Name changes in the bible always marked a change in destiny and trajectory in life. Very happy for you!!

"I don't need to prove something that I just am." Period. I am happy that you can live that life that YOU choose!

I have to admit, when I first heard this (as an email) I was kinda irritated. “Why would you bother?” “What makes you so special?” “Who do you think you are?” And as I watched this video, I realized, it’s because those are the things I tell myself… To anyone else feeling that: the only permission you need is your own. Do that thing. Make that change. You and your happiness are important. Claim your power and live your best life. To Scarlett, I’m so incredibly happy for you. Thank you for sharing this portion of your journey with us. This is the stuff of real life, and these are the choices and bravery it takes to be authentic and truly happy. Thank you for your truth and inspiration.

My sister changed her name about 20 years ago. You have to do what suits you. I know my sister is so glad she did it and now I can't imagine her not having her current name. Congrats on finding a name that fits and finding the courage to move forward with the decision. Scarlett is a beautiful name.

Well, congratulations Scarlett. I didn't like my name for the longest time, I preferred my middle name, but never had the courage to demand to be called by it. I love my name now that I know the meaning of it. But I agree, a person should be free to change or pick a name.

I cried with you! I’m so very thankful you are sharing your story! You hit all the fears I could only imagine one going through while deciding to change their name. I also can’t help thinking about Scarlett Johansson because she is a baddie like you! but now I will think of you!

As a mixed race women who presents to this world as a black women. I completely understand what the women from Instagram meant. Black women in this country and around the world have been force feed whiteness and European standards of beauty for my hair to our skin color and to our clothes from the beginning of time. Are features a call ugly on us but desirable on a lighter skin person or a white person. Our names are ghetto and unprofessional. Everything about us is scrutinized. So I completely understand why she said what she said and her points and her feelings are so valid. You have every right to change your name to scarlet you are your own person and can do whatever you want and if this is what makes you happy I’m so glad that you’re doing it.

I just saw this video and wanted you to know I am so very happy for and proud of you. I am 45 years old and in the process of changing my full legal name. Thank you for posting this and I hope a lot more people post about their experiences with their full name changes. I've gotten people that have been supportive of my decision and others who have thought I was just crazy or having some mid-life crisis. But I've learned the most important thing is to do this for yourself and no one else. We only get one life and you might as well do what makes you happy. Thank you so much and I look forward to watching your other videos! Stay awesome!😊

I had a friend that changed her name years ago...it definitely was an adjustment and felt really odd at the time, but it is important to do what makes you happy.

I began using a different first name 20+ years ago. I never cared for my given name; my chosen name has always just felt right. A book written by Doreen Virtue (can't recall the name) attributes name changes to 'star people'. So happy to welcome a star sister to the fold!

I’m so happy to have found your video. My name is Latasha and I have struggled with not loving my name for so long. I only recently opted for Tasha Sofia and plan to change my name legally soon (and yes I make people address me using two first names;) ). I didn’t want to get rid of my first name completely because I know my mother wanted to give me a name that was cultural and I am proud of that. So I opted to only drop the La as everyone already called me Tasha anyway. I do agree with the comment at the end where the person on Instagram chimed in to say that she did feel your name made her proud because it was a black name and when I first found your channel and you introduced yourself as Tasha I remember being taken aback like omg a Tasha out here living her best life and doing so well but I understand why you changed it and I agree with you 100% a name should not define you or your blackness or anything else and it’s your choice. Scarlett, now I can say I am so proud to see a black women doing what feels good for her and her life and every time you introduce yourself we can now feel proud of the courage it took you to make that change. You are an inspiration! Thank you!

Thank you so much for this...I have considered changing my last name for a long time to reflect my Mexican heritage but I've been so in my head about all the implications, being half Mexican and half white. How you described the feeling of having a name that you felt "fit" you really impacted me.

I changed my name from Andrea to Andi back in July of 2010. So 11 years ago. Only my born into family calls me Andrea. The rest of the world has known me as Andi since about 1986ish. I was 15 years old. You put a whole new emotional spin in why I did it. Thank you for opening up my eyes to my own training I never really realized until watching your video. XOXO

This is such a sweet story. Thank you so much for sharing this very personal anecdote. I found it so funny & sweet hearing about your daughter’s multiple names.

so proud of your overall message in this video Scarlett. i changed my name legally, as well years ago, and went through all the feelings you mentioned. it was the best decision--at the time i did not realize things such as my degrees, birth certificate, etc., could not be changed but i am ok with that---i changed all other documents, thank you Scarlett!!!

