So uhm...yeah I have a problem with choosing a first name I'm happy with. I still haven't found one I'm really happy with. But within the past couple months when I've asked for advice on name picking (as silly as that may sound) I've let people's opinions on certain names affect the ones I pick. Recently I picked the name "Walter". A rather uncommon name...but anyone who knew I picked that name thought it wasn't that great of a name (not talking about people here but rather people on my MSN). Actually they said it was a horrible name. Wasn't Walter the name of Batman's butler or something? I can't remember...lol
Anyway, I didn't get the name from Batman (I gives you a cookie if you can guess where I got it from...XD)
Most people know I'm stuck with either Walter or Vincent. I don't know which one to choose. I was happy with Walter til I got such bad feedback. So I went to Vincent but realized that I was only satisfying them and not myself. I'm happy with Walter so I'm gonna go back to it. Regardless of what people say
Ok I'm done ranting but...Has that ever happened to anyone else before? Having people's opinions on your name affect it and you choose a different one or something?
Go with the name that you like. It's your name, you should have one that makes you happy :)
I asked my mother for permission before I settled on Hans as a first name.. Why? Because it's her father's name.
I only asked out of politeness, but would have respected her answer if she said no.
Her dad is gone, died when I was 4 or so years old, and she loved him, tons..
I picked the name in part because, I was named after my grandmother originally and figured it would be right to honor that tradition as well as honoring my grandfather, after which none of his grandchildren had been named so far.
Mum smiled and thought it was a good way to honor her dad. Which was a yays moment all around.
Vincent Price or Sir Walter Raleigh?
Pick something that means something to you. Family name or what would I have been call if born correctly.
It is something you will have to live with the rest of your life, pick carefully.
Janet
Batman's butler was Alfred. Walter, like Walter Cronkite, or Walt(er) Disney, Walter Payton, and Walter Reed. And Vincent is not uncommon, but it tends to be used a lot in Italian families and they become all the Vinnies of the world.
Out of the family names thing, I did think for a while picking the name James. But it's my dad's name (I didn't think of the name because of that though). My dad's an alright person but I get a weird feeling from that name though. I never did give the name James a try....I think I'll give that a go and see if anything good comes of it
*goes to change his username*
I keep confusing people with my name changes :P :P
To be honest, I'm not so sure I'll keep the name Adrian. I'm experimenting.
I used to go by Vincent online, a lot. I've been nicknamed "V", and Vincent has been a name I've gone by for... Years. My mother told me she might have named me Michael, or Gabriel. Although, I guess Vincent was always a name I identified with.
It's hard to pick a name that means something.
I'm basically going to let it come to me. I sort of want to see myself in the mirror before I name that face. I've never seen my face in the mirror before, so... I'm going to give it time.
Pick some names you like and ask people their thoughts. Listen to suggestions, they may have something you like better.
I also recommend it match your heritage, for example you wouldn't name a Chinese child "Jose" (there are places you can look up the heritage and origins of names). You don't want it to stand out to much, also make sure it wasn't an oddball name for your age group. Some baby names for today were not around when you were born, or were at least unheard of. In the end though, you have to be comfortable with it. If you don't like it, what is the point? Be open to suggestions, but it's your choice.
Oh and bear in mind, if you go by Walter or Vincent, you will be called Vince, Vinnie and Walt. You don't have a whole lot of say in this, it will happen. Take shortened names into account when you pick one.
For the record, I like Walter. It seems to suit you, much more than Vincent.
Post Merge: August 14, 2009, 08:48:48 PM
Quote from: Adrian on August 14, 2009, 08:28:53 PM
It's hard to pick a name that means something.
As they say in Pulp Fiction..
I'm American, our names don't mean sh*t. :P
I've always thought this to be one of the more cool little side-benefits of being in our position. You get to pick your own name.
Quote from: Nikki on August 14, 2009, 08:49:31 PM
I've always thought this to be one of the more cool little side-benefits of being in our position. You get to pick your own name.
A friend keeps telling me we are lucky, we get to create ourselves.
I argue we are just trying to find ourselves.
Yeah...I got to thinking more about the name "James" and I can't stand it. It reminds me too much of my dad and if maybe someday people near me would call me by my first name I would not want it to be my dad's name. I'm going back to Walter...I'm still comfortable with that name. I should've never tried James. It gave me such a weird feeling...
