So what's in a name?

[minalost]

So, I’m sitting at the kitchen table this morning eating breakfast when my wife comes in, sits down and says, “I had a thought this morning…:

“Hmmm,” I respond as my mouth was full of peanut butter and toast.

“Linda…”

Linda who? I’m totally confused .

“I think your female name should be Linda.”

Could have knocked me over with a feather! A little history: a few months ago when I told her I was going by Mina as my female name she informed me that she didn’t like that name because it was too close to hers. I explained to her how I came up with the name based on my male name: William = Wilhelmina, shortened to Mina. Mina is also a somewhat unique if not totally unknown name. Now maybe I’m an insensitive clod but the similarity to my wife’s name never occurred to me until she brought it up.

Back to this morning:

“Not only is Linda similar to your middle name (true) but then you won’t sound like a hooker .”

Ouch! But really, does Mina sound like a hooker’s name? More telling is that fact that she used my own argument about name similarity to promote her choice of a name.

On the plus side she is actually engaging in conversation about my crossdressing, and attempting to take some “ownership” of my female persona by picking my name. I can only think of this as a positive sign.

So, should I change my name to Linda?

On the one hand I like Mina as a name, and it is unique. But does it really sound like a hooker’s name?

On the other hand, if "Mina" offends the wife (for whatever reason…), and I like Linda (or maybe Lynda??) as a name, why not change it? This is actually the only place that I’m really known a Mina anyway…

Opinions?

[Katie Moore]

Hey if my wife suggested a name for me I'd have to seriously consider it. Maybe have her take me out on a shopping trip to think about it!

[insearchofme]

Change it silly! It's my wife's name so I'm kind of biased.

[LitaKelley]

No, Mina does not sound like a hookers name.. it sounds sexy.. and makes me think of Dracula

[Chickhe]

I like the Lynda with a 'y'. It satisfies her idea and it makes it your own by adding your own twist. I guess if you feel comfortable hearing the name, why not? I'm lucky, my first name is generic and at one time I would have been embarrased to use it enfem, but recently I was shopping and used my credit card with my own name...kind of convenient as it turns out. In general though, I like to use a name that doesn't identify the male me.

[minalost]

No, Mina does not sound like a hookers name.. it sounds sexy.. and makes me think of Dracula

Always been a Dracula fan myself. One of the other reasons I liked the name.

[Sarah Doepner]

If my wife had suggested I change my name to one she was more comfortable with and helped her better relate to my femme side, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

[Chastitycd]

I like both names. Mina to me doesnt sound like a "hooker" name though. Youre kinda in a jam, you like your name, but that little ounce of your SO's input can go a long way! But if you do go with Lynda, spell it with a Y.

[Lorileah]

(disclaimer: My "other" secret name is Mina Castor so I have a bias to like Mina)

My wife took to calling me Monique when I was dressing or acting feminine. She thought it was a god idea because it is close to my male name. I didn't mind it but I only let her call me that. It became a pet name. I was just happy she called me anything at all

[Marie-Elise]

I think you should go for the name she suggests. If nothing else, it gives her a sense of ownership in your female persona. Every time she says it or refers to you by it, she will know that the person is a construct of the both of you. I am jealous.

[Jane G]

If you like the name Lynda then go for it. It's just a name, but both of you will have contributed to the name, which means so much more than the name it's self.

[t-girlxsophie]

Couldn't you compromise and make Mina your middle name,my Wife picked my middle name,I had never thought of hving one before,I like it too which helps

[suchacutie]

Make her happy! Change it! I also agree that Mina or some version of Mina could be Lynda's middle name.

This is a no-brainer!

tina

p.s. yes, my wife chose this name from a list of names I was ok with, but had she come up with another name I'd have taken that!

[GingerLeigh]

Oh if my wife know about "Ginger", she'd have a new name for me alright. A few I'd imagine like...a$$hole, bas#$%rd, liar liar pants (or is that skirt) on fire, oh and don't forget the cursory "divorced".

Ugh, I'll stick with Ginger.

[NicoleScott]

As many hookers as there are, no name escapes being used ("Hi, I'm Chastity. Looking for a date tonight?"). There's really no OTHER valid reason to change your name than that your wife wants you to. You explained how you chose your name and that's fine. But if it gets you just a little more acceptance, change it.

[Shelly Preston]

I am biased too but for different reasons

My wife helped me choose the name Shelly so yes I would change it

Anything that helps her be more comfortable with your female side has to be good

[Chastitycd]

As many hookers as there are, no name escapes being used ("Hi, I'm Chastity. Looking for a date tonight?"). There's really no OTHER valid reason to change you name than that your wife wants you to. You explained how you chose your name and that's fine. But if it gets you just a little more acceptance, change it.

Are you implying i have a hooker name??!?

[RachelOKC]

Mina, It wasn't fair of your wife to attempt manipulating you by calling up that not-so-subtle denigration. If she had a friend named Mina, would she tell her that her name is a hooker's name? She didn't need to attack to make her opinion known.

What's in a name? Identity for one. We choose a name because it feels like it fits us. Like you, I gave deep thought to my name and why it was a good fit for me. I suppose it's a different dynamic when the name comes along *after* you've been in a relationship, but I'd still be extremely reluctant to even think about changing it based on a partner's dislike.

[NicoleScott]

No, I actually like the name. I have known two girls named Chastity and liked them both, It's just the last name I would expect for a hooker. No offense to you intended.

[Jackiefl]

if the so is not happy nobody,s happy! change it and enjoy

[Chastitycd]

No, I actually like the name. I have known two girls named Chastity and liked them both, It's just the last name I would expect for a hooker. No offense to you intended.

Haha nah I knew you didnt mean anything by it just wanted to ruffle your undies a bit

[lmildcd]

I can understand wanting to use a variation of your male name. I was and still thinking about using Lennette, Leondra, or Lenore. My male name is Leonard. I actually had a web page for people to vote and Lennette lead with 3 to 1 vote for Lenore. I'm still undecided.

I don't think Mina sounds like name for a hooker. I was thinking that maybe you should combine both Mina and Linda/Lynda but I don't think it would sound right. Sounds like your wife would rather call you Linda/Lynda than MIna. The only solution that I can come up with is to keep using Mina in the forum and use Linda/Lynda with your wife.

[Paula Siemen]

No, Mina does not sound like a hookers name.. it sounds sexy.. and makes me think of Dracula

......Suck What?????

[carhill2mn]

If your wife suggested a name I think that you should use it. Anyway, Linda is a nice name.

[JenniferR771]

Keep her happy, but no need to let her dictate.
How about Lynn Duh!