Has anyone changed their baby's name? happy UPDATE in post 25! - Page 2

[weliveintheforest]

I would do it! It's not a big deal this early. I think it's even free for the first year, at least in BC.

I wanted a different name for DD, but I like the one we chose so it turned out ok.

[EdnaMarie]

I haven't, however, I do want to let you know that these threads come up at least monthly here, so it must be fairly common.

I think you should go ahead and change it now. I wouldn't think twice if I got a simple announcement about it. That Baby Name Wizard letter is great.

[babylonglegs]

Agreed. We changed our son's name at 7mo. We got a lot of flack about it from family but friends were very understanding. Go with the email, I thought that was good. Like everything else in parenting, go with your gut.

[WildinTheory]

Originally Posted by weliveintheforest

I would do it! It's not a big deal this early. I think it's even free for the first year, at least in BC.

I wanted a different name for DD, but I like the one we chose so it turned out ok.

Really? Hmmm...

OP, I understand how upsetting it can be to think you named your baby the wrong thing. I have a very hard time with my DD's name. She's almost 4 months old and there is a big part of me that would very much like to change it. I say, if you and your DH are in agreement, go for it.

[JessieBird]

We did it!!! It's officially settled as of today. Well we decided last night but gave ourselves permission to sleep on it once last time. The last week has been really hard - I just didn't feel sure one way or the other - but I woke up feeling more certain than ever and today I am SO EXCITED. Today I have been able to gaze into my baby's eyes without this 'thing' hanging in between us for the first time since he was born. We haven't sent an official announcement yet but the people we've told so far today have all been really supportive.

Thanks for all the positive comments about the name Asa - DH and I still love it and that's part of what has made this so hard. We chose it with such care so to then find out that it just isn't our son's name...well, it's just been a really weird feeling. I hope that the nickname Ace sticks as a kind of tribute to his first six weeks. We thought about keeping Asa as a middle name but it doesn't seem necessary. I know we and others will accidentally call him Asa for weeks to come but that's okay - they are both great names, it's just that the new one is his forever name.

As for Odie, it's actually Oderin (and the Henny Tom in my signature is actually Henry Thomas). Oderin is the name of a tiny island in Newfoundland that my husband's family is from. It is a gorgeous name and I love 'Odie' but for us it still sits better as a middle name.

So...drumroll... Asa Oderin Lastname is now Arlo Oderin Lastname.

Thanks so much for your stories and support. I really appreciate the suggestions of wording for the announcement.

The only downside is that, unlike in BC and almost everywhere else in Canada and the US, Quebec is not very friendly about name changes. It doesn't cost anything but we have to state our reasons and ask PERMISSION if you can believe it. They can't guarantee how long it will take for a decision to be made and advised us not to make any announcements until we hear back. Uh...no way! I'm pretty furious about this but I wrote them a great letter this morning and I know in my heart that it's all meant to work out.

Now off to change my signature...

[raelize]

as often as this issue comes up, i think we as a society should allow a time when the kid is around 2-4 when the parents get a chance to affirm what they named their kid, or change it if they want to.
its hard to name someone.

[EdnaMarie]

So happy for you!

[lrgs]

So glad you came to a decision you are happy with! The new name is great!! (the old was too). I didn't know Quebec was so stingy with name changes....hope they get back to you soon.

[hakeber]

Ya know in some cultures they do not name the baby until s/he is 3 months old and then throw a huge naming party, which is pretty fantastic IYAM. I suppose it stems from high infant mortality rates, but the parties they threw in Vietnam for example were so much fun and by then you know your baby well enough to give them a name you know suits them.

I always hated the pressure they put me under in the hospital in Costa Rica and in Argentina to have a name for the wrist band before I even got to see their faces.

[MaerynPearl]

congrats

I rarely hear of the request being refused unless you are trying for some really bad reason or wanting a horrible name (like naming the child Pepsi because the company will give you money... bad example but that would be a bad reason!)

[weliveintheforest]

I'm glad you went for it

[mamakaikai]

That is a GREAT name!!! Kudos for being gutsy enough to go with the change. If quebec gives you a hard time with the name change, just tell them it's easier to pronounce in french or some other quebecois reason

eta: I'm quebecoise btw

[P.J.]

Congrats! Arlo was one of the two names we chose for our boy, but he was just clearly a Max. If we have another boy, though, I know we'll reconsider that name. It's a great one!!

[JessieBird]

Originally Posted by mamakaikai 

If quebec gives you a hard time with the name change, just tell them it's easier to pronounce in french or some other quebecois reason

This is exactly what I did!

[Qbear'smama]

I read both threads and just wanted to say congratulations and I think you made the right decision, I have a friend who felt pressured to name her daughter a certain name (her partner and mother liked it and it was right after a tough birth, she said she was like "whatever") and she admitted to me a few years ago that she doesnt like her daughter's name and would have chosen something else. Not quite the same situation, but your child's name is important and I agree with everyone else, it takes guts to change it rather than just regret it and do nothing. So good for you! Welcome, Arlo!!