And Walter would match my heritage. It's an English name and I have lots of that in my ancestry
Quote from: James O.O on August 14, 2009, 10:22:27 PM
Yeah...I got to thinking more about the name "James" and I can't stand it. It reminds me too much of my dad and if maybe someday people near me would call me by my first name I would not want it to be my dad's name. I'm going back to Walter...I'm still comfortable with that name. I should've never tried James. It gave me such a weird feeling...
And Walter would match my heritage. It's an English name and I have lots of that in my ancestry
I love the name Walter on you. That's just my opinion, but I think it fits.
Personally, I'm contemplating going by Vincent... What do you think? :laugh:
Vincent is a pretty good name. It's not too common but not too uncommon. For some reason whenever people call me Vincent it just doesn't fit
You can take the name if you want :D
What's you's talking 'bout's. I wassit thinkin' to takes the name Vincent. Oops, oh yeh I'm's a gurl. Well's you's can call's me Vinni anyway's :laugh:
Okay, according to your profile, you're American. In that case, I would say do NOT go with Walter. It's far too archaic to work. Yes, it's original, but it's one of those names you probably want to steer clear of, just because NObody names their kids Walter anymore. I'd go with Vincent... a little more common, and it's got good nicknames. Unless you're okay with everyone asking how the heck you got stuck with an old man's name... and I'm sorry, I realize that's a bit harsh, but it's true, in my experience. My name is a bit unusual as well, but because I live in a largely hispanic place, it's not very uncommon (it's a pretty common name in Central/South America). Just my two cents.
SD
Bosch!!! One of my neighbors is named Walter and he's as American as they come. I think it's a great name
My brother in law has walter for a middle name. My sister calls him Wally.
Quote from: Sebastien on August 14, 2009, 10:42:01 PM
Okay, according to your profile, you're American. In that case, I would say do NOT go with Walter. It's far too archaic to work. Yes, it's original, but it's one of those names you probably want to steer clear of, just because NObody names their kids Walter anymore. I'd go with Vincent... a little more common, and it's got good nicknames. Unless you're okay with everyone asking how the heck you got stuck with an old man's name... and I'm sorry, I realize that's a bit harsh, but it's true, in my experience. My name is a bit unusual as well, but because I live in a largely hispanic place, it's not very uncommon (it's a pretty common name in Central/South America). Just my two cents.
SD
Old fashioned name maybe, but yeesh, Eddie Van Halen named his kid Wolfgang.
Walter is way less odd than that.
He doesn't need a name that people name their kids today, he needs one that was used when or before he was born. Besides, he can always claim it's a family name. Who would know.
By the way, Bruce Willis goes by his middle name. His first name is Walter.
Quote from: Sebastien on August 14, 2009, 10:42:01 PM
Okay, according to your profile, you're American. In that case, I would say do NOT go with Walter. It's far too archaic to work. Yes, it's original, but it's one of those names you probably want to steer clear of, just because NObody names their kids Walter anymore. I'd go with Vincent... a little more common, and it's got good nicknames. Unless you're okay with everyone asking how the heck you got stuck with an old man's name... and I'm sorry, I realize that's a bit harsh, but it's true, in my experience. My name is a bit unusual as well, but because I live in a largely hispanic place, it's not very uncommon (it's a pretty common name in Central/South America). Just my two cents.
SD
That's something someone once said about it. It reminds them of an old man. I didn't really get the connection but I guess it's because the name is so outdated
Even if people said it was an old man's name, I'd tell them I got it from http://silenthill.wikia.com/wiki/Silent_Hill_4:_The_Room (http://silenthill.wikia.com/wiki/Silent_Hill_4:_The_Room)
I'm a dork and probably a douche. But oh well lol
*thinks of Punk music and the Grunge style everytime he hears the name "Walter"*
Quote from: Walter on August 14, 2009, 11:32:27 PM
Even if people said it was an old man's name, I'd tell them I got it from http://silenthill.wikia.com/wiki/Silent_Hill_4:_The_Room (http://silenthill.wikia.com/wiki/Silent_Hill_4:_The_Room)
I'm a dork and probably a douche. But oh well lol
you think you're a dork? My surname is Strife :P
I think Walter's a great name. :)
(And don't worry about changing your name a million times, I've already done it 3 times in like what, a month or so that I've been here? lol)
As far as how much input I let people have on choosing, I originally went with a name that I had always loved, Braedon (and would've named my daughters if they'd been boys - who knows, they're young yet, one of them may ask for that name back some day... lol. But honestly, I hope not, their dad would *absolutely* blame me if either of them turned out to be trans (or queer of any flavor, really). Fingers crossed that they're both cis, straight, and "normal"... ::)).
