picking a name for your child is so important, and some ppl don’t understand the magnitude of it when they pick one.

I changed my name last year I don’t regret it. It’s funny because none of my family support it or respects that I changed my name. My coworkers and friends respect it and have no problem with the adjustment. I totally understand letting go and restarting your life.

Honestly, I feel like you just read the pages of my diary out loud. My experience growing up was the same. I have considered changing my name for many years, and the greatest thing that's holding me back is imagining how my environment will react.

I’m Nigerian, I changed my name to Jade when I was 22, for a multitude of reasons but one of them was the difficulty of the name. I totally relate to and understand your reasoning. I’m now 35 and don’t dread anyone reading my name off a list anymore.

I completely relate! my name has always caused me internal conflict and i have always been back and forth on changing it

I know exactly how you feel with regards to growing up and feeling "othered" during attendance :( And as an adult, feeling held back because of my name. I haven't done a KZfaq, social media, or even started a business because of my name. I tried but I was still hiding behind a nickname that is more of a masculine name I don't want. I'm filling out my name change forms tonight and feeling nervous but excited about the woman I will become + the endless possibilities

This is a sign for me! The day you recorded this is my birthday. And I’m currently 25! Thank you! I have been seriously thinking hard about changing my name. Simply because I want to.

Thank you for sharing this video Charlotte. I’m 17 I decided on a new name I got tired of carrying on this identity that didn’t fit me. It feels so liberating not being held down by my name. Although now I struggle with old friends still attached to my old name. It’s funny though because when I introduce myself to others now they call me by name, something that almost never happened with my ethnic name.

Watching this in 2024 after finally having changed my name at 19. I can relate to every word you are saying about the old name holding you back and representing a version of you that you don’t relate to and don’t want to be. My parents are, understandably, angry at me for changing the name that they gave me and it feels a little strange to have to tell friends and family about it. However, as you said, it is something we do for ourselves and we should really do what makes US happy and live the life that WE want. Hope you are doing well❤️

I love your new name, it fits you. I have been dealing with the exact same thing for years with my name and I am finally in the process of changing my name. I wasn't laughing at your experience but I laughed because I felt the same way during attendance, graduations, and even at work as a nurse they always completely butcher my name. It is embarrassing as hell and it's like they don't even try. I am so mad my parents gave me a ghetto name, granted I am very successful in life for the most part but your name does play a part in your success. My brother has an easy name, Charles. I don't know why parents always try to get so creative with the girl's name and ruin it. I do feel judgement from my mom for wanting to change my name but I want to do this for myself. I want to feel a newfound confidence and become a new person. My old name is associated with so much trauma and bad mistakes. I just need a fresh start. It is a process and I am slowly starting to use my name such as new emails when I order things online and food etc; to get a feel for it. Thanks for posting my love!

I really loved this video. I'm changing my name from Breanna to Koda at the age of 24, mostly due to me not identifying with my gender. I've been going by Bree for years, but as I've discovered my nonbinary identity, I've felt more and more like the name Bree isn't quite right either. I chose to change my first and middle name to Koda Grey because of how gender neutral it feels. It just feels like the right name for me, and I couldn't care less what anybody else has to say about it! Now I just need to make the legal change :)

Love it Charlotte 💜💜💜 so proud of you for doing what you want to do. It’s YOUR decision and no one else’s.

I’m finally changing my name legally, after talking to myself so for years, to Victoria Megan Ofelia.That’s amazing

My first name isn't horrible but I never felt like it fit me. I loved my middle name from when I was a child. I had always wished it was my first name. My mom and I never got along because she is a narcissist. I have removed myself from her. My relationship with my dad has always been good. When I asked for his blessing on legally changing my name he asked me "do you know who picked that name for you before you were born?" He told me he did. So he was more than happy with the change even though he felt bad that my name wouldn't be what it is now. But he is happy it'll be my middle name instead. I'm 48, wish I would've known I could change it sooner.

