I have never disliked my first name. It has been my companion for over two decades. It has crossed the lips of friends, interviewers, announcers, and family. But, it has caused some difficulties. My name is one of those names that can be pronounced in multiple ways. In addition, when I was born, the original name spelling I should have had to avoid pronunciation complications was misspelled when my birth certificate was filed. After hearing my name pronounced in multiple ways, I finally decided that I wanted to change my name to the pronunciation I’ve liked best (and to reflect what my name was originally supposed to look like).
Still, changing one’s name can be a source of anxiety. After all, your name is just as much apart of you as the place you grew up in or the family that raised you. However, if you feel that changing your name is critical to your self development or advancement, know that you make the name and the name does not make you.
Best,
ModBlackFemme
ModBlackFemme 