Name Change

windie

so i'm a bit of a dork but would like your thoughts:Legally my first name is spelled like the burger place - Wendy - but I have always pronounced it with an I (as in it's windy outside). I remember being a little girl, 4 or 5 years old, introducing myself saying "Hi my name is Wendy, spelled with a E but pronounced as an I."

In jr high - my good friend and I decided it would be fun to change the spelling of my first name to Windie and I have used it ever since, for any social situations/interactions.

I've used it so long I now prefer Windie to Wendy. I even put Windie on our STDs & invites (which I am sure confused some of my aunts & uncles).

My question for you all - as I will be legally changing my last name after my wedding - should I change the spelling of my first name at the same time? This would be the best opportunity as I believe its the same form used for both - and when telling people my new last name, I can include the now correct spelling of my first name.

I am worried about two things: work & family. Changing the spelling of my first name at work would be really confusing for people & may think I am a totally different person. With Family - I don't want to offend anyone.

On the other hand - legally changing the spelling of my first name may help with friends - I really confuse them! I get all kinda of spelling with my name now.. Wendy, Windie, Windy, Wendie, Windi, Wendi.

Whatcha all think? Make the legal change?

dluberts

I wouldnt. Its cute as a nickname. And cute story to tell. Id leave it as is.

tammym1001

I think changing both your first and last name at the same time would really confuse people and may even make some people not realize who you are, especially people who don't know you got married. If a woman changes her last name people assume she got married, but if you change both they may think you're running from the law or something. LOL

ddvirts

I'm not sure that you can do that. Our marriage license (NY) states that I can only change my last name. If I want to change my first or middle name I would have to go through a different process.

windie

ddvirts said:

I'm not sure that you can do that. Our marriage license (NY) states that I can only change my last name. If I want to change my first or middle name I would have to go through a different process.

that's good to know - i just always assumed it was the same process... i may have to look into it more.

windie

okay - so yeah the process to change a first name is A LOT more complicated then i realized... so looks like i'm sticking with Wendy legally and Windie for everything else!