I'm currently trying to come up with a name that works for me, and have a few ideas. One of my favorites so far is Gwyndolyn, Gwen as a nickname (or some spelling variant). However, a trans woman friend informs me that Gwen is way overused in the trans community, and that I should pick something more original to stand out. For the most part, I don't care what anyone else thinks, the name choice is for me, but it's also a way to present myself, like a tattoo that you'll have forever, and that others can see. Is she correct? Is going by Gwen overused, cliche, and eye-roll worthy? And if so, does it even matter?
The full name I'm considering is Gwyndolyn Deirdre Renee Sutton. Gwyndolyn means fair-browed but I like it mostly because it's euphonic. Deirdre is the name of a tragic Irish heroine who was a more proactive Helen of Troy that eventually committed suicide after she got fed up with being used as a football. Renee means reborn or resurrection, so taken together it means "The fair-browed tragic heroine reborn" or something to that effect. I really like it, and it's meaningful.
Four names might be a bit too much. I could drop Gwyndolyn entirely, but I do like it and wouldn't mind going as Gwen to friends.
Anyway, what do you think? Gwen/Gwyndolyn cheesy and overused? Four names too much? Too over the top and unusual taken as a whole? I'm going into an artsy career, and am not worried about having a formal, professional sounding name.
Four names are common on birth certificate here in Quebec. Think it's a French thing??
I know a few Gwen's but not thinking super over done.
A name is yours to own, pick one and own it.
Honestly, if you like it, go for it. The most important thing when choosing your name that I cannot stress enough is to not listen to anybody else's opinions, because this is your name that you're going to be called (hopefully) for the rest of your life and if you don't like it because you picked something that other people wanted, then you're screwed.
I think it's a really nice name. Who cares if it's common - if you like it, then it's the right one for you.
I agree, cliche or not (and I don't think it is) if you like it, use it. And 4 names is perfectly fine in my opinion. :)
Would you pronounce Gwyndolyn as Gwin dough lin or Gwen dough len?
Hugs!
- Jessica Jaclyn Hanna Reimer.
Do you plan to actually live in a real geographic "trans community"? If not, I personally wouldn't worry about it. And, even if you are, "Jenny", "Sarah", and "Kate" are all examples of common names in the "cis community" and they aren't considered to be cliche.
It only made me think of Gwen Stefani (as far as contemporary folks go) and that's probably who the rest of the world will think of when hearing your name.
Gwendolyn is a beautiful name. If it fits you better than any other name, why settle for something else?
Hi Corvid
Choose names that make you happy.
If you want to be practical, find a first name that's close to your current name - it might make it easier for the people in your world. If your current first name is gender-neutral, think about keeping it - it makes your administration hurdles a little less complex.
Julia
Gwen (and variants) reminds me mostly of fantasy/sci-fi stories about dragons. Also that Lemonheads song about that movie that had Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Like people have said though, what you like is what's important. Feeling good about yourself matters way more than anything else.
I think your personal choice matters most; not what others may think as to any cliche. ;)
'Gwen' is a really lovely {Traditionally Welsh} female forename......the 'Gwyn' variant spelling is the masculine form.
http://www.namenerds.com/welsh/gwen.html (http://www.namenerds.com/welsh/gwen.html)
I ran with Christine for a year then told my friends it didn't feel right and changed it to Molly (which is just more cumfy; strange). Anyway everyone just said ok, and I was Molly.