like you, even if it is for the better or for the worse (unless you’re named something like Adolf, in that case…. I’m real sorry). Another thing I hate about my name is the pronunciation in English. I’m making plans to move to the USA, and when that time comes I want people to greet me with a name that’s easy to pronounce. Even though I’ve mentioned my dad being Jewish and choosing a name from Israel, I’m actually Mexican, so pronouncing my name in Spanish isn’t very difficult, but in English, it just sounds like the word “jail” and I don’t want people to know me as “jail”. Another thing is, despite being a gender neutral name, and despite it being more female oriented in Israel, most people make it a male oriented name, with only one letter apart from being a completely male name so whenever I tell people my real name I get told “oh that’s a boys name” and that makes me pretty insecure. I also don’t really like shortening my last names since they’re kinda weird too. Instead of changing my first name, I’ll add “Maya” as a middle name, so when I get to know other people they have less difficulty pronouncing my name right and I get more comfortable with my identity, while still having my family members call me my real birth name.