I was listening to James O'Brian on LBC, talking about people changing their names by deed poll. The numbers have increased greatly over the past decade in the uk.

Strangely, two of the most disliked names seeking change both also appear on the most wanted. To be precise James and Elizabeth. It seems loads of folk want to be Alex/Alexander.

I have met a few young women recently with beautiful names like Avril, Nerys (both Welsh I think?) also a Patience and Phoebe. All seem very happy with the names their parents chose.

I did not like my name. I don't mind it now, but I was quite happy when a couple of people thought Val was short for Valentine, and I did not correct them.

I wonder if the changing of a surname has greater significance, such as wanting to disown the family one is born into.

Of course, some names are obviously going to be a big handicap. The British film star Diana Dors was probably very wise to change her surname, Fluck. Would Elton John have met with great success as Reg Dwight? 

There was a house near me that had squirrel and nut themed plaques and garden ornaments. It was called "The Nuthouse". It turned out that their surname was Nutter, and they had decided to embrace it.

A girl I knew became Mrs Stout upon marriage. Having seen the jibes her well-upholstered MIL had to put up with, she remained slim as a reed.

Spock went to school with a lad whose surname was Nob, and also knew a Mr & Mrs Bottom.

In my town there is a Sidebottom which would have me arranging a deed poll. Also a Cakebread, which I think is charming and Dickensian.

I was torn between 2 names for my son. When I told him what the other was (Oliver) he was aghast. I love that name, but he said he would have changed it as soon as was legally able to do so.

Are you happy with the name your parents chose?  

I know some Moodscopers don't use their real names, so it would be interesting to know how they chose a pseudonym.

Val

A Moodscope member