Want to change my name

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I hate my real name so much that I've been on a quest to find a better one for several years now, and names were my main interest last year. The reasons I hate it are: it's old-fashioned, it has only one nickname that sounds childish, it sounds like a stereotypically stuck-up rich English lady and it just doesn't fit my image of myself. I know changing it might seem rude to my parents, but I can't help it. It just gets on my nerves so much... Ideally, I'd change it to a Japanese name, since Japanese culture and language has been a long-time interest of mine, but people would probably look at me weird and think "what's this white girl doing with a Japanese name?"

I was just reminded yesterday of this pet peeve of mine when I had to sign something at school that had my first and middle name on it... didn't go too wild, just went off on a rant about how jealous I was of the kids who didn't have middle names.

I never liked my given name, either - too old-fashioned. I settled for a nickname that's very similar and used among friends, though. It doesn't take it off the papers, but I don't have to hear it all the time.

I have been through that. I hated my first name for personal reasons until one day I had enough. I did my research on how to change my name in my state and filled out a few forms and easily change my first and last name (but kept my middle name).

It was the best $185 I ever spent. If you want to change your name, you should get it done as soon as possible. It is your life and no one can keep you from keeping your current name.

I'm exactly the same, OP. I've hated my given name my entire life, and 2 years ago I finally had another first name officially added, so I only use that one now and no longer dread signing things or introducing myself.
I can definitely recommend it. Just be sure to pick a name you actually like, and not one you just temporarily like.

Changing my name was easy. I just had to fill out a form, send it and wait for the confirmation. It was free.

I too have interest in names btw, I collect the good ones.

I have one of the most confusing names possible. Why?
1. I'm a mixed Asian & black male and my last name is Chinese. Because I look more black than Asian, the face doesn't match the name.
2. My first name, in America, is a girl's name. Again, lots of confusion ensues.
3. My last name is actually a confluence of two separate last names that my father came up with. Typical Chinese people find my last name to be curious, original and awkward. No one else has a name like that which, in Chinese nameology, makes no sense.
4. Because my last name is two words, government agencies often make the mistake and list the 2nd half of my last name as my main last name. This is, of course, incorrect.
5. Imagine being a black male with an Asian female name. Yeah. Cue the bullying.

Did you ever seen the Seinfeld episode with the American girl who had the Oriental name and Jerry asked her out thinking she was Chinese and she showed up and was American and it confused him?

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I'm giving it another shot. We will see.
My forum is still there and everyone is welcome to come join as well. There is a private women only subforum there if anyone is interested. Also, there is no CAPTCHA.

The link to the forum is http://www.rightplanet.proboards.com

I agree with the advice already given about being careful about which name you choose. I think if you choose a name attached to an interest you could end up disliking your new name if your interest changes.

My parents are from different countries. I got a name that is common in both countries, but sadly in the country where I live now its only used for people of the opposite sex. That I work as engineer in a technical office, doesnt help it either. Because I normally prefer E-mail contact, many are surprised when they call and first think I am my own secretary -.- or ask me in my office, if Mr. ... will come soon. XD I hated it as a kid, but as a teenager classmates had an idea for a nickname I really liked.

So you are not forced to have a nickname that is based to your name, so as example around my friends we have Lords, Dukes, Masters, Schizos, Bristles, Wolf and from a close friend of mine that I only knew with his nickname I had to ask for his name for an invitation card. XD

I like the fact that my name is a little unusual. I don't like the origins of it or the monotonous bad jokes that it invites, but it's fascinating when someone will chase me down because we share a name. Outside of family nicknames, I've never heard another name that suits.

Thanks, guys. I did have a brief phase where I went off Japanese culture (though that was mostly me caving to social pressure, as in I WANTED to like Japanese culture but felt that if I did it'd just isolate me from the world), but now my interest is back and I'm doing okay as far as getting along with people goes, and since I've always been really good at the Japanese language it's the career path I want to pursue so I'm making sure I don't tire of it at all.

Still, the names on my list for a first name are both Western, so the nod to Japanese culture will probably be hidden in the middle. (The names I'm considering up front are Laura and Alana, BTW, though my brother's teacher is Alanna, always called by her first name so that one's probably out... Middle name will be Haruka, and I don't care about how well it flows)

Well, whatever name you decide to go with just make sure it's something you can live with. If you want a Japanese name make sure you like the meaning of the name too.
I'm going through something similar myself. When most people hear my name they think I'm a boy, there are NO ways to make a cute nickname out of it, and every time someone calls my name I think "If I never hear this name again it'll be too soon". I can't use my middle name cause it's my best friends first name and one of my sisters' has the same middle name. I told my friends about it and they helped me make a list of names that might suit me. Maybe you should get some ideas from close friends as well.