Regardless of age, an adult re-naming ceremony is an act of self-care.
There are lots of reasons to change your name as an adult. I have the same name as successful English author Jacqueline Wilson, and also that of a very famous American Singer, Jackie Wilson.
When I introduce myself as Jacquie Wilson, people inevitably sing ‘Reet Petite’ or ‘Your love keeps lifting me higher’.
However I have no plans to change my name. When I make a hotel or flight reservation, using my full name, Jacqueline Wilson, I sometimes receive a free upgrade, usually before being asked about my inspiration for the story of Tracy Beaker! Most people think about adult naming ceremonies for those who want a new name to reflect their new gender.
But people change their names for many reasons:
• Because they are fed up having the same name as a celebrity
• Because they do not like the name they were given
• Because their name is unusual, difficult to spell or pronounce
• To create a double barreled surname
• To restore a family name changed over time
• Family blending
• Getting divorced
• Adding a middle name in memory of someone you love
• Because they want to have the same name as a celebrity
The list is long… and to some people they might question why someone would change their name.
But think about it. You hear your name constantly throughout the day. You hear your name from those you love, from family, friends and work colleagues, everyone you know will constantly use your name.
You use your name to order essential goods and services. You open letters and parcels addressed to you. Your name is on your bank details, credit cards, passport, driving license. Bus passes, medical notes, dental records and rail cards, all carry your name.
Your name is with you:
• 24 hours a day
• 7 days a week
• 365 days a year
• Your name is with you for life
For most, we grow up with our name, it makes us feel we fit in and belong. We develop and expand into our name.
We live with our name from birth to death.Our name was a gift, chosen for us to enjoy and share, openly and spontaneously; our name is our identity. Our name is incredibly powerful.
When you die, you still have your name. Your name will always be a constant memory to those we leave behind.
The people who loved you, those that worked with you, they will chat about you over a cup of tea or maybe a glass of wine. They will laugh and cry at treasured memories spent with you, they will remember you forever by your name.
We all have one life, and it is far too short. Can you imagine living daily, feeling upset just by the sheer mention of your name?
Worldwide, many children and adults never grow into their name. It simply never fits them.
So in this day and age, aren’t we lucky, as today we don’t need be apologetic to say farewell to a name, but remarkably thankful that we can.
If you are an adult and want to change your name, it is an easy process…we all deserve a name to be cherished till death and remembered forever.
So, to answer the question, does our name define us? Only you can decide…
Changing your name is an act of self-care. Family, friends and loved ones will want to celebrate your decision. So do think about having an adult naming ceremony to announce your new and forever name to those you love, and for those that love you.
In the UK, it is estimated more than 85,000 people change their name by deed poll every year.
A few words from me to you.