After I'd tried out that name for awhile (on here, and with my partner), I came out to my mom and one of the first things she awesomely asked was "since you're not going to keep the name I picked for you, do I get any say on your new name?" So I asked "well, what would you choose if it was up to you?" and she picked James, which I really liked. I then talked to my brother (who I'm extremely close with and have been our whole lives) about what type of name he thinks I "seem" like, and he picked Steve. He even joked that no matter what name I went with, he'd still call me Steve anyways "cuz it's such an awesome name - everyone should be named Steve" (and no, it's not his name. lol).
So I played around with Braedon, James and Stephen in my mind for I think a week or two. A couple of times I'd be hanging out with my brother and say "hey, think quick: am I Braedon or James" (he went with James) or I'd look in the mirror and say "Hey Stephen, how's it going? Hey James, what's up? Morning Steve, how'd ya sleep? Can you pass the salt please, Braedon? 'Sup, Jay?" and just tested out how each of those names and nicknames felt.
Eventually I just got to a point where I felt really comfortable with James, and the others just weren't fitting. Also, I really like the fact that I can say "that's what my momma named me!" without resorting to fabrication. ;D So, that's the long and the short -- okay, okay, it's just the long -- of how I chose my name and who had influence and how much!
The sad thing is that no matter what name you decide on; as soon as you have done the legal name change you'll immediatley start coming across all these really great names that you'll wish you'd though of before hand!
Quote from: Jeatyn on August 15, 2009, 12:04:46 AM
you think you're a dork? My surname is Strife :P
You sir...are made of WIN
And Wendy...I know -___-;; I expect it
NES_junkie: Everytime I hear the name Steve I think of Steve from Resident Evil CV...XD
Told everyone I was a dork o.o
Quote from: Wendy1974 on August 15, 2009, 12:34:05 AM
The sad thing is that no matter what name you decide on; as soon as you have done the legal name change you'll immediatley start coming across all these really great names that you'll wish you'd though of before hand!
haha. thanks for the heads up, i'm about to do the change. so what names did you like afterwards?
I came out and everyone just said, sweet, so you're Natalie now. It some how came naturally, and everyone just switched over with it pretty quick. Although, my nickname for my last name was Nat -- So, I'm still called Nat, or Natalie, Natters, Natterbee. So, It kinda just seemed pretty seemless. I thought of a few other ones, but everyone liked the Natalie.
I know a few ppl who've changed their names a few times during transition.
There is nothing wrong with Walter. It's a solid name. Just because you don't want something trendy or the latest fad, doesn't mean your friends should have input. I wouldn't listen to other's opinions but listen to yourself. If you like Walter, keep it.
Jay
Quote from: Nero on August 15, 2009, 12:52:10 AM
haha. thanks for the heads up, i'm about to do the change. so what names did you like afterwards?
Natalie, Phoebe, Zoe and Heidi. Phoebe would never work thanks to Friends and I don't look like a Phoebe. I know too many Natalie's now. Zoe is still a really great name. Heidi rocks...but one of my best friend's name is Peter so that would have been a problem! :)
I settled on Wendy 21 years ago though so when I came out and people asked what my new name would be I knew it was going to be Wendy. No one liked Wendy for me but I was set on it. I don't know why they didn't like it, no one could ever seem to articulate their objection. Now I've been on RLT for 5 months and no one thinks twice about my name, well except my parents. I think I've grown into it.
Well as soon as I heard from my parents what my name was supposed to be had I been born in the correct body, I knew it was for me. One day it will be legal, but until then it will remain my wonderful news.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fganjataz.com%2F01smileys%2Fimages%2Fsmileys%2FloopyBlonde-blinking.gif&hash=4545ddf8251cf9c32ae6074d56e48bc34a755857)Kristi
Quote from: Kristi on August 15, 2009, 08:57:14 AM
Well as soon as I heard from my parents what my name was supposed to be had I been born in the correct body, I knew it was for me. One day it will be legal, but until then it will remain my wonderful news.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fganjataz.com%2F01smileys%2Fimages%2Fsmileys%2FloopyBlonde-blinking.gif&hash=4545ddf8251cf9c32ae6074d56e48bc34a755857)Kristi
I thought of that too but unfortunately they gave that name away to my little sister. Darn it. She always did get all the best stuff! :angel:
As long as your like of the name outweighs any dislike of things other people associate with it, then there's no issue.
