How do I maturely and assertively explain to my parents why I want to be called Rachel?

Question

Okay, my real name is Mallory, but I really hate that name. I prefer to go by my confirmation name Rachel. I really want to be mature and not over react, but I really want to be assertive with my parents about this. What should I say and how should I say it?

Answer 1

My youngest son always hated his name when he was a child, primarily, I think, because he knew no other boys with his name.  There were lots of Jasons and Joshuas and Zacherys back then (in the 1980s), and he wanted to change his name to "Jason."  I explained that he could do that when he reached 18 years of age, but until then, he was "___________."  Actually, he was named for my paternal grandfather and it is a very unique name.  Long story short, now that he is 24, he loves his name.  We laugh about how he wanted to be like everyone else.  Your name, Mallory, is a beautiful name, and it too is unique.  There's nothing wrong with "Rachel," either, but it's just not your name, and it certainly isn't unique.

Answer 2

Names are all about agreement. If you want to go by Rachel, fine, state your case and either your parents will agree or they won't.

But you could have all your friends call you rachel, and your teachers, and after a while it will stick. Theres nothing wrong with your parents calling you Mallory, and everyone else calling you Rachel.

Its no big deal.

Answer 3

When I was younger, I always hated my name.  I couldn't wait to change it to something "cooler".  My friends and I, while playing typical childhood activities, always used different names that we liked for ourselves.  For me, disliking my name was a short phase.  Since then, I've really grown to like it, and I wouldn't ever think about changing it.

Mallory is a lovely name, but so is Rachel.  The fact is, it's just a word.  Can you think of any real reason as to why you hate it?

Answer 4

Tell them you want a nickname and want to be called Rachel.  I know people who are called a different name than their own name.