Changing first name

[beevo12]

I have decided to change my first name....finally. This is something I've wanted to do for YEARS. I feel like my current name has really held me back in my life. I feel like employers don't look twice at my application and I don't want my kids having a mother with a name like mine. So what I want to know is, do you know anyone who did this or have you yourself changed your first name? I realize my name is a part of me and at 30 years old, it always will. I plan on moving my first name now to my middle name and then get a whole new first name. I just want to know some experiences. Do you think people would still call me by my old name? Probably..... Or maybe in a few years they will be used to my new name and it will "stick". It's such a pain but I need to do this.

[imagirliegirl]

I started going by my middle name when I was about 18. I haven't legally eliminated my first name yet but I hate it SO much. I looked into changing it when I lived in Texas but the lawyer I spoke to said it's become incredibly difficult since 9/11. I happen to think that's very stupid since I have a birth certificate that says I was born in this country and I should be able to change my name if I want to but ...

I live in another state now so I'm going to try again here.

Anyway, I still talk to a few people who knew me before I changed my name but they all call me by my middle name now. They understand why I don't want to be called by my first name. It was a bit of an adjustment but most of them caught the mistake if they said the wrong thing. If they didn't, I had no problem with correcting them! Some people, like medical staff etc... still call me by my first name because it's my "legal name" but I just correct them (sometimes over and over and over) until they call me by the correct name.

[ejs]

I think people will still call you by your current name. It would be one thing if you've been going by, for example, Kate and now want to be Katherine. But it might be strange for people who have been calling you Kate for years to now call you Susan.

[Rosebud]

A friend of mine changed her first name at about age 30. She also got married around that time, so her first and last name are now completely different. It took a little while to get used to calling her something else, but now it's second nature. Something like this is a personal choice and I think everyone in your life will respect your wishes and call you by the name you choose. Good luck!

[EJH]

my cousin changed his name. he actually changed it to something that was a nickname of his for years -- one day he made it official.

to be honest, i STILL call him by his given name, Kristopher, it's just really hard to not. We all do, actually. And we joke with him about it and he understands that the family is just having a hard time with the idea of him not being Kris anymore.

[diam124]

My MIL changed her name when she was in her 20's. It's not drastically different from her old name, but it is different. The only people who call her her old name are her parents. IMO, her "new" name just fits her better so I understand why she changed it. I say go for it but be prepared that it might take some time for other people to get used to it.

[beevo12]

Thank you for all your great advice and stories so far. I WILL be legally changing my name. If you had my name, you would too. LOL.:p

[PinkMartini]

I WILL be legally changing my name. If you had my name, you would too. LOL.:p

Now I'm curious :p I can't think of a single female name that horrible... Is it a males name?

[gardenmommy]

We had a good college friend of ours do this after college. It was weird getting used to it but I applaud him for doing it and he politely reminds people of his new name if they call him by his old one.

IMO life is too short to go around with a name you hate.

BTW, what are your plans for your new name? How did you decide on the replacement?

[Ellyn]

Now I'm curious I can't think of a single female name that horribleThis is what I was thinking...this is like that Seinfeld episode where her name rhymed with a part of the female anatomy. :D So are you going to give us a clue? ;)
ETA: I had a student (8th grader) change his name last year to his father's name - his father was pretty much on his death bed and the kid got his name changed to honor his father. It took a few months, and he'd correct people, but soon it stuck, and most of the time I forget he used to go by something else.

[Angie]

Not really advice, but just wanted to add a comment. About a year ago (I'm 30 now), I found out that my mom's real name is different than what I have always known it to be. What's crazy is that my dad didn't know either! My grandmother (dad's mom) had dug up their marriage license and it had her original name on it. I'm not sure how my dad didn't notice when he signed it when they were getting married, but that's another story. It was really strange when he told me, it was like she had been leading a double life or something...

[pixiecat]

You're not going to change it to "Bambie" are you? Cause a woman at my work changed her name to Bambie... and it is very awkward, being that we are not a strip club.

