Would you let your daughter change her name?

[Anonymous]

We are Hispanic. DD decided she doesn't like her ethnic first name that is hard for white people to pronounce and wants to go by her more American-sounding middle name. Would you allow this? We are moving about 30 minutes away and she will be in a new school, but it will be confusing having some people from our old town call her by her first name and some people from her new school call her by her middle name.

[Anonymous]

My white son has changed his name a couple times, some people call him by his original name, others by his chosen name. It’s not confusing for anyone.

[Anonymous]

I know lots of people who have switched what name they go by. (I did!) So I wouldn't be bothered by having people from the old place remember her differently. Are you bothered by the ethnic heritage aspect of things?

[Anonymous]

My son has always gone by his last given name. In our culture, we have several given names, not one first and one middle (my uncle has 9). College professors and doctors and the MVA call his by his first given name. Relatives and friends call him by his preferred name.

It's not a problem at all, OP.

[Anonymous]

They're all "ethnic", BTW. It's just that he prefers one in particular.

[Anonymous]

I would definitely not mind my child using the middle name I gave her. My brother has almost always used his middle name, but went through a phase when he decided he wanted to use his first name for a while – it didn’t last.

I see using a middle name as the least dramatic of any kind of change and would not push back at all. If she’s old enough to make the choice, she’s old enough to let people know and correct if she wants.

[Anonymous]

I think it's fine. We know one girl who did this for the same reason. She's now flipping back to her real first name. 100% not a big deal.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I'd let her be called whatever she chooses. My son goes by 2 different names -- his given name that his family and early childhood friends call him, and a nickname that sounds nothing like his given name that he chose in 5th or 6th grade and all his more recent friends call him. It's fine.

[Anonymous]

Yes, of course! Three of my siblings did, I'm the only one with my birth name!!! I'm too lazy 😫

[Anonymous]

Yes, especially since it is her middle name.

I know several kids who mostly go by their middle name and it is not a problem.

[Anonymous]

Yes. And sad to say it will be helpful to her professionally and socially. I hate my name and wish I had given myself a nickname early on I could use.

[Anonymous]

She wants to use her middle name? More than fine. It’s her name!

[Anonymous]

Many teens change their names these days. It’s no big deal

[Anonymous]

Especially if she is just saying please call me x and not seeking out an legal change..for sure.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't legally change it. If she wants to go by a nickname or middle name who cares