I can totally relate to your story :) I have a name that my Korean parents gave me but everybody goes with my "nickname" Layla, so I sometimes feel shame for myself for having two names and kinda hiding my own legal name. Especially when it comes to legal documents and school. However, I really like my name and I think changing my name could give me more confidence! Before I watched this video, I thought I was the only one who wanted to change my name, so thank you for making this video! It really helped me a lot :)

Im sorry that you were bullied. You seem like such a sweet person. Im glad you are working toward happiness!!!!! God bless you!!!!

I'm changing my name next year. I told my parents about my decision and they said to sit on it, so for them, I will do that, but I don't think my decision is going to change. I have a simple yet pretty name in mind that I will be easier to pronounce and feels more like me. It will be a difficult process, but well worth it.

Charlotte, I love your name! it's so pretty and beautiful. I have always felt my name doesn't fit ever since I was 5. My given name isn't hard to pronounce, but everyone always calls me Melissa instead. I've been going by Dolores since 2019 and want to make it official by legally changing it. My family absolutely hates it, which is why I haven't changed it so far. I feel so happy every time I introduce myself as Dolores, I've even been told it's pretty. Thank you for giving me the courage to revisit this again. Dolores

thank you a lot for sharing this story. I'm so grateful that I found this video I am on the journey of changing my name which I've been always believing that this is my fate in life, but now.. I no longer think this way because I am aware that I am the only one responsible for my future and my future does not have this old identity. my story is unique actually, I lived my whole 22 years by two names, one from my mother's side and the other from my dad's and there was a huge argument when I was born, and I have really been struggling in my childhood. this misery ENDS now.

Thank you for being so transparent and honest! So many people can relate!

This speaks to my soul. I’m in the process of changing my name, I’m Jamaican and refuse to even say what my mom named me... I thought I was the only one, thank you for sharing your story. I’m more confident than ever before moving forward with the process!❤

I feel you. You just gave me hope to make me change my name.

Dear Charlotte, thank you so much for this video. I have been struggling with the same thing and the way you speak really touched me and made me cry. You said so many wise things that completely shifted my mindset from "what will people think of me" to "I need to do this for MYSELF". I wanted to ask you whether you had any sources to recommend, like books you read to make up your mind or shift your mindset or something like that. I would be very grateful. Thank you!

GO CHAR ♥️♥️♥️ love you!

I relate to this video sooo much!!! I just feel like my current name no longer serves me, I will be changing it next month!! So excited for new beginnings 😊

Love the new name of Charlotte ❤️❤️❤️

Awww I'm so happy for you!!!

I’m really happy because my mom said she’d help me change my name!! Not going into detail but my name was chosen by a not so good person and they have stalker tendencies so if we want to successfully leave this environment and live in peace we need to be untraceable and everytime I hear my name i hate it so much and it brings back bad memories. It’s also just, an ugly name. Maybe not ugly as I find it beautiful on some people but it’s very old school and not fit for someone of my generation.

fantastic video. Thank you! Your story really resonated with me and I appreciate your courage to share.

True to yourself well done x Edit. Wow you have really inspired me.

Yessss Charlotte!

I feel you my name is Hali, and everyone has always pronounced it wrong. I'm finally changing it to HAILEE

You so look like a Charlotte! ☀️

Thank you for giving me courage to do the same. Autonomy is so powerful, and learning about your change is amazing. Many blessings to you!! Thank you x 1mil!!

Thank you so much for sharing this! I am a guy literally in the same situation as you right now. I am 25 years old and also have a very asian name. I noticed that as we get older, people are less open to make new friends. When it comes to online dating, I noticed a huge difference when I used the exact same pictures with a different name. I would instead use part of my name which kind of looks more western and I would feel guilty as I am kind of lying to a potential future partner. I find it really unfair on how I am being judged just because of a name and I have been debating to change it for a while now. My fears are how will my facebook, instagram friends and linkedin connections react. Suddenly one day I just magically become a John or Eric and also I still have one year of university left so its kind of a hassle to change my name. I'm really thinking of moving to a new city, change my name and start fresh. I want to thank you again for sharing this as now I know I am not the only one struggling with our name identities.

I have a similar problem with my own name, and a few months back something happened to me that drove me over the edge a bit to the point that I feel I need a complete life overhaul as part of my own self improvement. Changing my name has become a goal of my own.