Otherwise, I'm all for it! I have a friend who is an actress (stage) and has a completely different first and last name than the one I grew up with. I call her by her stage name b/c that is what she prefers, no big deal!

[beevo12]

Pixiecat LOL. Nope, no Bambi here! I want something normal, but not necessarily "vanilla" if that makes any sense.

Ellyn Ahh yes, I love that episode. Deloris!! hahaha.

Ok, I'm not telling you my name just yet. How about you tell me what I look like to you. I have narrowed the names down so far to 3 names.....in no particular order: Valerie, Heidi, Brooke. (My DH thinks Brooke sounds funny with the last name or else I really love that name, and Heidi too, but I kind of look more like a Valerie, no?) My last name is the name of a color and starts with a B.

Me:(in the middle) I'm going to erase this pic in a few days.(I was 7 months pg here so give me a break on my roots, hehee.)

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a31/beevo12/P1050299.jpg

[nawsgirl]

I agree that it may take a while for people to start calling you the new name, but it's your life and your name, and if it's making you miserable then you should change it. Of the names you mentioned I think you look most like a Brooke, but for some reason I was also thinking Sabrina or something like that would be pretty... good luck!

[ManteoChik]

My vote is for Heidi! :D

I don't think I know anyone that has ever changed their name before because they didn't like it. I'm sure it'll take quite a bit of correcting people - and while its probably none of anyone's business I'm sure you'll get asked A LOT why you changed your name.

ETA: As a kid, I always wished my name was Claudia and I used to tell my mom I was going to change my name when I got older...lol.

[EJH]

Brooke, that seems like it would fit the picture!

[beevo12]

My vote is for Heidi! :D

I don't think I know anyone that has ever changed their name before because they didn't like it. I'm sure it'll take quite a bit of correcting people - and while its probably none of anyone's business I'm sure you'll get asked A LOT why you changed your name.

ETA: As a kid, I always wished my name was Claudia and I used to tell my mom I was going to change my name when I got older...lol.


If they know my real first name, they won't even ask why, I GUARANTEE you. My name is THAT BAD.

[PinkMartini]

I vote Brooke as well :)

[Aimee]

Of the three names you picked, I think you look like a Brooke.

[ManteoChik]

If they know my real first name, they won't even ask why, I GUARANTEE you. My name is THAT BAD.

Now you have me REALLY curious! How long are you going to make us wait before you tell us what your name is? :)

[Yolanda]

I showed DH your pic and he instantly said you look like a Valerie. I like Brooke.

[ManteoChik]

I could also see you as a Hailey, Alyssa, or Blair.

Yeah, I have some free time tonight...lol.

[Walton]

I like Brooke too, but if you don't think it flows with your last name then don't do it. Valerie would be my next choice.

[beevo12]

Now you have me REALLY curious! How long are you going to make us wait before you tell us what your name is? :)


OMG, I don't know if I can now! I've built it up and you guys' jaws are going to drop. I'll tell you that you most likely heard the name before, just not on a REAL person.

oooh I like Hailey, but I think it sounds kind of too young for me. I beat up a chick named Alyssa once. hehe.

Thanks Yolanda!! (My real first name starts with a Y)

[Yolanda]

Oh, now you have to tell us! I am racking my brain and I just can't think of anything that bad.

[karlatta]

beevo, I know your first name, and I've always really liked it! But I can see why you would want to change it.

I vote Valerie - it goes best with your last name, in my opinion. Heidi does as well, but you don't look like a Heidi to me.

[honeygirl]

Is it Yage?

J/K. I think that people will catch on and hopefully be supportive. You should throw a "New Name Party" once you decide. You could make name favors or have name themed games.

[beevo12]

Karlatta HI! I knew someone would come in and know my name. :) I guess with a little searching people could find it on this site!!;):p Thanks for your vote!

[beevo12]

Is it Yage?

J/K. I think that people will catch on and hopefully be supportive. You should throw a "New Name Party" once you decide. You could make name favors or have name themed games.


LOL. Nope, I would welcome that name. I would rather be named Harry than my current name.:) LOL.


oooh any excuse to have a party!