I'm in the same boat! Im legally changing my name from Shannon Rico, to Mariah Blair Flores 🥰 i never liked my name, nor did i like my last name because of my troubled relationship with my "ex father" and after this year of lots of growth and change, I've decided to finally change it, cuz i wanted to leave my old self and trauma behind. And start fresh. I feel more myself as Mariah Blair Flores than i ever did with my old birthname. So im glad there is another person out there that feels the same and is doing the same🌻🌻

I always liked my middle name. Since I was a kid I remember wishing it was my first name. My husband knew all our marriage that I loved that name. I read forum posts of people who changed their name, for some reason I never thought it was possible to do it. I told my husband and asked what he thought if I changed it, he said he would fully support me because he knew I always wished it was my first name. I am now in the process of changing it legally. I'm 48, I'm so happy I'm doing it but yes, I agree I feel that shame as though this is wrong. Everyone has been supportive. I understand that feeling when you hear a friend call you by that name, it's so wonderful.

Thank you Scarlett. Your videos encourage me to love life, be vulnerable and change things I don't like in my life. You are a wonderful being and your videos help me live my happy.

Congratulations Scarlett! 🎊🎉You deserve to love everything about yourself including your name 💜

Names are gifts. You don’t have to keep them if they don’t fit.

Congratulations Scarlett! I'm really glad you shared this. I'm also in the midst of a name change actually; I've been going by my preferred name since I moved out of my parents' house and went to college, I sort of reinvented myself after experimenting with just using my middle name online for a few years. At this point, all my contemporary friends call me by my preferred name, but I still had so many worries about finally taking the plunge and starting the paperwork for a legal change so that I could free myself from having to explain to every employer why I'm really uncomfortable with them using my first name. Heading your thoughts on this has really helped me as well today, and I hope this announcement has been freeing for you!

I HATED my name when I was growing up. For some very specific reasons. Which my mother took VERY personally. I changed my name constantly. Arizona, Friday, Miloh, etc. Then one day, all of a sudden, I loved my name. I love it and I love me. Its such a journey that no one ever talks about. About glad you found what makes you happy!

I love this for you. The email newsletter made me smile when I read it. Finding “you” is something we all should do and appreciate in each other. Thank you for sharing!! 😭❤️ And I LOVE what you said about pronouns. I feel this very fiercely as well ❤️ It makes you feel heard and seen an validated when someone respects how you wish them to address you. so so so well put. Thank you for that.

Scarlett you are living as boldly and beautifully as the color you share a name with. I'm so glad that you are who you are and that I get to share a world with you.

Beautiful story and so happy to hear the support you received from those closest to you. I especially appreciated your vulnerability speaking about the doubts you had to work through even when you knew that it was the right choice for you. I think that's something that isn't spoken about enough. I also immediately drew the parallel between gender identity issues and the process you're currently undergoing. I think it's really cool side effect that this video might help make those issues more understandable to people who might find that concept foreign or difficult to conceptualize. So happy for you, Scarlett!!

Oh my goodness. This video came up in my recommended, and I clicked on it without really knowing what it was going to be about - I assumed maybe a business name change, or surname change. This video spoke to me so much. As much as I think the name “Carolyn” is perfectly lovely when I hear it on others, and I do think it’s a beautiful name, it has NEVER felt like me. And it’s always felt so weird, almost like a name that was detached from myself. So much so that I’ve been going by a nickname since middle school. But that nickname given to me at a young age honestly doesn’t feel like me at all, especially now that I’m in my late 20s. It’s more-so a force of habit, and felt better than being called by my legal name. At this point, it’s not important enough for me to think too much about. But if a name that rings true to who I am as a person ever appeared, I would feel so much more confident in changing it because of this video and experience you shared. Thank you! Scarlett feels very you :)

My friend named her baby girl Scarlett and I thought that was such a beautiful name. I hate my name, but don’t have the courage to change it, so good for you!!