Amazing video! I am starting the name changing process now and your story definitely inspired me to keep going. 🙏🏼❤️

👏👏👏 Congratulations Charlotte! I will have my neutralization with an full name changed next week. I really scared how people will feel weird about it especially at work. I need to find how to deal with it and make them respect to my choice.

Thankyou Charlotte for your inspiring story. I am inspired to go ahead with changing my name and risk others rejection. After all it's my life. Blessings to you.

im a new subscriber, thank you so much for sharing your story. made me feel seen

Thank you for making this, i also have a old name that serves no purpose, timid, a terrible past, you are a blessing c:

Girl, same...I'm in school and don't even respond to my name during registration.....I'm mentally drained on it right now and I have to go back to school tomorrow.

Thank you for this video. Reading the comments with so many ppl in similar circumstances makes me feel more normal now because I always hated my given name which was Margaret. I just always hated it and felt like somethings not right about being referred to as that. I changed my name when I was about 23 to Sapling cuz I felt like it resonated with me. My whole family makes fun of it and always tell me to love Margaret lol…which I can’t. I’m turning 28 next month and I’m considering changing it again. Was thinking Alison. Alison was one of the name choices for me but wasn’t chosen so that’s high on my list. And this time I won’t answer to my given name. I read comments on a blog post about family not accepting your new name and that u should just keep reminding them and to never respond to your old name and eventually they’ll have to accept it. Sorry to anyone who always felt like they hated their name, it’s not something that ppl are able to fathom but it’s been a huge part of my mental activity my whole life and very stressful to go through

Currently my surname is legally "Elbadawi" 🤢🤢💔 I never liked it, I'm 21. I would like to change it to "Silva" , socially some of my friends know about my name change ,I want to do it but it's an expensive process so I have to wait until I have the money for it. I would have to get a new passport, bank card and some other things. I was born into a Muslim family unfortunately and I don't identify with Islam, it's not me so by keeping my surname i feel trapped , it doesn't feel like me. I want to be my own person, i want to have a fresh start, I want to be reborn with a name that will make me feel good, I don't want to be associated with Islam.

Yes yes yes!!!!!! I’m changing my name too! This was affirming!!

Nice vid Charlotte! My birth name is Oliver. I don’t want to have a common name for I want to be unique. I’m son of Bolivian indigenous parents living in Sweden. And whenever I meet Swedish or British people named Oliver it pains me knowing we have the same name when we are completely different people. Also my ancestors were slaughtered and enslaved by Europeans and I change my name to honor my people and me. Most Bolivians use colonial Spanish name and with my name change I would even be unique in my motherland. But I will keep my second name Davíd to honor and always remember my parents. It would feel wrong to completely erase this connection. I’m in the process of changing my name to the indigenous name Mallku(Mayku) and i have never felt more convinced and relieved.

You are so beautiful! And you look like a Charlotte. 💝💝💖💖💖🥰🥰🥰 Everyone should take control of their life. 👏👏👏

Well done on good video. I am here a bit late but still a good video. As a teenager I considered to add a second name, as I only have one, but never went through it. But good for you to move on forward, new name and all. Congrats.

Second and your gorgeous by the way and I like Bokei I studied Chinese in high school so I hope you know you have a fan yay lol good video Charlotte

I am sooooo prod of you. I understand everything you were saying necause this is has been my story. I am in the process of my name change. Thank you a Million for sharing this it is so meaniful to me.

Love your journey of triumph. Sincerely, new subby

I have the same experience with my name, not necessarily the pronunciation, but because people most times assume I am female before seeing me, a few times people even address me as Miss… so like you I am seriously thinking of legally changing my name.

this is just on everyone. If they like theyres name then ok keep it but if ur not comfortable with it then theres nothing wrong wirh changing it

For me it’s so interesting because my problem with my name is that it’s just always been too common. Always wanted a name that I didn’t need to share with 5 other people, so I was thinking about adding my middle name to my first. I understand why my mom wanted a common name though, since my mom has a less common name. However I also remember having issues with my name in childhood because I was briefly “big Megan” due to being older & taller, or having everyone be Megan h., Megan s., Megan a.. I guess I can thank the other Megan (same last name) that my apartment application ended up mixed up with for making me realize that

This is so relatable. I love my name but we cant fight the reality of white supremacy we can only live with it. Changing your name isn't a sign of weakness or shame its adapting to survive & thrive. People will look at your name and instantly skip it because its an inconvience to try and pronounce it. They will treat you as lesser compared to your peers. I love the name your parents gave you and think it is great but I totally understand why you felt the need to change it.