[karlatta]

Karlatta HI! I knew someone would come in and know my name. :) I guess with a little searching people could find it on this site!!;):p Thanks for your vote!
Hee. I know it from seeing comments in mutual friends' journals on LJ.

[DallasLady]

Karlatta HI! I knew someone would come in and know my name. :) I guess with a little searching people could find it on this site!!;):p Thanks for your vote!

Were you on WC? The "it starts with a Y" and "not on a real person" clues make me think think that I remember your name. If I am correct, I don't think it's horrible, but I do understand you wanting to change it. Will your mom and dad be upset?

And I think you look like a Brooke also. Is it not an option to just flip your current first and middle names?

[Abby'sMom]

I know your name from the TTC threads back on WC in... oh, 2003 or so? ;) Last name, too. (I guess you weren't as secretive back then!)

Anyway, Heidi or Brooke. But I agree that the Brooke Bxxxx sound is kind of... streamlined? Dunno. It sounds a lot like Brooke Burke, in a way.

[PinkMartini]

Will your mom and dad be upset?

I was going to ask that as well..

[pixiecat]

Argh! I almost remember your real name & it's driving me nuts!

[gardenmommy]

I'm not sure from where but I know your real first name too..i guess just from being around. I don't blame you for wanting to change it either, but I was also wondering about your mom and dad and what they will think.

And FWIW I think you look most like a Brooke and think a double B name sounds good.

[ejs]

Either Valerie or Brooke. When I think of Heidi, I think of a very fair-skinned, towheaded girl.

[pixiecat]

Either Valerie or Brooke. When I think of Heidi, I think of a very fair-skinned, towheaded girl.
With braids. Who lives in the alps.


Actually, I like Heidi, but I really like Brooke.

[ejs]

With braids. Who lives in the alps.

Exactly! Or that chick from The Hills.

[Natasha]

From your picture, I say Valerie. And I think a new name party would be awesome!

[malala]

I'm pretty sure I know what your name is, and I don't think it's that bad. But if you don't like it, I think it's great that you want to change it.
I don't know about the flow with your last name, but to me you look like a Brooke.
Good luck!

[hub1176]

I'm with pixiecat, I *almost* remember your name from the old days and it's killing me!:)
I guess my one thought it that if your new name is that much different than your old name, you might have a harder time getting it to "stick"
But I'm also someone who couldn't wait to change my last name because of all the nonsense that went with it, so I can totally understand that.
Good Luck!

[beevo12]

Will my parents be upset?

Well, I only keep in contact with my mom and she knows that I've always wanted to do it, she just never thought I would actually go through with it. She is supportive of it though. She says she'll still call me my old name probably though and that's ok I guess.

Why don't I use my middle name as my first name?

I don't have a middle name.:D


I cringe every time I have to introduce myself. I try and avoid it at all costs. Then I think I mumble it which makes it worse and then I have to repeat my name. ugh.

If you search the July 2007 mommies thread, you'll find my name.:) Then you'll see what associations I get. I'll just tell you that no my mom did not name me after this person, I actually was born a little bit before this movie came out. It's actually a short version of my whole name which would be impossible to go by. The whole name is 10 letters and isn't pronounced to what it looks like.

[Ellyn]

I knew I remembered your name...it was driving me crazy because i remember reading it somewhere. :) Now the views on our July mommies thread went through the roof! :D Where did your parents get your name from?

I like Brooke or Heidi. I think if your last name is what I am assuming it is, it sounds good with Brooke. :) Let us know which you choose!

[ManteoChik]

Okay, I can see why you'd want to change your name. ;)

I really like Brooke and Heidi. I like Brooke for you, but since you are concerned about how it will go with your last name I would pick Heidi.

[beevo12]

LOL. Ya, see what I mean? I'm really leaning towards Brooke. I don't mind how it sounds with my last name. I dont think it sounds bad at all, it's just a double B. But like someone said, Brooke Burke is the same thing.

