Changing my surname

[McFlabbergasty]

My birth name sounds far too Middle Eastern and does not flow very well. The funny thing is is that ethnically I am not actually Middle Eastern; I just had an Indian Muslim mother who wanted me to have an Arabic first and middle name.

I have already decided that my first name will be Jay. I am scrapping my middle name altogether because it was a reference to an Arab caliphate.

Where I am not sure is my surname. I have already conceived of two candidates. The first is Demetrius, "follower of Demeter". I enjoy the association Demeter has with the Earth's bounty, due largely to the implied environmentalist associations. Another idea is Sylvester, meaning "forest" or "woodland". I am an ardent hippie. Always have been!

Any suggestions would be welcome.

 

[The SettingSun]

Sorry, but those last names sound awful. Just go for something which goes well with Jay (which is a cool name )

 

[DefunctTheory]

I am an ardent hippie. Always have been!

You belong to a group of people who frequently change their names, usually to something horrid.

Sylvester is the lesser of two hideous names here.

 

[gazumped]

I'd like the name Demetrius (I'm a fan of Demeter also) but I'd recommend against it only because at first glance it looked like dermatitis... it may not give people the best first impression of you if they scan-read things in a similar way.

Sylvester is pretty, though, and for those who aren't so hippie they'll probably think of Sylvester Stallone, which would be a good association for them, too.

 

[BlueberryMUNCH]

Jay, yeah sure.

...but as for the other two. Mneurgh, if you want it, go for it. But I have to side with these lads+lass and say...mmh, doesn't sound great.

If you're going for Jay as a first name, you could always have Gatsby as your surname;D.

If I were you, I'd change it to something standard. I mean, the whole reason you're doing this is to sound more everyday, right?

Wilson is the surname I normally use when I write stories o.o *shrug * I dunno.

End of the day, this is your name though. If you like the sound of something, and are really set on it, then go for it lad!

 

[Acier]

Really? Most of the Muslim names I've heard are beautiful. Why not try a Muslim name that you just like better? That way you won't piss off your mom and still hold onto your heritage

 

[blue heartless]

Change your surname to Zbignew. It means "dispel anger".

It also makes you last on virtually all alphabetically organized lists.

 

[LordRoyal]

I am not one who advises changing one's name because of societal obligations, but try something that flows a bit better. Like "Jay Randall" or something like that. Demetrius makes me think of movie villains and Sylvester makes me think of high profile hollywood actors... or cats

 

[SckizoBoy]

I'm really curious what your birth name is?

As am I, oddly enough. If you can get translations of those names (or analogous) and reverse them to a language of choice, that'd make it quite neat.

Either that or do like me (when I'm developing new characters) which is to get really vague Greek names (mythology and otherwise).

 

[SiskoBlue]

A name in your head can sound a lot different when repeatedly used. Try using those names out loud to yourself (where people won't over hear you and think you're mad). You really want to be sure about it. I know you can always change it again but later in life when you have to fill out forms for morgate, insurance, jobs, etc. you'll get really sick of having to right down every name you've gone by.

Personally both those names sound a little pretentious. I'd try to find something a little punchier and less "mythical" but that's just my tastes.

 

[larysalove]

I would find a name thats similar to your birth name. Personally, I've never understood why someone would change their name. My name is extremely Ukrainian sounding and I wouldn't change it for the world. It makes you unique.

But, if you're heart set on changing it, just make sure you pick something that you're not going to regret a year or two from now. Changing your name once is annoying enough, and if you realize you've made a mistake and have to go do it again- well, nothing good can come of that situation.

 

[Aurgelmir]

I would find a name thats similar to your birth name. Personally, I've never understood why someone would change their name. My name is extremely Ukrainian sounding and I wouldn't change it for the world. It makes you unique.

But, if you're heart set on changing it, just make sure you pick something that you're not going to regret a year or two from now. Changing your name once is annoying enough, and if you realize you've made a mistake and have to go do it again- well, nothing good can come of that situation.

Well I for one am considering changing my Last name for my middle name (which is my mothers maiden name) Considering I am the only one of my brothers that have that name as a middle name, and therefor the only one in my family that can bring that name to the next generation. Plus its a much more interesting name than my actual last name

 

[ManInRed]

Well, you could follow Porn Star rules to making a second name. First name is the name of a pet you had growing up, last name is the name of the street you grew up on. Town you grew up from can also work, like Robin of Loxley.

You could also look up meaning behind your name, and find a name with the same meaning in a different language.

Otherwise, just keep it under 3 syllables, with at least two vowels, and remember names ending with "A" are typically feminine. Heck, you could code a random name generator with those parameters and come up with something halfway decent in a list of about a 100 possibilities.

Just change your name if its something you want to do, not because you think it will make it easier for other people. You'll never please everyone with the later, and frankly I'm offended if a person assumes I need to call them by a special name than the one they really usually go by.

 

[Treeinthewoods]

Jay Bird?

Jay Walker?

I like either of those, I'd have to say Sylvester and Demtrius are not the best sounding choices.

 

[SilentCom]

Demetrius sounds sort of like a name a philosopher would have. Also, why not just go for a nickname instead of having to change you name?

 

[KingsGambit_v1legacy]

If you were going to change your name, it should be to Jack Bauer.

 

[2012 Wont Happen]

You should make your surname "Walker".

It would flow well with the first.

 

[Ando85]

I think Jay Demetrius flows a bit better than Jay Sylvester. But, I'm sure a name change is a choice that will take much deliberation.

 

[Tekkawarrior]

Woodstock sounds cool

 

[p3t3r]

Change it to Brandon Gray