In other words, you're going to hear "....like Cronkite?" a lot.
In the same sort of area, you're going to want to google your whole (well, first and last) name before making your final decision.
Case in point - The male version of my birth name, when coupled with my last name turned out to be the name of a "super evil villian magic guy" out of a horrible, very trashy vampire / spooky / magic witches type women's romance novel. Even right down to the unusual spelling.
Luckily, I liked another name more. Otherwise, it could have gone horribly wrong :laugh:.
Personally I like the name Walter. You're going to want to go with a name that makes your ears prick up when someone calls to you in the street, or even just some other Walter. My birth name is Hilary and all my life I've gotten ".... like Hilary Clinton?" or "....like Hilary Duff?". Walter is a really classy name and name trends get recycled all the time, so I say go with it.
Quote from: roo on August 15, 2009, 10:28:08 AM
Personally I like the name Walter. You're going to want to go with a name that makes your ears prick up when someone calls to you in the street, or even just some other Walter. My birth name is Hilary and all my life I've gotten ".... like Hilary Clinton?" or "....like Hilary Duff?". Walter is a really classy name and name trends get recycled all the time, so I say go with it.
My birth name is Hilary, too, and it drove me absolutely insane. :laugh:
I have to think about which names make my ears "prick up". I think Adrian does, honestly, but everyone says it doesn't suit me.
I've been through so many names that I haven't had the chance to be called by it and have my ears prick up. My ears only prick up when my birth name is called out (or my nickname my family calls me). Unfortunately :/
Quote from: Adrian on August 15, 2009, 01:45:31 PM
My birth name is Hilary, too, and it drove me absolutely insane. :laugh:
I have to think about which names make my ears "prick up". I think Adrian does, honestly, but everyone says it doesn't suit me.
I couldn't stand it either, as I got older I didn't mind it so much though it always felt a little weird to me. My mom loves it though, so I dunno, I was going to ask her what she'd have liked to name me had I turned out to be a boy.. well turns out Hilary used to originally be a guys' name, so maybe it was more appropriate than she knew :laugh:
Quote from: roo on August 16, 2009, 01:31:44 PM
I couldn't stand it either, as I got older I didn't mind it so much though it always felt a little weird to me. My mom loves it though, so I dunno, I was going to ask her what she'd have liked to name me had I turned out to be a boy.. well turns out Hilary used to originally be a guys' name, so maybe it was more appropriate than she knew :laugh:
Yes, Hilary was a male surname. That is a little relieving, I suppose. There are a few men who have it as a first name, though, even in modern days. I was always told Hilary meant "cheerful one", and I was constantly likened to Hilary Duff. Yeah, that got old fast. ::) My name always seemed to be a complete contradiction of who I was. Hell, everything was a contradiction for me, and as a child, all I ever heard was "Mary, Mary, quite contrary". They thought I was doing it because I was a quirky little creature, but I always did feel a little lost.
<threadjack>
Quote from: Adrian on August 16, 2009, 02:24:31 PM
"Once you can accept the universe as being something expanding into an infinite nothing which is something, wearing stripes with plaid is easy." - Albert Einstein
I don't think I've mentioned yet how much I absolutely love your signature, Adrian. ;D
</threadjack>
Quote from: NES_junkie_James on August 16, 2009, 03:38:49 PM
<threadjack>
I don't think I've mentioned yet how much I absolutely love your signature, Adrian. ;D
</threadjack>
Why, thank you. :laugh: Einstein definitely had some very inspirational quotes, and I think this one evokes a certain level of thought that a lot of people don't give any regard to. I think it explains my way of thinking quite well.
Quote from: Jeatyn on August 15, 2009, 12:04:46 AM
you think you're a dork? My surname is Strife :P
You're kidding. Mine's Highwind, aint that funny. :D jk
Walter/Vincent,
Go with whatever feels right. A name that makes your head turn when you hear it as if it was your birthname. That's all I gotta say.