I listen to your Story as I’m 42 and thinking about it too I was bullied and hate my name! Because it doesn’t fit my ethnicity or culture. So I’m leaning to changing it.

Awsome content.. thanks for sharing. How did you narrow down you go about name searching and narrowing down your options? Thank you. Also Great choice it fits you and sounds friendly and likable.

Your Chinese name is so cute. I totally get why you would want to use a Westernized name to make things easier though. I’m in the process of adding a Yoruba name to my name, to honor my ancestors. My ancestors didn’t have a choice, their African names were stripped from them. Awesome for you though! Charlotte is such a beautiful name.

Charlotte is a beautiful name, it fits you. You also look like a Summer.

I went through and am still going through a similar experience. I finally decided to go through the name change process with an attorney bc of how complicated my state makes it. If u don’t mind me asking , when you changed ur name did u also change ur birth certificate? With people born in the US, apparently it’s optional and they can just get it amended instead of a new one, but when ur foreign born it’s so difficult Bc it’s a completely different process and much more complicated.

I am going through the same thing, I am changing my name by this Monday

Hey Charlotte, just came across to see your video, coz i have been looking for videos that talks about the name change, I m in the process of getting my name change, I hope the authority will let me change it legally... I m touched about what you said, especially the past you want to let go...

May I know that if I change my name will it effect on me from getting my job ( bcz in all of my certificates there would be my old name!) plz I need to know!!!

What a nice honest video! Why don't you upload a video on how to change your name in Ontario? like the steps and paper works? I'm sure there are plenty of people who will find that helpful.

Omgggg i feel everything you said😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 I also want to change my name and live my life!!!!!! Leave my past behind me!!! 💜🤍✨

This is so relatable, I felt like you described my life. I want a less ethnic name and also one that isn't religious as I'm an Atheist.

Man i thought iam only had this problem. What you said exactly described my experience. When teacher calling your name during attendance that felt like hell. Iam turning 25 i dont i want change my even though i hate. Nobody in world know i hate my name even my parents, slibling.

Thank you ❤️

Where did you get the necklace? Pretty.

Hey Charlotte, I def love ur name, I'll be changing mine as well, trouble is now what will be my last name hahaha!

I want to change my name. Can you guide me the process or any agent who can help me with that. Thank you.

How much cost of each letter??

Thanks for sharing this

Hello how does it feel now to change your name

I so wanna change my name as I'm tired of being ignored or forgotten... I have a nice and unique name. But the only benefit I have gotten out of it, is occasional compliments. But other than that, I have only had disadvantages. Always forgotten, despite my efforts. I don't know what to do...

Thoughtful.

You are beautiful!!!

Beautiful soul ❤

I can definitely relate to your story. I’ve been debating doing the same. My mother gave me an African name but the female spelling of it. However, since everyone (even family) has pronounced my name incorrectly my entire life, I go by my nickname

Are you still making more videos

Waiting to change my name at 18 for a big personal reason. Still waiting at 17 just to legally change it which will take a while. I feel like I'm becoming a new person.

Where are you from? Its difficult in my country

I also want to change my name. Grew up hating my name especially in elementary and high school. What I find interesting is I am also 25 there is something about the age of 25, quarter life crisis maybe? Great video tho.

Never seen such relatable comment section. I started changing my name today because i really hate my official name which is Dorcas😭😱 to Dorah. It has held me back so long and I hate it so much. I wish all goes well.

