Changing My Name...?

Question

I'm thinking about changing my name. I'm 16 and I was wondering, Is it normal to change my name to something like this, i, for example, I'm french, could I change my name to another of Greek origin?

Or Jewish to Arabic or, whatever the combination was. Is it okay or frowned upon? Is anyone in a similar situation? ie. has a name of different origin?

It doesn't matter what age I am in my country. But I want to change it because 5 people in my family have the same name, my grandpa, three cousins and my uncle. All after my grandpa. Plus, my name just brings back extremely bad memories that I wish I could foget.

But the main reason is I just hate it, I NEVER liked it. So back to my original question... does it matter?

Answer 1

first off you can't change you name until you are 18 years old
you must or at least should retain an attorney as there several forms that must be properly filed and procedures that must be followed

Answer 2

Once you reach the age of 18, you can file a petition the the local court to legally change your name. It isn't "normal" in the sense that most people don't change their names, but it isn't unusual. Women get married and take their husband's name. Hollywood actors and actresses use stage names all the time.

Is it ok or frowned upon? That's more of a cultural issue. Talk to yoru family and friends or a pastor.

Answer 3

If you're in the United States, you can change your name to whatever you want, including a symbol, as evidenced by Prince. However, you need your parents to apply for the name change for you if you want to do it before you turn 18.

If you are not in the US, you should go to the appropriate country's YA board where someone would be more able to help you.

Answer 4

Why do you care what is "normal"? If you do this you realize you will be spending the rest of your life saying yes I know my name is Greek, but I am really French. Or yes I know my name is Arabic, but I am Jewish. Maybe you should pick something neutral.

Answer 5

I think naming yourself is one of the most empowering things you can do. I don't think it is disrepectful to your parents, particularly if they gave you a name already widely in use in the family. There are good legal reasons to change your name, such as not getting your credit report confused with other family members, especially if they share your address.

Answer 6

I think the quesiton is why do you want to change your name and beside if you are here in America you can't do that until you are 18 or unless you are being adopted by someone or one of your parents is getting married or remarried.

So ask yourself why first.

Answer 7

If you truly dispise your name then I say you should change it to whatever you want. You are the one who has to be called that everyday so it should be something you like. Please make sure that you are not disrespecting your parents by changing a name that they obviously like.

Hope this helps

Answer 8

Are you prepared for the legal red tape and expense to make the name change?

Answer 9

It' s not common practice, but yes you can- Cassius Clay changed his to Muhammed Ali

Answer 10

personally, i think its sad for someone to change their name. A name is something like a gift and changing it is a little insulting, dont you think?