You are such a beautiful representation of class, wisdom, and heart. I have always enjoyed watching and learning from you 💕 Thank you so much for sharing this intimate story of your deep desire to be called a name that feels true to you, and brings you such happiness!💕 I loved your given name, but it brings joy to my heart to call you your real name :) 💕 Sending you love and many hugs, Scarlett!

I legally changed my name when I was 27 y/o - first AND last name. One of the best decisions of my life!

Scarlett really suits you! After the initial introduction, I feel like I'm already used to it. :) Kudos!

Hi Scarlett! I actually didn't watch this video when it first came out because I thought, "why does she need to explain her own name change to us?", however I found myself watching this the other day and just wanted to commend you on your bravery in filming this video! I'm so glad you were able to find a name which really fits you, and I felt really encouraged and inspired in the lessons and stories you shared while filming. Looking forward to more of your videos!

sending you so much love Scarlett. it clicked as soon as I read it

Thank you, Scarlett, for embracing everything you are and for letting the world in to see your beautiful heart. I'm sure it isn't easy to be so vulnerable but you do it so gracefully, even making sure to promote inclusion for all as you share such a personal story. You are a great role model for so many.

Scarlett, I love and admire everything you are. My given name is Toni, and I feel the same way as you did: kinda stuck with the name, even as I feel detached to it. As you have a habit of doing, you’ve inspired me that one day I may take the step to legally change my name to something I resonate with more. This is so bold of you, knowing that people may apprehensive and make judgements, you still are committed to your own dreams.

Thank you so much for sharing this with us! I recently had one of my closest friends change her name and even though I fully supported her I didn’t understand why. I feel like I have a much deeper understanding of what she might have been going through now and thank you for that. I love your way of thinking and the principles you are implementing in your life and to us as your followers. I am so very happy for you and wish you nothing but happiness on this new journey Scarlett!

Bravo to you Scarlett! Beautiful name for a beautiful person! ❤️🙏🏽 My daughter Destiny changed her first name in 2nd grade to Lauren, which is her middle name. Once she got to 3rd grade she wanted to be call Destiny again. 😊🤷🏽‍♀️ She’s now 17, getting ready to start her 1st year of college & still wants to be called Destiny. ❤️

How do you parents feel about your name change? Not that it matters, I'm just curious.

Congratulations and thanks for sharing your story. You being yourself gives others permission to be themselves

I can so relate! I changed my first name 5 years ago and it's been life changing! So happy for you!

I can relate to this so much! Oh my goodness, I didn't know that other people felt this way. When I grow up I'll be like Scarlett and rename myself. Congratulations!!!! And thank you for sharing this♡♡♡♡

You've really inspired me. I've never liked or felt like I identify with my name, Rachel. I've always felt like I can't change it for all the reasons you mentioned... hearing you discuss this in such an open and honest way has made me really consider if I should finally (aged 34) find 'my real name'. Xx

I agree with you on the Blackness. We do not have to prove our blackness to anyone. We just are. And that is enough.

I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU SCARLETT THAT YOU'VE FOUND YOUR NAME. I'm sorry that you've had to go through the struggle of not fitting your old name and then questioning whether or not changing it is best for you. But hey, we all celebrate you here and now as you are. ❤️

A name might not define someone being black. However, some of our names have kept us from getting in the door, let alone a seat at the table. So I get the comment about hearing a name that is mostly associated with African Americans and then seeing that person thrive in what they do. It is an inspiration to see that their name didn’t hold them back. It’s cool that you wanted to change your name. That commentor was just making a point that seeing you overcome all the obstacles was inspiring.

Hi Scarlett! Thank you for sharing this story. I’m also thinking about legally changing my name. I got by a different name already, so thinking maybe change it legally. I’m worried it’ll be a pain… Also, I’m wondering if you’ve ever thought of doing parenting videos? Maybe what you “need” for a baby, how to budget for a baby, and even your philosophy on parenting? I would 1000% love to watch those!

