A new mother is grappling with regret after naming her daughter Elizabeth to honour her husband's late mother, only to wish she had chosen Emma instead. Two months after bringing the baby home, the feeling persists, prompting her to seek advice on Reddit.
Two Names, One Decision
The couple had narrowed down their choices to two names: Elizabeth, a tribute to the husband's mother who passed away a few years ago, and Emma, a name the mother particularly liked. They ultimately chose Elizabeth, but the mother now finds herself constantly wanting to call her daughter Emma.
In her Reddit post, she wrote: 'I'm having name regret. We went back and forth with these two names and ultimately chose Elizabeth after my husband's mum who passed away a few years ago. But after we brought her home I keep wanting to call her Emma and that feeling hasn't gone away. She just turned 2 months old.'
Guilt and Family Drama
The dilemma is compounded by the fact that Elizabeth was also the name the mother's sister had planned for her future daughter. Although they discussed it, the mother still feels guilty for 'taking' the name. She added: 'Is it too late to change it? My husband feels it is more embarrassing than anything to change it now. Ugh.'
Reddit Advice
Commenters offered various suggestions. One proposed: 'Why don't you change it to Emma Elizabeth? I don't think it's too late!' Another advised: 'Name her Emma Elizabeth. If she has a middle name you want to keep, name her Emma Elizabeth Middlename. I have two middle names, it's always been cool and never a problem on paperwork etc.' A third commenter suggested: 'Just call her Emma as a nickname for Elizabeth. Elizabeth has a million nicknames, many are far fetched. My friend's kid is 'Lila' short for Elizabeth.'
Legal Process for Changing a Baby's Name in England
In England, changing a baby's first name within 12 months of registration is straightforward. Parents must contact their local register office, complete a specific form, and pay a statutory fee of £44.
Process to change a first name:
- Time limit: Must be done within 12 months of the original birth registration.
- Restriction: You can only change your child's first name once on the official birth record.
- Required forms: Use a 'Certificate of Name Given in Baptism' if baptised, or a 'Certificate of Name Given Not in Baptism' if not.
- Outcome: The registrar will add the new name to the register, and new certificates will reflect the change.
Changing a surname is different. It cannot be changed on the original birth certificate unless re-registering the birth (e.g., adding the father's details) or via a formal deed poll. A deed poll is required if the 12-month window for a first name change has passed or to change a surname without re-registration.
