Changing a child's name

[Ginger]

oh i love Ally for a boy too,
i don't think it would be an issue to change it to Xander though. if he likes it, go for it!

[Astrolady]

Definitely shouldn't be an issue at all. My Mum's name is Patricia but has always used Mary (her middle name) as Patricia is also my grandmothers name. She signs everything as P M xxxxx though.

[Traveller]

Thanks everyone. OH has come home and is not impressed with what DS1 wants to do so there will be nothing immediate anyway, just good to know there is an alternative he likes if he gets sick of the "girls name" jokes.

[sneakysparkle]

I was thinking - could you just change it to 'Alexander' and that way people can choose what they like - whether it be Ally or Xander? That way, if he changes his mind again you wont have to change anything

[meow]

I agree- maybe just ask that his full name is written on things. I've never heard of Ally being used as a boys name so I can understand how he's feeling uncomfortable in an Australian school with Ally written on his things.

[Indadhanu]

I thought the same thing as sneaky. And just let his teacher know that he has a new nickname. If it's not 'official' it's not a huge deal, just letting others know so that they don't call him something he doesn't want to be called.

[mrsmac]

On enrolment forms in NSW schools it has a space for name and then another for known as or prefers. It would be no hassle at all just to mention to his teacher that he wants to be Xander now. TBH I think it is your DS's choice not your OH's.

[Traveller]

I agree- maybe just ask that his full name is written on things. I've never heard of Ally being used as a boys name so I can understand how he's feeling uncomfortable in an Australian school with Ally written on his things.

That's exactly right, I know how difficult school can be so if his nickname is causing him issues I want him to feel that is something he has control over and can change, and not feel pressurised because it's a name we like.

I will speak to OH about this another day though, his immediate reaction was "don't be silly, of course Ally is a boy's name"

[allycat06]

I have a male friend everyone calls Ally (full name Alistair)..I've never really thought 'oh that's weird he has a girls name.' I think Ally is an awesome name (it's my name too!)

[KitFaerie]

My DH did something similar, just tell the teacher's that Xander is his nickname now, and the kids will follow soon enough, plus any new people he introduces himself to will only know him as Xander so there won't be a problem!

[Sunny Love]

I think you should leave the name as is, as long as you DS is content and happy socially. Why should he change because of this society?!? I understand where you are coming from though. I think you're belief that he can control this and change if HE wants too is great. It's showing him resiliance, yet also independence to make important decisions. It could be worse, you could've named him D'Weazel or D'Rascal! (Twin boys I taught!) hehe.
I think when he gets older Ally (a name I also like for a boy) might become a name that identifies him strongly from the rest of his cohort

[misty]

I was thinking - could you just change it to 'Alexander' and that way people can choose what they like - whether it be Ally or Xander? That way, if he changes his mind again you wont have to change anything

Yep to this.

My DD has her full first name on everything. Angelica. But she is called Jelly by most people, even her teachers.

My son's; Nathaniel (Nate) and Sebastian (Baz / Seb); will be the same when they are school age. That way they learn there 'real' name, but are also able to remain flexible with it and change or adapt as they wish as they age.

Just wanted to add: My brother has always been known by everyone as Jordan (his middle name) the teachers would learn very quickly not to call him Martin (his first name - our father has the same name) because he just wouldn't respond and would get angry if they did.

I think what you are talking about though really is a nickname (a shortening of the name Alexander) and shouldn't have to be specified.