[ManteoChik]

LOL. Ya, see what I mean? I'm really leaning towards Brooke. I don't mind how it sounds with my last name. I dont think it sounds bad at all, it's just a double B. But like someone said, Brooke Burke is the same thing.

Since you said you don't have a middle name, why not come up with a middle name? It might help to break up the double B.

Like, Brooke Veronica Bxxxx (or any other name for the middle)

[sewhappy]

Brooke Burke flows better because there is only a double B sound...I'm guessing your name would be Brooke Br---...the double Br sound does make it sound a bit clunky - that is, if your last name is also one syllable. I would vote for Valerie.

[beevo12]

Since you said you don't have a middle name, why not come up with a middle name? It might help to break up the double B.

Like, Brooke Veronica Bxxxx (or any other name for the middle)

Well I was just going to move my first name now to my middle name but make it the long version. Noone will ever really use my middle name anyways, but then when people still call me by my name now and people ask why I can just say... "Oh, thats part of my mn

[Esq.]

I remember your name only bc of a thread where you and someone else were joking around about posting a picture of yourself and you posted a picture of...well, I guess I shouldn't say who...but you know who.

I don't think your name is horrible, but I can understand why you want to change it. Hell, I have wanted to change my name only bc of the spelling and mispronunciation issue (it is Kyrsten). And you should see my whole name...I have a hyphenated middle name that is 14 letters long. I can definitely understand where you are coming from.

My vote is for Brooke. :)

ETA: I do know someone who changed his name. And this is going to be really funny...especially to you. He is a prosecutor in Wayne County, Michigan. And his legal name is Luke Skywalker, and everyone calls him Luke or Mr. Skywalker.

Maybe you should just change your name to Leia. ;)

[pontmarie]

I vote for Brooke, too.

[salysaturn]

hmmm...yeah, I can see the need for a name change :)

DH dropped the -ie from the end of his name when he joined the Army in 1991. He was 18. When we moved to WV, he didn't have his official document, and they were strict on the info on your DL has to match your name on your Birth Certificate, so we had to get a hold of PA to get documents transferred over. I am guessing it was easy because of the pre-9/11 era. I don't think it will be very hard anyway. I guess you go to your local court like when you get your marriage license and they would have information. I am pretty sure we went to orphan court when we went for ours.

[junkinmytrunk]

I know your name from around the boards, too. It has probably been super hard for you -- my maiden last name is SOOOOOO BAD I seriously know the pain you experience(d) when introducing yourself, etc. In fact, I am divorced and kept my MARRIED name to avoid the old last name. So I feel ya and support your decision. Big tiime.

And FWIW before you even posted your choices, I looked at you and thought, "Wow, she'd make a good Brooke!"

So there you have my opinion. :D

[diam124]

I also think you look more like Brooke (out of the names you posted). I could also see you being a Jessica.

[imagirliegirl]

Totally don't blame you for wanting to change that. I bet your friends would be understanding and try really hard to call you by the new name.

I'm curious why your parents chose that, but I guess you can't really answer without saying what it is. Which you should so we don't all have to go search. :p

[sewhappy]

Oooooh, I really like both Jessica and Veronica for you! (Although I'm not sure I like them with your "new" middle name.)

I also like Holly, Cynthia (Cindy) and...shoot...I thought of another name...will post back if I remember.

[DallasLady]

How about choosing a new name that starts with a Y so it's not such a jarring change? Like Yvonne or Yolanda or something like that?

[sewhappy]

How about choosing a new name that starts with a Y so it's not such a jarring change? Like Yvonne or Yolanda or something like that?

Interesting - I thought of that, too - but then I thought that by HAVING it be more of a complete change, people might actually remember, as opposed to having it be too similar to her old name. I think she could pass as a "Yvonne" but it doesn't sound like her old name, despite both starting with a Y...she doesn't look like a Yolanda to me.

ETA DallasLady - your suggestion of Yolanda made me think of another "Yo" name that I think might suit the OP better (imo, only, of course!) - Yoanna...she could also use "Anna" as a nickname.

[udsweetpea]

I found it, and I think it is really interesting (in a good way)! Is it a family name? I can totally understand why you would change it though. I think you look like a Valerie.

