question for parents of teens and those close to their teen nieces/nephews

[bertha katzenengel]

Any of your kids ever announce their intention to change their names upon turning eighteen? My niece just told me she intends to change both her first and last name. She doesn't have a first name yet, though.

Is it a phase? I don't want to hurt her feelings.... Good lord, at least she's not pregnant. That thought keeps repeating in my head.

edited to change topic type

[trotsky]

1. I'm in neither of those categories, but...

I did begin to think about changing my name in high school. I was going to change my middle name to be my mom's unmarried name. Never really got serious about it until after college, when I instead took that as my last name, and moved my prior surname to be my middle name.

I was OK with my original name, I just wanted to do something else. She might have any number of reasons for wanting to change it, and once she turns 18, there's not much anyone can do about it!

As a male, I did get some quizzical looks and dumbfounded call center operators when trying to report my name change though.

[bertha katzenengel]

7. Thanks for the insight, trotsky. I appreciate it.

I don't know why the girl wants to do this, but I will ask her about it when we next talk. (This was in email.)

[notadmblnd]

2. It's not a battle I would fight with my kids

between now and the time they're grown, they'll change their minds about everything at least twice.

[mcscajun]

3. I had similar ideas before I turned eighteen...first name only, though.

It was a phase: it passed. I still have my original name. :)

[cally]

4. That would be almost last on things I worry about

Both of mine have mentioned this idea but who knows if they are serious.

[REP]

5. My Brother and I Changed Our Names

I ended up keeping my first name (he likes his) but we both changed our last names when we were 16. We did it by affadavit; no court date needed. About the only thing that exists with our birthnames is our birth certificates. We're in our 40s now and don't regret it a bit.

[BamaGirl]

6. Hell, my 9yo wants to change her name lol

My brother changed the spelling of his name, and I seriously thought about changing mine. I think this is pretty normal.

[bertha katzenengel]

8. THANK YOU EVERYONE

I read all your responses and I appreciate your thoughts.