The freedom of not caring what other people think. We really shouldn't keep it from doing what we want to do. I imagine trans people have felt what you're feeling when changing their names. This was very motivating to go after what you want in life, and not let anything hold you back. Also, your last point sounds like a great video topic. Black people's blackness gets called into question for a variety of reasons, whether it's from the way they speak, who they love, how they wear their hair, and even who their parents are. It would be an interesting topic to discuss because I think a lot of us have been called out for not being black enough or not loving ourselves for some of those reasons.

Its scary because we get stuck on what others think instead of what we want. I changed my first and middle name 40 years ago, I never looked back. I became the vision of who I wanted to be. Be firm and committed and others will accept the change.

Honestly- it's a bit strange to me. I'm a Gladys. Not many of those- but it never occurred to me to change it. Even though it's usually an older person name. I think Tasha (and Scarlett) are beautiful names. You do you! I hope you feel more like yourself when introducing yourself. As a side note- my mom's name is Sara. She hated it growing up (she thought it was boring). When she met my Dad she introduced herself as "Pattie". When they got engaged she then said "by the way my real name is Sara " LOL. My Dad continued to call her Pattie of course. She never made it legal.

My mom changed her first name as a 40th birthday present for herself, so your explanation made so much sense to me! Make sure you have documentation connecting your new name to your old one though so your children can prove you’re their mother. I had a ton of problems getting my drivers license because my mom’s name was different from the mother’s name on my birth certificate.

This is all very interesting. I feel like most people aren’t in love with their names. It’s like hair or skin color, something we accept that’s put upon us. For me it’s like picking your eye color or height, I go by a nickname and I have trouble seeing why legal aliases don’t suffice, but as much as this is new to me I will do my best to see you as Scarlet and I want to understand better what I can do to make others feel seen.

I love how you addressed how people assume what it means to be black. To do what you want is true freedom. So happy for you!

Thanks for sharing your story! I helped name my niece Scarlett 8 years ago, I've always loved the name since I read it in a book when I was a teenager ('Someone like you' by Sarah Dessen) it's kinda of a silly young adult/coming of age story but its about female friendship. The name has always been one of my favs and I love it on you

Just curious, how do your parents feel about the change?

Such a beautiful message 😭 Thank you, Scarlett!

You don't have to explain yourself to anyone to start living the life that is best for you. However, I am so glad that you did explain yourself and made this video because it was very empowering and awesome to watch your joy and your story! It gave a lot of peraspective too about letting go of other peoples thoughts and judgments. Congrats Scarlett! :)

Did Alexis pick the names Evangeline and Lilly based on the actress Evangeline Lilly? Or is this just a happy coincidence ? 😄 Thanks for sharing your story, Scarlet! ❤️

I've always wanted to drop my first name, since I go by my middle name, and like it better. Good for you, congratulations on finding a name that suits you!

Congratulations Scarlett on finding the perfect name for you. Everything in life carries energy even our names, so to hear that you immediately connected with Scarlett upon hearing it out the blue shows that the name was meant for you. I can also say I totally understand what you mean by not feeling connected to ‘Tasha’ anymore. I’m the same way with my married surname, I no longer feel a connection to it and am in the process of going back to my maiden name. Many times I’ve thought about changing my first name due to people pronouncing it wrong every single time they see it. I’ve also had those to ask what difference does it make. It makes a difference because people need to respect the fact that you prefer them to pronounce your name as it should be. 😉

Love this. I never liked my first name, especially when I moved to the States because it was so different. When I got older, I actually found out that I loved it. I’m glad you’re owning you!

I'm soooooo happy for you! I'm in the process of changing my name!

Is it strange that when I received your newsletter with the announcement, it immediately clicked that your name is Scarlett? My first thoughts were, “that’s her name, of course it is!” It just felt so *right* for you! A huge congrats, Scarlett! ❤️

For the past 2 years I've been toying with changing my name much more than before. I've considered it through childhood but as I get older it just feels that I need a better fit. It just felt strange when I was called and right now I'm considering therapy because of it.

Beautiful name, Scarlett! And I’m glad you found a name that matches your elegance and inner power. 👏🏼👏🏼

I totally understand how you feel. I was given an English name by my immigrant parents that can be interpreted as an insult (think Dick or similar). I absolutely hate telling people my name and it's honestly a source of great embarrassment and discomfort. I hope I will find a name that fits me someday and have the courage to change it like you did.