[thompso2]

My DH votes for Valerie, but I think you look more like a Brooke.

[Rose]

I think you look like a Brooke and I also like that name the best.

[Scooter]

Well I already told you but I still vote for Brooke. It really fits you! Even with your last name. :)

[Adaya]

I vote for Valerie.

[attorneymom]

I vote for Brooke

[Myra]

I like Valerie best. I read that people tend to stereotype Brooke as a spoiled or a snob.

[skyblu]

Someone on my LJ friends list had posted your photo (same one you posted) a while back and asked for opinions on what name might suit you best.

I said you looked like an Ashleigh, but Brooke really suits you, too!

FWIW, she didn't mention your real name in the post, but looking through the Jul 2007 thread I can see why you'd want to change it. I'm curious as to what your full first name is, though!

[imagirliegirl]

I really like Valerie but Brooke is pretty too! :)

[mamax2]

I like Valerie - it's grown up, but still fun, like "Hey, this is my friend, Val!"

[NotDesperate]

I like Valerie and you could go by Val for short. I also like Brooke.

And I don't know what is up with the frowney face next to your picture- I think you are gorgeous! Even with roots- which I wouldn't have noticed and barely did after you pointed them out!

[Leia]

I like Brooke, but I think all 3 options suit you.

In answer to your original question, I do have friend that did this! She changed from Emily to Hillary. (Personally, I like both names - but she had been named after her grandmother and she associated the name with an older generation).

She kept her first and middle names, and just tacked on a new first name so she had 2 middle names. She did it verbally for years, and then started transitioning to using it on documents, and only then did she legally change it (more than 10 years later, when she was in her early 30s). It was surprisingly easy for her use a different first name on things. Before the legal name change, she would refer to herself as Hillary and sign everything OriginalFirstNameInitial OriginalMiddleNameInitial Hillary LastName. However, when she changed her name legally, it became Hillary OriginalFirstName OriginalMiddleName LastName, and she just goes by Hillary LastName.

Her family still calls her Emily. As far as friends/work are concerned, she had no problems with them learning to call her a new name.

One thing I might suggest, if your last name is the color I think it is, it might be worth checking to see if there are a million people in your town or area with your new first and last name. I have very common first and last names, and it causes a lot of confusion.

[GlamaGal]

I think it's great you are changing your name. I vote Valerie. While I like Brooke, I do agree with PPs that sometimes it's associated with a spoiled person. Not sure why. Your name certainly doesn't match your pretty face.

To pick your own name. Wow! The possibilities are endless...

[diam124]

Huh, I wonder why people associate Brooke with snottiness. I've always thought it was a very feminine name, but in a natural beauty sort of way.

[ShamrockBride]

DH likes Heidi,
I say Brooke :)

to me Valerie doesn't really fit, but its probably because I've not met anyone named Valerie, and I always viewed it as a snobby rich name.... weird the way people judge names. In fifth grade I was dead set on changing my name, for reasons you could probably figure out pretty easily, I think I wanted to be Sabrina... which I don't think would fit me, choosing your own name would be hard!

[Tracie]

I've always liked the name Heidi, and I also think you'd make a great Brooke. While your name is interesting, I completely understand why you'd want to change it!

A coworker of mine changed her name when she became a US citizen. Her new name wasn't all that different from her original name - in fact I told her she should keep her original name and use the new name as a nickname. But I also thought her original name was really pretty. It did take some getting used to but mostly we do call her the new name. I catch myself slipping every so often.

[ShamrockBride]

I will say I found your shortened name... and wonder about the long version, DH and I totally blanked on what it might be... is that weird?

[Yvangeline]

I also think you look like a Brooke :)

(BTW, I just found your real name. From the clues you had given, though, I was thinking it was "Yentl" - LOL!)

[Ribbit]

BTW, I just found your real name. From the clues you had given, though, I was thinking it was "Yentl" - LOL!

I was totally thinking that, too! :D

Another vote here for Brooke, but I could also see you as a Mandy or Jessica.

