New name???

[ChelseaAnn]

So, about a month ago I finally made up my mind on my chosen name, Chelsea. However, some people who know don't seem to like it very much, most importantly my wife and my mom. There are other people, but I'm wondering if anyone else has struggled choosing a name (chose one you were set on and then changed your mind later) or had people who didn't like their chosen name. I'm unsure what to change it to if I drop Chelsea. My given name is Shawn, but I don't want my chosen to be close to it (Shannon, Shana, etc.). Not sure if anyone can help me out. I guess I'm starting not to like Chelsea because other people aren't liking it.

[Lesley_Roberta]

It's your name, only you need to like it dear.

My name is really just a way of saying I am her not him even though the spelling is mainly not relevant when the short form of both is the same and people rarely use my middle name either version.

But the thing is 'I' like it.

[TaoRaven]

I actually ended up using the name that my Mother was planning to give me had I been born as a natal female (Roxanne). Originally she had wanted me to use the nickname "Rocky", but I feel that is too masculine. "Anne" could also be used, but doesn't fit me at all...so I always use my full name. I love it...it fits me like a glove, whereas I always felt uncomfortable with my male name.

Personally, I love the name Chelsea, and think it is quite musical. Don't worry too much about what other people think...you're the one who will be "wearing" it, and it will grow on the rest of them.

You have to do what feels best to YOU.

[Danielle Emmalee]

I actually ended up using the name that my Mother was planning to give me had I been born as a natal female (Roxanne). Originally she had wanted me to use the nickname "Rocky", but I feel that is too masculine. "Anne" could also be used, but doesn't fit me at all...so I always use my full name. I love it...it fits me like a glove, whereas I always felt uncomfortable with my male name.

Personally, I love the name Chelsea, and think it is quite musical. Don't worry too much about what other people think...you're the one who will be "wearing" it, and it will grow on the rest of them.

You have to do what feels best to YOU.

Never heard Rocky as short for Roxanne.  Roxy is the other short form, and sounds pretty feminine to me.

[TaoRaven]

Never heard Rocky as short for Roxanne.  Roxy is the other short form, and sounds pretty feminine to me.

I guess it was more popular in the 60's...(without giving away my age too much...lol).

I've heard it used a few times, but never really cared for it.

Roxy is kinda cute though

[KatelynRain]

Chelsea is actually one of my favorite names!! It is so pretty! And all that really matters is that YOU love it.  Please don't let other people influence you.  I think that you are getting a wrong impression of how popular the name is because of your low sample size.  Basically you've only asked a few people out of millions.  If you asked other friends about the name, there is a good chance that they could have said they love the name too, giving you the impression that everyone loves the name.  It's all about random luck and chance. 

That said, go with YOUR preferences.  The name is something that follows and affects you all day, every day, for the rest of your life.  Pick something you like and don't worry about what others think! (:

[Amelia Pond]

Echoing others' sentiments, don't worry about what anyone else thinks as long as you like it.

I was set on at least three other names before I decided on Amelia. I think it's really pretty and fits me, where the others did to an extent but Amelia is perfect for me. There are people in my life that don't like the name Amelia, but I don't care.

Amy

[bethany]

What name you chose should only matter to one person; You! Chose a name that fits you, a name you like. Everyone else will get use to it over time.

[Tessa James]

A rose by any other name smells as sweet.....

So the first time around our name was not a choice.  Now with the power of that choice I am willing to give myself and my community time in what is "transition" to get used to the change.  My older sister gave me the name Tessa as a three year old and with the power of repression I could never seem to remember.  Now I celebrate all of my life and being an old thang am keeping my old first name as my new middle name.  Tessa James sounds good to me but not to everyone and that is Ok too.  Still it is a big enough change that it merits a trial by real life experience and I am waiting till I have my first year in.  The mountains of places where I must make formal changes is daunting and my list grows so I only want to do this once.

[Beth Andrea]

A rose by any other name smells as sweet.....

So the first time around our name was not a choice.  Now with the power of that choice I am willing to give myself and my community time in what is "transition" to get used to the change.  My older sister gave me the name Tessa as a three year old and with the power of repression I could never seem to remember.  Now I celebrate all of my life and being an old thang am keeping my old first name as my new middle name.  Tessa James sounds good to me but not to everyone and that is Ok too.  Still it is a big enough change that it merits a trial by real life experience and I am waiting till I have my first year in.  The mountains of places where I must make formal changes is daunting and my list grows so I only want to do this once.

I like Tessa James...never even connected the middle name as a guy's...I don't know you but from your avatar and your posts...it's a good one!

[Tessa James]

Hey thanks Beth Andrea this such a fantastic experience.  I was surprised by how many people found the name and pronouns to be so important--maybe even more than the significance of coming out?