I have a similar story! I never "felt" my birth name, but I didn't know what my name should be. One evening, I heard my name fill the entire space around me as if the universe recognized me as my new name. (I use another screen name online for privacy.)

I've always considered my name to be one of the first gifts my mother ever gave to me, so I've cherished it in that way even if the "sound" of it was never something that I loved. However, my sister did change her first name about 5 years ago. I hate the new name but she loves it so that's all that matters I guess! lol it's definitely an adjustment for those around the person and I confess I do still think of the old name (just being 100% honest here, I'm sure it's not a popular thing to say.... but it's mostly because the person is always the person, no matter the name so in my brain it's hard to distinguish old name sister from new name sister - they are the same to me) but I do put in the effort to refer by the new name out of respect.

Thank you for this video, Scarlett. Your new (AND your old) name is very pretty, and although some people might not understand your decision, in the end, the most important thing is how you feel. And what a timing... I just had a conversation with a friend today about my own name and how it just doesn't fit me. I am thinking about changing it, but I don't have a replacement name yet...

I've thought about this since everyone calls me Joshua but it isn't my birth name. However, my first name is given because of my grandfather whom passed away before I was born. I like that part of my story since it makes me feel like I "belong" and connected to my roots. So I just keep my nickname and throw it around as much as I can :)

I love Scarlett for you!!! Name changing is common and I'm glad you did this for you!!!

Such a beautiful story, but an even more impactful reminder. One life, but many chances to make it our own ♥️

I know I’m late to this video, but this is something I’ve been wanting to do for years. But people were making me feel like I should be guilty and ashamed about doing what makes me happy. I’ve never use my real name on any of my social media, so I’m like why not just change my legal name to the name that I’m known by. I am interested in knowing if there’s any consequences to doing it.

Thisssssss !! I love thisss !! Speaking from personal experience . A person who changed hers . You said a lot that I related to ! Omg chills !!

I’m so glad you found a name you love! I’m 28, and I’ve never liked my name either.

Scarlett is a lovely name! Congratulations on finding your name, Scarlett!

This really helped me alot, i have been wanting to change my name for a long time and this gave me a lot of peace. I want to change it when I leave for college, but I am still fearful to change it know.

Wow. I feel this so much! My name is Tasha but Ive never, ever felt like it was me. I’ve never liked it and it doesn’t feel right when I say it’s my name. I’ve just never connected with it. I’ve always wanted to change it but never told anyone 😔

I am lucky to have always felt like my name fits, but I get that I’m lucky. Everyone should get to choose.

There is some fairly metaphysical info out there about how you grow into a name - because it is given to you before (& not as in the one you were given at birth), the name finds you, it calls to your very soul, because it is written on your soul & is part of you - not a label. You are a powerful Scarlett.... And it's very nice to meet you!

I like the way you respectfully called out that person on insta. Though I understand why they feel that way, no one should be expected to "represent" their demographic group in ways projected onto them by others

Yesss🥰 I changed my name too. I am actually named after my mother. I am Doris L. Long ll. I was married and I got a divorce decree. So I'm loving my name. 👑🥰♊🍭. I am honored to be named after my mother! 🥰👑

I'm so glad you found a name that resonates with you, Scarlett!

So happy that you found your perfect name and thanks for sharing more of your story. I definitely have struggled with connecting to my first name for years and go by something separately socially. ive always said that was more of a “nickname” but really it’s more my identity than my legal name!

I watch your videos a lot and i am happy for you the fact that you're happy about your new name , but don't change your beauty. By the way i learn a lot from your videos. Great job!🙂

Yay! So happy for you! Scarlett is a nice name! I love that you are changing your name just out of joy!

Scarlett, I’m so proud of you to do something so scary (changing the name you have been for 30+ years). “Living your best life!” Right now Scarlett Johansson is in the Black Widow movie, maybe it caught your attention (the name Scarlett) subliminally.

I cannot love this enough. I just began the process of changing my name from Stacey to Jaymes. Thank you for being an inspiration. I am subscribing, liking, and saving this video for reference when I need encouragement.

Scarlett💖💖💞💞🎉 let’s celebrate your name 😍

Thank you so much for opening up about this ❤️

So happy for you living your truth 💜 thank you for sharing it with us. A beautiful name for a beautiful person.