[beevo12]

You guys are all so great. I've been thinking about names for quite awhile now(a month) It is certainly hard to name yourself! I mean, how many people get to do that?! For those of you that wonder my whole name..... Yotaklokwa The k's sound like g's and the o's are long sounding. Like this...Yotaglogwa. It means first snow in Oneida Indian. I guess my mom called some Native American place and asked what first snow was in their language and that's what came out. (I was born on the first day of snow that year) I'm still keeping the whole name as my middle name even though it doesn't really go with any first name. Besides, who calls you by first name, mn, then last name anyways? Not many people.


So I've decided....... Brooke it is!

[imagirliegirl]

I'm glad you're keeping it as your middle name just because it's such a pretty story. I also love that it means something. :)

You'll have to let us know when it's all finalized! You inspired me to look into name changes in my state. I have to wait until August because you have to reside in your county for a year before they allow it.

[kendriln]

Good luck with the name change process!

FWIW, I love your name and the story behind it. :)

[Adaya]

Besides, who calls you by first name, mn, then last name anyways?


Nobody except your parents when they are mad and yell it out....."Sarah Elizabeth come here right now!" or "You are really making me angry John David, now stop it." LOL!!

So, it's safe to say, no one will be doing that to you. :D

[pixiecat]

Doesn't your DH have a "Br" name too? I'm sure it sounds great with your last name! Congrats on the decision, I totally love it!

[Rose]

I think it's nice that you're keeping the name as your middle. It's a beautiful translation.

Good luck Brooke! ;)

[melmo]

I was on WC and I when you talked about your parents giving you an unusual name I always thought your real name was Beevo.

Brooke is my middle name, so I think it's lovely!

I hope your new name brings you peace and happiness!

[solongtogo]

I'm chiming in late, but I would have picked Brooke out of your list of names as well. And for the record, I did like your nickname Yota...it's different, which makes it great. My maiden name was horrible...I used to get made fun of a lot for it when I was growing up, so I can understand how you feel.

[mrschica]

Cute name story! I'm glad you're keeping it as your middle name and I love the name Brooke, but I'm biased. I'm a B name, so is my daughter, as well as my mom and sister. B's rule the world. ;)

[jh124]

FWIW, I changed my name when I was 12. Legally, it's still the first name, but my friends, family, resume, business cards, etc, all say my "new" name. There are a very few people that still call me by my real first name - old family friends that didn't see me much after the age of 5. They are forgiven. The rest better get on the bandwagon.

[dionysia]

I remembered you were Yota from others' LJs, but I didn't know your full name or the story behind it. Yota always reminded me of the Greek letter Iota (prn Yo-tah), rather than a Star Wars character. :)

[Dally]

Brooke is pretty and goes with your picture.

My sister changed her name when she was in her mid-20s. It was hard for us, her family, at first. We kept forgetting and calling her by her old name. But now, 15 years later, it's easy to remember and the new name really seems like her. And many people her in life have never known her by any other name. I definitely think a first name change can be successful.

[Sha259]

Chiming in late also, but from that pic Valerie or Brooke looks to suit you best. Heidi just says ditz from the Hills to me now, which is sad, cause I do think it's a pretty name.

Once the deed is done you'll have to come back and tell us which one you chose. Then we can all throw you a vertual name party.

And you're original name is really unique, so I think keeping it as a middle is a great idea. At least your name has a story behind it and a beautiful meaning. My middle name is just an extension of my first name (my mother had no imagination).

ETA - nevermind...I see that you chose Brooke! Why am I always late! :rolleyes:

[Kimberland30]

I'm glad you chose Brooke because I love that name.

My BFFs name is Heidi and I never connected it to the Hills until reading this, LOL.

My brother went by his middle name until he got to elementary school. Then he decided he wanted to be called by his very common first name. Then about 7 years ago he decided that his first name was TOO common, and wanted to go by his middle name again. I still call him by his first name, but others know him as his middle name. It gets confusing when we are around "new" people and I say his name...they think they've been calling him the wrong name all along!

:)

Good luck with the name change!

