I am officially Rebecca but it's definitely not my name. I've been Becky to everyone as long as I can remember. Even on the back of my baby photographs, I stop being referred to as Rebecca really earlier on. I am definitely Becky.
But, it is funny how people do call you different things. Like a lot of people call me Beck or Bex but I would never introduce myself as that. I don't mind either but I don't consider either of them my name like I do Becky.
Thanks for sharing Becky, I find names fascinating because of all the different ways they are used, how they come to be and how we can all have such different relationships with the. I love your certainty in knowing that you are definitely Becky!
I really relate to this. I've never connected with my given name. I decided to use my first initial (A) and added Wilder as a middle name for Substack because it felt right, and I enjoy being referred to as "A." by people who interact with me here. I still haven't fully decided what it stands for, if anything. And I can't bring myself to change it in "real life" yet, because I'm not sure hearing the "A" pronounced out loud will hit the same, but here we are.
Thanks so much for sharing. There can be such a pressure to just know the answer and make a change quickly, when it's often much more helpful to allow ourselves the space and time to sit with possibilities and try them out. I love that you are giving yourself that space!
Hello Louise Helen Joan Lucas! May I introduce myself, having been galvanised by your step into authenticity?
My name is (now) Chris Elizabeth Frances (probably still coming up as Oxborrow as I literally just ordered my new name off deed poll now!)
I have been vacillating changing my name for a couple of years so it really helped to read your blog and your decision today. Those jobs that feel of great magnitude often feel overwhelming to get accomplished but the deed poll itself is so simple.
Francis/Frances/Frank is a family name that has gone down through my paternal family for generations as a first or middle name, broken only by me and my brothers. My ex didn't want my daughter to be called Frances so the tradition seemed broken. I didn't want my married name anymore or to return to my maiden name and there's a Chris on my mother's maiden side already so this felt a good option. It means 'Free one' which suits me just fine :)
Enjoy the time off. I will be taking a similar break until September, during which I will solely engage in reading here, resting, and creative stuff to help me realign myself with my autistic and artistic self.
So I will let my writing go for awhile. I love the more realigned name you have chosen, and congratulations on the book deal.
That's so wonderful and exciting! I'll change it in the shownotes and podcast title. I changed mine in my 20s and it really did feel empowering (and a pain and created lots of admin) but no regret. Delighted to meet you Louise Joan Lucas!
I am officially Rebecca but it's definitely not my name. I've been Becky to everyone as long as I can remember. Even on the back of my baby photographs, I stop being referred to as Rebecca really earlier on. I am definitely Becky.
But, it is funny how people do call you different things. Like a lot of people call me Beck or Bex but I would never introduce myself as that. I don't mind either but I don't consider either of them my name like I do Becky.
Thanks for sharing Becky, I find names fascinating because of all the different ways they are used, how they come to be and how we can all have such different relationships with the. I love your certainty in knowing that you are definitely Becky!
I really relate to this. I've never connected with my given name. I decided to use my first initial (A) and added Wilder as a middle name for Substack because it felt right, and I enjoy being referred to as "A." by people who interact with me here. I still haven't fully decided what it stands for, if anything. And I can't bring myself to change it in "real life" yet, because I'm not sure hearing the "A" pronounced out loud will hit the same, but here we are.
Thanks so much for sharing. There can be such a pressure to just know the answer and make a change quickly, when it's often much more helpful to allow ourselves the space and time to sit with possibilities and try them out. I love that you are giving yourself that space!
Hello Louise Helen Joan Lucas! May I introduce myself, having been galvanised by your step into authenticity?
My name is (now) Chris Elizabeth Frances (probably still coming up as Oxborrow as I literally just ordered my new name off deed poll now!)
I have been vacillating changing my name for a couple of years so it really helped to read your blog and your decision today. Those jobs that feel of great magnitude often feel overwhelming to get accomplished but the deed poll itself is so simple.
Francis/Frances/Frank is a family name that has gone down through my paternal family for generations as a first or middle name, broken only by me and my brothers. My ex didn't want my daughter to be called Frances so the tradition seemed broken. I didn't want my married name anymore or to return to my maiden name and there's a Chris on my mother's maiden side already so this felt a good option. It means 'Free one' which suits me just fine :)
Hello Chris, Elizabeth Frances 💜
I love this, thank you for sharing I think free one is perfect for you 😊
Enjoy the time off. I will be taking a similar break until September, during which I will solely engage in reading here, resting, and creative stuff to help me realign myself with my autistic and artistic self.
So I will let my writing go for awhile. I love the more realigned name you have chosen, and congratulations on the book deal.
Thank you Pauline, I'm glad you're allowing yourself time to rest too!
That's so wonderful and exciting! I'll change it in the shownotes and podcast title. I changed mine in my 20s and it really did feel empowering (and a pain and created lots of admin) but no regret. Delighted to meet you Louise Joan Lucas!
Thanks so much for sharing Eve, it's so helpful to know that others have done the same!