In Genesis 17:5, God changed Abram's name to Abraham, because his new name was connected to his destiny. It very well can be that you just aren't Tasha any more. Tasha has done amazing things in her life, but Scarlet is taking you the rest of the way. Not that you need me to be, but I'm okay with that. I wish you the very best. Thank you for years of knowledge you've poured into my life. Stay well, Scarlet. Blessings...

My middle name is Ruby, my favorite color is purple not red but I love the way Ruby sounds in both English and Spanish. So I agree with the bit of liking how something sounds.

I think Scarlett is a beautiful name. When I became a US citizen I was able to change my name at the age of 12/13. I think more people support others making changes. ❤

Hello my name 👋🏽 is Chaleika ❤️👸🏽❤️ & I am 23 & a half years old young autistic female person. But soon is about to turn 24 this summer 🏝️🌞🏖️ which is actually going to be on the 9th of August. So anyways I just recently decided not to go by one of my 2 middle names anymore which was actually assigned to me at birth by my both parents Rokeisha right next to Ester just quite literally because I didn't like how that one middle name Rokeisha was pronounced, or spelled that way. While growing up & not just only that I've gotten bullied like ever since when I was in elementary school 🏫🎒 right through to high school too like pretty much all of my whole entire life. Meaning that I have been having a very low self-esteem like that also does includes by moving to many different cities like eight times in my life. & even too by switching many different schools like pretty much like eleven times. Which wasn't very fun for me at all. Just quite literally because I didn't have many friends 😢😭 while, growing up. Like even too that I have also started to realize about the whole fact that my second middle name rose 🌹 was actually supposed to be assigned to at birth by just only from my dad too in real life. Just quite literally because I was given by a most very beautiful lovely ring that I actually used to have 💍 which did had a pink rose 🌹 stone on it too like ever since when I was just at the age of 12 while growing up down in southern Hamilton Ontario of Canada. Just a little further away from in the city of Toronto that I used to live too. And btw the reason why that I have decided to call myself rose 🌹 as my second middle name just quite literally because. I have really truly do feel like a rose 🌹 just right inside of my heart ❤️ & not just only that I also did found that one middle name rose 🌹 more suitable for me. Just like my sister who is actually both the youngest in the family. Yes 😉❤️ most definitely at a 💯% for sure indeed.

Beautiful video! Thank you for being so vulnerable and honest with us. ❤

I know this video is a year old but I still wanted to leave comment. I have hated my name for my whole life, literally as long as I can remember. It never felt right, in fact, it felt very wrong. My whole life, I've hated introducing myself just because I hate saying my own name. I don’t feel like it's "me" at all. It also happens to be more of a "southern cutesy name", which is just the opposite of my personality. I felt held back by my name. I recently turned 18 and I made the decision to change it. I am excited but also very nervous. Unfortunately my family isn't responding as well as yours. They have continually told me that they do not support my decision and that they will not call me my new name. Their lack of support has definitely made the whole situation even more anxiety inducing for me. I've found myself questioning sometimes if I'm making the right decision. Not because I'm second guessing if I actually want to change it, but just because I'm so afraid of the judgement and disapproval from the people I care about. However, this video reassured me so much and helped me confirm that I am making the right decision. You put all of my thoughts and emotions to words. Thank you for sharing your story, it really means the world to me to be able to feel like I'm not alone in this. Your words are so inspiring, I wish the rest of the world could be as kind and accepting as you. I'm so happy for you Scarlett!!!

The BEST reason to change it. It doesn't feel like you.

Congrats Scarlett! I also don’t quite feel like my name fits me either, even though I’m cisgender. I sometimes consider changing it but I don’t know what else I’d pick for myself. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Watching and partway through now. Thank you for normalizing the idea of changing your first name, especially as a cisgender person. The more people who understand that changing your name is okay regardless of gender identity, the easier the process is going to be for all of us, legally and socially.

I’ve always hated my first name but decided to embrace it in my old age. My wife is looking forward to getting rid of her troublesome middle name (Del Socorro) once she becomes a US citizen. Congratulations on your name change!

I changed my first name 2 years ago and so far I’ve updated most legal things but I go back and forth with my previous name to make certain things less stressful