[WonderWoman]

Hey Brooke! Good name choice (although I do have to say I love your old name...and totally understand why you would want to change it at the same time). Congrats on picking something that suits you and makes you happy! :)

(Just out of curiousity: Are you a Texas Aggie? BEEVO12 makes me think yes.)

[DallasLady]

(Just out of curiousity: Are you a Texas Aggie? BEEVO12 makes me think yes.)

Actually, wouldn't "Beevo" be UT and not A&M?

[PinkMartini]

FWIW, I love your name and the story behind it. :)

Me as well!!!

Glad you made a decision! Brooke is a great name and was on our 'short list' of names for our DD ;)

[WonderWoman]

Possibly. I think Beevo go his name because the Aggies kidnapped him and branded him and then UT turned it into that...so you could be right. I think the Aggies take credit for giving him the name. I guess I was thinking of the Aggie 12th man. But I could be totally confused...wouldn't be the first time :P

[hdewey]

You will probly have to keep correcting people, but they will get used to it.

[phoenics]

Okay I saw the name...

Does that name mean something? I wondered if it had some kind of cultural or historical significance? The reason I ask is because I'm generally sensitive when I feel as though someone is being forced to 'assimilate' into mainstream culture by assuming a more 'european' (read: caucasian) name.

Of course it's your choice what you want to do, I guess it was your comment that you felt it messed you up on job applications that got me. I hate the fact that people are discriminated against because of their names.

My name is rather unusual and I have a very unusual middle name, which I often spell out on job applications - daring anyone to not look at my resume because of it... lol if they looked up both of my names, they *should* want to hire me even more because of their meaning.

Anyway - as far as names go, when I saw your pic, I thought 'Brooke', but when I read your name, it really seemed to fit too - I don't know why. But definitely go with Brooke if that makes you happy.

I'm really sorry that you never grew into liking your name - that's got to be hard. I hated my name as a child, but eventually grew to love it and now I wouldn't part with it for the world. I hope that your new name is something you will never want to part with and that it makes you happy.

Good luck!

[beevo12]

Beevo is from an old movie called "Shag" That's what they called beers and my friends and I caught on and started using the word, so that's what that came from.

phonics I actually love different names and names with meaning and I'm very proud of my heritage. The problem is when Star Wars came out. Being named the same name as a short green "thing" that talks funny was not cool and it made it very hard for me. I thought people would grow up eventually but that's not the case. I'm tired of being the butt of jokes and the center of attention revolving around me and my name. It's really embarrassing. Its the same with jobs, I wonder how many opportunities I missed out on because someone thought, oh ya sure, Yota applied for a job. And the discrimination thing about not being a caucasian name is very true but that's not the reason I changed it. I want someone to look at my name and say, Brooke applied for a job and then look at my qualifications, not Yota applied for a job, what a funny name!! HAHAHA. Star Wars. KWIM?

[imagirliegirl]

(Just out of curiousity: Are you a Texas Aggie? BEEVO12 makes me think yes.)

(hijack)

Oh HELL no!!! You did not just put poor defenseless Texas next to the word Aggie. :eek::p

(/hijack)

Back on topic - isn't the Star War's Yoda with a D? I don't think it's that funny that your name is Yota. It's not the same. People are morons.

[phoenics]

Beevo is from an old movie called "Shag" That's what they called beers and my friends and I caught on and started using the word, so that's what that came from.

phonics I actually love different names and names with meaning and I'm very proud of my heritage. The problem is when Star Wars came out. Being named the same name as a short green "thing" that talks funny was not cool and it made it very hard for me. I thought people would grow up eventually but that's not the case. I'm tired of being the butt of jokes and the center of attention revolving around me and my name. It's really embarrassing. Its the same with jobs, I wonder how many opportunities I missed out on because someone thought, oh ya sure, Yota applied for a job. And the discrimination thing about not being a caucasian name is very true but that's not the reason I changed it. I want someone to look at my name and say, Brooke applied for a job and then look at my qualifications, not Yota applied for a job, what a funny name!! HAHAHA. Star Wars. KWIM?

