I'm having trouble picking out a name.

[no-time-to-panic]

I've been debating over names for a couple of months now, and I could use a second opinion (or two or three...).

I'm hoping to keep my initials so I'm looking for a name that starts with M or possibly R (my middle name), and I'm also thinking of trying for a name that's similar to my birth name. (From experience, is it better for your name to be close to your birth name or different?) Naturally I'd like it to be somewhat neutral but I don't mind if it leans a bit male or female if it's still a toss up...

Here's the list I've got so far: Marlin (shortened to Mar maybe), Malachi (shortened to Mal), Malcolm (Mal), Marley (Mar?/Mal?), Remiel (Mel), Maalik (Mal), Marlow (Mar?), Mauli, Molly, Murry, Mary, Marty

Some of those are definitely out, but I left them there to help give a better gist of what I'm going for. Also, I'm worried I might pick a name that's a bit too odd. Currently I've been leaning toward Marley though I'm worried that it's a bit too uncommon or silly (as I know one or two animals named Marley that might be odd)

Please, let me know if you have any suggestions.

Also, here's some pictures of myself for reference. They're a few months old (I don't have very many pictures of myself) but I  haven't changed all that much.
http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt323/tisryed/DSC00112.jpg
http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt323/tisryed/DSC00111.jpg

[Devlyn]

You look like a Ron to me. Maybe play with the spelling? Ronn, Rohn.. from your list I like Marty and Malcolm. Hugs, Devlyn

[ativan]

Mel. Just Mel, keeps it simple. Use R as a middle initial, but it doesn't need to stand for anything.

Mel R. Whatever.

This from someone called,
Ativan Prescribed 

[no-time-to-panic]

Thanks to both of you for the input! 

Hm, Ron  that's definitely a possibility. Maybe if I change the spelling to be a bit more neutral like you said, Devlyn...

@ Ativan: Yeah, I was looking into names that shortened to Mel or similar, so I can go by that. My last name sounds a bit weird with a single syllable first name, though...

[Nero]

Another vote for Ron.

[aleon515]

Another vote for Mel R. (I have an acquaintance named Mel, so perhaps I'm prejudiced). Ron isn't bad too but you don't have red hair and are definitely not a Wesley.

--Jay Jay

[Glubert]

I look at you and I think Matthew. Matthew means Gift of God in Hebrew.

[cindianna_jones]

I like all of those you have selected. Malachi sticks out as my favorite. But it is a solid religious name. You should consider that. You may like it for that or hate it.

[Joann]

Marlow sounds good. kind of exotic.
Myself, i created a feminine persona Jan adding that to my male name John and came up with Joann as my androgynous name.

[Devlyn]

Another vote for Mel R. (I have an acquaintance named Mel, so perhaps I'm prejudiced). Ron isn't bad too but you don't have red hair and are definitely not a Wesley.

--Jay Jay

Or a McDonald!

[DrillQuip]

I like Mal. Mel is alright. It can be both feminine and masculine. When I first looked at your pic I thought "Jamie". I know that name sounds feminine, but it can be for guys too.

Mal, Mel, Marc, Ron, and Ren are my favorites. Shorter is better. But my top favorite is definitely Mal.

If keeping the initials is really important, then you should go with names that start with R or M. But personally I would think choosing a name by the way it sounds and whether or not it suits you trumps all other factors.

[no-time-to-panic]

@Glubert: I do like the name Mathew, but two of my friends go by that name. Not that I need the name to be original, but more I'd rather not add any more confusion to the situation.

@Cindi Jones: Myself, I am agnostic but with a keen interest in many types of religion (I plan to minor in Religious Studies, in fact). Having a religious name would not bother me too much. And besides, there are many Atheists even that have strongly biblical names.

Based on everyone's comments I'm now leaning towards Ron or something shorting to Mal (probably Malachi or Malcolm). I do really like the name Malachi, though I worry it's a bit too unusual...

Thank you so much everyone for your input!!     

[Glubert]

@Glubert: I do like the name Mathew, but two of my friends go by that name. Not that I need the name to be original, but more I'd rather not add any more confusion to the situation.

My two other picks for you are Mason and Michael.

I hope you find a name that suits you well. 

[Adam (birkin)]

Out of the names you suggested, I think Marlow suits you the best.

[Rowan Rue]

I like Malachi, and it does shorten to Mal, so the fact that it's unusual isn't really a problem.

[Sevan]

I'm pretty particular to Marlow or Marley. Then again...I chose Marlow as my middle name Sevan Marlow. That's me! Which, are also my original initials. That was rather important to me too.

[Pica Pica]

I knew a lady named Marlowe, named after Christopher Marlowe. I think she had a brother called Spencer.
Incidentally, Christopher Marlowe's nickname, 'Kit' is one of the few unigendered names I've ever considered for myself.