Do you think I should change my name?

Question

I'm thinking of changing my surname. Do you think that its wrong to change one's family name?

I'm thinking of changing it for 2 reasons mainly.

The 1st reason is that I have never really liked my surname, probably because it sounds very funny, and many people find it hard to pronounce. It was also the source of a lot of teasing and buyllying from other kids during my school days.

The 2nd reason is because for a long time now I have been out of contact with my family. They were never really there for me while I was growing up, and we don't have much of a relationship. I hardly speak to any of my brothers, sisters or step-sisters. In fact I don't speak to anyone that shares my family name.

While I was homeless and living rough for a couple of years I had no contact with any of them.

Everyone in my family hates each other, and there is not much love there. I believe that if I change my surname it could be a new start for me, like a new chapter in my life.

should I?

Answer 1

Go for it.
Family ties are just that - ties that hold you. If the family is a happy one it is OK, but in your case it is not so why keep reminding yourself day after day?

Answer 2

Changing your name can be both good or bad if you feel the need to release yourself from your family then changing your name is one way but there are problems with legal work your birth certificate will always have your birth name any debts you have or things like a morgage can go into dissaray due to the miss match of paperwork and dont start with the problems the banks will up-roar on these problems can all be overcome but they can take a while and be prepared for lots of paperwork
but on the otherhand if this is the way you want to start a new life then i say go ahead just be prepared for the questions as to why should your family ever (for whatever reason or by whatever means) be reunited changing your name is the ultimate isolation for some people and could cause problems for any family you do get on with whatever you decide i wish you all the best
hope i've helped

Answer 3

When my husband was 16, he decided to change not only his surname (he had no contact with his father and his mother was changing her surname at the same time) but his first and middle name as well! He had had a very difficult life up until that point and he and his mother had decided to move to an entirely new state. He wanted to change his name to get away from the person he "had" been and to embrace a new start,. It was a difficult thing for his mother to go with, but in the end it was exactly what he needed. It sounds as if your reasons are similar. I say go for it...choose something that has meaning to you..and start the next chapter of your life!

OH...and when/if you get married, be sure you mention the name change before it's time for the marriage liscense! I found out about it when my husband to be mentioned I would need his name change papers as well as his birth certificate to get the liscense. I nearly fell over..I thought he was in witness protection until he explained!

Answer 4

I think you should because if you hate it soo much then i think it is right to do so i have had a lot of teasing in my life about my surname and i suppose you can make a joke out of anything but since your family dont bother then i think you should yeh its like a new chapter in ur life and you can be a new you.

Answer 5

You should do whatever you feel right about doing. Even though you seem fairly sure this is what you want to do, you are asking us this question so there must be a little doubt in you mind. Wait until there is no doubt. Please keep in mind though, a new name will not change the past. No matter what you try to change it will always be there. I say that you should be happy about who you are and where you are going in your life. You seem to have accomplished a great deal on your own. Be proud of that. -- Good luck in whatever you decide to do!

Answer 6

what is your name?

Answer 7

I decided when I was in my mid twenties (and single) that I was going to change my name when I hit thirty because mine was awful and nobody could spell it properly. I got married and now I have a surname which nobody can spell properly and gives me funny initials.

That was no help at all was it?

Answer 8

I honestly think u shouldn't change ur name. Reason is because ur family name is a really unique name and u r a unique person. If people don't like ur name, tough. Be proud of it.
Thnx
Wizdom
x

Answer 9

a friend of mine did for similar reasons and she doesn't regret it. could see it as a new start and a way of putting negative stuff behind you (the family stuff that is). wouldn't change it just cos some idiots in the past took the piss though.

Answer 10

Change it if thats wot you want. I changed both first and surname i do now regret changing the first name now, should have just stuck to the surname change.