[Stacytoadoopt]

I am in the process of adopting a little one from Guatemala. I would love to have input from adoptees about your thoughts on changing her birth name. I will be changing it, but wondered if I should keep her first name as her new middle name.

When I first started this process, I had hoped to just keep her birthname, but I really don't like it... Others think her birth name is pretty, so it is just me.

Is it important to you that your adoptive parents kept part of your birth name? Or does it really matter one way or the other. She will always know that she was adopted and what information I have on her birth family.

thank you for sharing your opinions
Stacy

[PetDragon]

Stacy,

As an Adoptee my parents chose to change my name, my first name is from my favorite aunt and my middle name is from my great great grandmother and has been handed down as a middle name ever since. For me at least I always found it a source of pride to know that my name has more meaning in my family than others would have.

[kardari]

We felt the same way about our sons given name and decided to change it. Honestly, I dont think that it matters and it should be up to you to change it or not.

[KittyKorner06]

I was adopted as an infant and my parents chose to keep the name I was given as my first name and then call me by my middle name. I would caution using that scenario, because it creates a lot of confusion later on, especially with legal documents and such.

As far as how I feel about having my "original" name? I don't know. Sometimes I've hated it, because I didn't like the connection it represented. Sometimes I've been very glad that they kept it.

AnnaK

[ripples]

Dear Stacyadoopt,
I think that for many adoptees, somehow keeping a connection to their birth name does matter. Like women pondering whether to keep their maiden name, one's name is key to one's identity, sense of belonging and pride.

There's a similar thread about this issue Names According to the book, Adoption Parenting Adoption Parenting - Creating a Toolbox, Building Connections there was the suggestion from an adoptee, "please don't erase my birth name, that's all that my birth mother had left to give me".

[aunt Ceecee]

I am changing our daughters first name, I will be giving her a name from my family..but I am keeping the names her birthmom gave her for 2 reasons, First reason is I thought it was important for her later in life to know her birthmom loved her and gave her such a beautiful name and the second reason is ...it is a beautiful name. Good luck in what ever name you so choose.