What’s in a name?

[patman post]

My family name is Scottish — though probably more through investment, money and plantation ownership than any blood line. Had it been Welsh, their famous ferret-like randiness might have introduced some Welshness in my DNA. 
My given name is derived from Latin or Old English — however I suspect it settled on me more through my mother's religious beliefs than any scholastic inclination. On the whole, my only feelings are for my given name. This shouldn't cause me problems as I understand the family name is still despised in some Scottish quarters. However, an early clan member gave his name to the tube station that now carries the name Arsenal, so my attitude to them has softened a bit...

[Thomas]

How attached are you to your name?

Consider the following - Someone with your exact name becomes a national/international news story, like the examples of Jimmy Savile or Harvey Weinstein, men who's names are unavoidably linked with awful actions.

In every future interaction you have with people you will have to utter your name, and relive the experience as each person remembers why they know that name already.

Would you consider changing your name? Maybe using a middle name or nickname? Or would you feel unbothered by the coincidence, and carry on?

im very attached to my names , both christian middle and family  name.

Im a Mac , my surname being of irish gaelic origin from the north of the island.

Im often called by my middle name , which was also my uncles and grandfathers , and no i wouldnt ever consider changing it. Its part of me and who i am if you see what i mean.

so i couldnt forsee a situation where i would change it in line with what you suggest.

[johnofgwent]

I am who I am.


That some usurper has passed themself off as me and brought shame on themselves while so doing is grounds for the Viking right of vengeance ... Which as its name suggests ensures few repeat offences.


If all else fails, I suppose there's always my Celtic battle honorific, my Viking / Norman name or my mom de plume to fall back on.


But the stealer of my name and honour would have to shag every goat in Cadwalladers herd, in the High street in front of my grandkids before I got THAT worked up.

[Streetwalker]

For me nothing . I would pretty much just laugh it off if there was some random connection .

[Nalaar]

How attached are you to your name?

Consider the following - Someone with your exact name becomes a national/international news story, like the examples of Jimmy Savile or Harvey Weinstein, men who's names are unavoidably linked with awful actions.

In every future interaction you have with people you will have to utter your name, and relive the experience as each person remembers why they know that name already.

Would you consider changing your name? Maybe using a middle name or nickname? Or would you feel unbothered by the coincidence, and carry on?