I have a silly question to ask...do I really have to change my name even though my name is very "male" sounding to begin with. I don't have any issues with my name and I actually like my birth name. My birth name is Randy.

No, I always thought of Randy as just a male name. Never heard it as a female name before. Your lucky you don't have to go through a name change process.

No, it's not "needed" per-se, but whether you get one is up to you.

Thanks guys!

I have know only guys with the name Randy.  The only time I have ever heard of a woman named Randi, it was spelt that way.

Quote from: Ms. OBrien on October 26, 2012, 11:18:30 PM
I have know only guys with the name Randy.  The only time I have ever heard of a woman named Randi, it was spelt that way.

I was named after a singer...her stage name is Randy Crawford.

I wouldn't.  I've only seen girls named Randi, not Randy, so yeah I think you're good.

Quote from: Andy8715 on October 27, 2012, 12:42:52 AM
I wouldn't.  I've only seen girls named Randi, not Randy, so yeah I think you're good.

Thanks man

You can still change your gender marker. That's separate anyway and usually on documents like your driver's license (at least in the US).
Your parents saved you a lot of money and time.

--Jay J

no people change there names if there unconfortable with it.

I liked my name but not for myself cause it was a 100%girl name who never made me pass. because of that it became a strugle and I changed it. If your a fine with the name you have then theres no need.

:DThanks guys! I don't mean to sound like a broken record but I really mean it!

Nah. You don't have to change your name at all. There is no rule saying you have to. I won't for several years and when I go back to the states, I may. I may not, it just depends. I don't go by my birth name anyway, even though Erin/Aaron is unisex. But I may not change it. At this point I don't see a pressing need to. Even with my middle name being Whitney, I knew two different guys named Whitney so eh.

If you like it, keep it.

Quote from: Ayden on October 27, 2012, 10:42:40 PM
Nah. You don't have to change your name at all. There is no rule saying you have to. I won't for several years and when I go back to the states, I may. I may not, it just depends. I don't go by my birth name anyway, even though Erin/Aaron is unisex. But I may not change it. At this point I don't see a pressing need to. Even with my middle name being Whitney, I knew two different guys named Whitney so eh.

If you like it, keep it.

I knew a guy named Kelly.

Also know a guy that payed $200 to essentially buy an "e". The male form of the name has an "e". There might be people who associate a name with their female past or something.

I've heard of people (here?) even changing their last names. But if you like it... why not?
I think it sounds male.

--Jay J

Quote from: aleon515 on October 28, 2012, 12:15:49 AM
Also know a guy that payed $200 to essentially buy an "e". The male form of the name has an "e". There might be people who associate a name with their female past or something.

I've heard of people (here?) even changing their last names. But if you like it... why not?
I think it sounds male.

--Jay J

• I did not know that a name change could cost that much! 

A lot of people also change their name to mark a new life.  I had a name that both men and women have... although I'd say 70% female.  In fact, I have a male coworker with my birth name! 

I didn't want to associate with "that person" anymore so changed my name.

So it isn't just about "oh, i have a masculine name already".  Something to consider.

Changing your name isn't an essential part of being trans, or transitioning. Most people change it because most names aren't unisex. If you're comfortable with your name then keep it by all means. For what it's worth Randy is a perfectly male name to me. I knew a guy called Shannon once though and no one questioned his masculinity.

It's only necessary if you don't feel the name is right for you.

 Well the $200 was quite a number of years ago, some things like legal expenses are greatly reduced when as in most name changes you don't need a lawyer or law office expenses.

Probably 99% of name changes are nothign to do with trans. My gender therapist (who's a transman) said they called the two or three that were trans into his office.

I'm guessing for me the name change will be a LOT of trouble since I have a house in my name and so on.

--Jay J

Yeah here in Florida, it costs $400 just to file the paperwork, then another $30 or so to get a new Driver's license. Crazy expensive!