My best friend wants to change her first name from Manjula to Molly and asked me my opinion. I love the name Molly. What do you think - too drastic a change? It's a lovely name with a lot of meaning, but you wouldn't believe the strange pronunciations she gets, and she's pretty fond of the name Molly. But she is getting some flack from her parents because they think she is throwing away her heritage in attempt to have a more americanized name. I disagree completely, because a name doesn't define you or compose the essence of who you are. What do you think? Is it wrong to change the name one is given?
2007-10-05 17:08:14 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Baby Names
I don't mean to say that one's name isn't important - just that I don't see it as a definitive label or somehow indicative of a person's personality or any special destiny that a number of people seem to ascribe to a particular name. Because of this, I don't see the wrong in changing a name, but of course, her family does. For me a name is a tool of recognition, for us to recognize ourselves and for others to recognize us. So I do think names have more practical than mystical meaning.
2007-10-05 17:22:08 · update #1
I don't think it's wrong to change a name at all. I actually changed my name so it would be a lot easier for people to say. Not only that, but I still keep my old name in a way because only my parents call me by my real name. I think that if you are uncomfortable with your name, it's okay to change it so you have confidence and love the person you are! =)
2007-10-05 17:12:13 · answer #1 · answered by craz34jason 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Sometimes it is not what you want to do that causes parents to be upset but the way it is explained.
She could just say I would find it easier if I am referred to as Molly, but I dont want to throw away the name given to me by you (her parents). Manjula is a name that will always be important to me. Manjula is a special name and I don't want to throw it away. But in my social/school/work circle it makes it easier if I am known as Molly, for lots of reasons. Just like there are lots of reasons Manjula is special to me. Manjula will always be my name for my family and on official documents.
This way she is not throwing away the name given by her parents. This could be her compromise.
I can understand why she wants to simplyfy her name, I have an unusual maiden name and it was always getting mispronounced and I was frequently teased. It was hard when I was younger. By being referred to as Molly she may feel as if she fits in better. It is also uncomfortable having to correct people all the time and sometimes it can be really embarrassing.
She can keep her birth name for official documents - this will mean she does not have to go to the trouble of changing everything and as she gets older she may actually want to go back to using Manjula. We all change as we get older.
On forms she can fill in her full given name, Manjula ............ and then write next to it the following (preferred name Molly) that way people know to call her Molly.
2007-10-05 17:36:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Legally changing her name is not necessary. Many Indian people use an English nickname without going legal. It's totoally normal! She could just start using Molly, but keeping Manjula her legal name.
2007-10-05 17:11:17 · answer #3 · answered by paperpenandtea 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think Manjula is a very pretty Indian name, but I can understand why it would be a mouthful for English-speakers who've never seen it before. Would it be feasable for her to keep her name legally, but just go by Molly (or Julie, which I think is closer to Manjula)?
2007-10-06 11:59:05 · answer #4 · answered by Caitlin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If, as you conclude, a name doesn't really matter, then why bother changing it? Your final statements are contradictory.
Why doesn't your friend simply go by the name "Molly" instead? Lots of people have others call them by a name which isn't their given name and use that name for everything except legal documents. She can do the same thing.
2007-10-05 17:13:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's her life. If she really wants to change it legally she should. Maybe it would be easier if she started by just having people call her Molly for awhile first, to see if she really wants to keep it forever as a legal name. She may decide she hates it.
2007-10-05 20:24:31 · answer #6 · answered by LindaLou 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think maybe there is special meaning for her parents with Manjula. My daughters name is very special to me...
2007-10-05 19:24:59 · answer #7 · answered by Ashley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My friend is Indian. Her real name is Kindeep. But people just call her Kiesha, so just son't change her name just have everyone call her by Molly.
Good Luck!
2007-10-06 15:42:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like Molly. i dont understand the original name cant say it or spell it
2007-10-09 17:10:15 · answer #9 · answered by Nora 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would feel like I made a small mistake, but I wouldnt be bothered by it forever.. I would give you the money to go to court and do it, I think that would take care of my guilt
2016-05-17 07:30:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