Man, my story was just like yours... For me though, I'm changing my name legally as soon as I cut my mom out of my life lol. My friends already call me the name I like which is Mae

I want to change my name at 18 im 17 since im going to be a realestate agent and realestate is connection based and people knowing eachoter i figure its best to change it before I know anyone so they will all know me as my new name from Steven Hunter I go by Hunter to Wyatt , Grayson , Parker

This is me but with my last name. My first name is foreign but never really had any problems with it. But my last name made me scared to get my name announced in school and stuff

I changed my name when i was adopted after my parent's death 8 years ago My initial name was "mohamed" and i changed it mostly because it was a religious name And now my name is aiden

I don’t like my name because it just never fit me in my opinion I’ll be changing my name next year but from this day on I’ll be going by Dyani. It also matches with my Native American heritage that I’m trying to reconnect with.

Thanks very much for sharing your journey. I was wondering how you get others who have known you as your old name to start using or accept your new name. I have wanted to change my name for a few years now but I'm wondering how I can deal with that in the work place. My boss, my coworkers, my friends. If you have any pointers it would be much appreciated. Thanks

i have the name that i really like in my ethnic language. but that is not common in environment that i live. and people dont even prounounce it right and struggling to adapt my name. its a kinda weired for that environment and i am feeling so ashamed and depressed over it. and when i decided to change it i really feel bad because i think that my dad will feel sad

A submission from Virginia, U.S. says the name Boki means "Blessings" and is of Korean origin. Says google. Blessings to the blessing.

my real name is justine, I am an girl so I hate it so much. Can I change it?

Im trying to add a middle name at age 26 cause no one calls me by my dads name I'm a Jr.

When any person get pr in canada could he change his name legally? I want to know about that please!

I also want to do that 😢

Awesome How many people do still use your old name?

your original name is beautiful. BOKA does have meaning.

So.... I agree with you and all, but, let me put you in my situation. Imagine being named after your father/mother. My parents didn't even think of a name for me and my dad literally just named me after himself without putting any thought into it. This has seriously been an issue for me my whole life because I don't feel unique or myself at any instance. I'm always feeling as if he expects me to follow onto his footsteps and its always been so irritating having the same name, whenever my mom calls my name sometimes I don't even know if he's calling me or my dad. Like at least add an abbreviation like Jr. or something... smh. Also my name is long and its so common. I know it's pretty popular but that's just the thing, having a very common name is boring quite literally. I'm 100% sure people named Alejandro/Alex or Alejandra/Alexa or Alexander/Alexandra or any similar name would agree with me. Cuz that's my situation. There's just so many people named like this. This one time I was ordering food at Cane's they asked me for the name of the order and I said Alex and they were like.."another one really?, We GOt AnotHeR ALeX ComINg uP". That's frustrating. I mean ya'll get the point. I'm sure there are any other common names out there. I just wish I had a different name.

Hello my name is Chaleika & I am 23 years old. Like also in fact that I was born with mild autism in real life too sweetie. Which also does means that I was a born in Canada. And plus I have even just recently changed my one of my two middle names too from Ester Rokeisha to Ester Rose 🌹 just quite literally because I did strongly dislike that one middle name Rokeisha that was actually giving to me at birth by my mom just quite literally because it has actually sounded pretty weird for me to pronounce & to spell. And plus my mom had almost wanted to call me Chiquita which was actually supposed to be my first name but luckily my dad has said no we are certainly not going to be naming our most very beautiful lovely daughter that which is actually me of course just quite literally because those other kids at school would have gotten teased & even by getting made fun of me like in school about the whole fact that I would have most likely been called Chiquita Banana 🍌 too sweetie. But thankfully that my grandmother & my dad has actually done a very good job by choosing those two very nice unique names which is actually Chaleika & Ester. Like also in fact that I have even just recently like that involves of removing like my mom's last name which has actually used to be Cyrus just quite literally because she has really hurted 😭😭😭😭💔💔💔💔 my feelings repeatedly like over the past 15 years now. Which also does mean that I do officially now have my dad's last name which is actually Edwards now. I'm so thankful that I have shared my story with you today. And plus I am actually going to be sending you a very big nice warm hug 🤗 & a very big nice juicy kiss 😘 from your very sweet loving kind sister best friend Chaleika.🌸🌸🌸🌸🥀🌸🌸🌸🌸🥀🌸🌸🌸🌸🥀🌸🌸🌸🌸🥀🌸🌸🌸🌸🥀🌸🌸🌸🌸🥀