I understand. I didn't even notice the Star Wars reference until someone on the thread mentioned it, and I'm a huge SW geek... weird that I missed it... but I can see how others wouldn't miss the reference - even if it's Yoda in SW. But people can be cruel.

I say you do what makes you happy and Brooke is a very nice name. One of my favorite characters on tv has that name.

[kari]

I was thinking the same thing - Yoda is on Star Wars not Yota.

[beevo12]

Ya, but it's pronounced the exact same way. Noone ever called me Yo-TA. And when someone asks your name you don't say, oh it's Y-O-T-A(and spell it out) They just automatically say, "Oh, the force is with you" or some equally stupid crap.

[Ribbit]

Beevo is from an old movie called "Shag" That's what they called beers and my friends and I caught on and started using the word, so that's what that came from.

I love "Shag!" I had to buy in on VHS, though, because the music is all messed up in the DVD version. You didn't want to be "Purple Jesus?" ;)

[beevo12]

I love "Shag!" I had to buy in on VHS, though, because the music is all messed up in the DVD version. You didn't want to be "Purple Jesus?" ;)

ooooh, I might have to change my username! LOL.;):p Don't you just love that movie?!

[julietchicago]

I'm chiming in late here, but when I looked at your pic the 1st name that came to mind was Natalie.

[Ribbit]

ooooh, I might have to change my username! LOL.;):p Don't you just love that movie?!

It's the MOST fun! :D

[beevo12]

It's the MOST fun! :D


"Hey, Your roots are showing!!" :D (I used to think they said, your rooster is showing)

[Ribbit]

"Hey, Your roots are showing!!" :D (I used to think they said, your rooster is showing)

That is EXACTLY what I thought she was saying!! Look at them bo-ho hairdos! :D

[beevo12]

So I thought I'd update on this. I decided to go with Brooke, I wanted to pay for this myself instead of my husband, I know it's our money but blah blah blah, anyways, I saved up $80 for the court filing fee, and $80 to run my name in the paper for 4 weeks. (Hard to save money when you are not working) Ok, so I went online and downloaded and filled out the forms, brought them into the courthouse and paid my fees. My name ran in the paper for a month and I just got the copies of that so now I think I have to call back the courthouse and have them schedule a hearing in which I will have to face a judge and tell him why I want to change my name(basically not for criminal reasons) then he signs some legal papers and it's done!! woo hoo! Then I have the long process of changing all my documents and bills and license and all that, but I'll take that one at a time. Thanks for all the support ladies! :)

[melmo]

Congrats Brooke!

[BusyBee21]

Congrats, Brooke! Was just reading through all the old posts. Love the new name! :)

[Jaycee]

Congrats Brooke!!

[aligirl]

Good for you! Love the choice :)

[imagirliegirl]

Glad you were able to do it with no trouble. I changed mine back in August and was surprised at how easy it was. Lucky you only having to pay 80 to run it in the paper, I think I paid twice that much! Not fair. Haha.

Congrats!! :D

[Photobug]

Congratulations, Brooke! Good luck with all the paperwork... sounds like it'll be a lot of work, but worth it!

[tgr68]

Congrats, Brooke!

[Hula1974]

Congrats Brooke!

Why did you have to run it in the paper?

[manda_kate]

Yay for Brooke!

[imagirliegirl]

Why did you have to run it in the paper?

It has to be run in the paper in the event someone wants to contest the change. All states have different requirements of what needs to be run, but generally it is your current name, what you will change your name to, your address, and the court date with court number or judge's name.

[LIZNKEITH]

Good for you! I was going to vote for Brooke or Valerie- I think both names suit you well.

I'm glad you've decided to use your name as your middle name. It's a great story at how your Mom arrived at naming you, and you'll always have that.

I think in time people will get used to calling you by your new name. As with any name change (thinking back to when friends get married and change their last name) it will take time but it will finally kick in. People like your husband or your mother may always call you by your given name but at the least you can use it as a nickname and have your new legal name to use in more formal settings.

[NicoleWisconsin]

Congratulations :)