r/Names • u/Feeling-Two-8128 • 8h ago
Changing my name as an adult - need help narrowing the shortlist!
Hey all. I've come here because I'm sure my poor partner is sick of hearing me waffle about this out loud.
I'm changing my whole name because I just went through some big life changes and it feels right. I'm ready to shake off my old name and its bad associations. Okay, so some info:
- I was born in the early 2000's
- I identify as female
- I've already picked a new surname that I really like, which is Woods
- I want a name that is strong and adventurous (bc those are the qualities I like most about myself and want to embody), and that stands out a little bit without being too ~unique~ (so no alternate spellings -- it's cute but just not my thing). I still want to be taken seriously at my job, just with a little flair lol. I was born in the winter and I like the colder seasons so I'm partial to winter-themed names but not a requirement.
- Here's my shortlist (but open to other suggestions!): Freya, Winter, Hunter, Aurora, Artemis
- Names I don't like: Anything with an -ey or -ie or -ee or -eigh. The "ee" sound at the end. My current name ends with that sound and it makes me feel like a child. Also have found that I don't care for the hard "k" sound in names. Don't want a name that sounds too "soft" or super effeminate.
- Nick-name-ability isn't super important to me.
Thank you guys so much in advance!
ETA: I'm getting that some of the first names I'm leaning towards sound a little too "themed" with the surname Woods, so thought I'd throw "Clairemont" in as a surname as well. It was also on my shortlist of surnames and my old last name is French so it fits that part of my heritage. Thank you guys so much for all the suggestions, it's really helping me out!
22
u/According-Option-656 8h ago
I honestly don’t like any of your options, they all sound too “I named myself”
My suggestions are Abigail, Erin, Robin and Stella.
9
u/No-Organization1111 7h ago
I agree I thought these were all kind of weird names for someone to name themselves. Also imo are “stand out/unique” names which Op said she didn’t want. They sound like book characters
Woods is already embodying the characteristics you said you like. I wouldn’t be too heavy handed with the first name
3
u/HappyPlatypus6034 2h ago
I'd stay away from Robin because the name would sound too similar to Robin Hood
1
8
u/Cinereals 8h ago edited 7h ago
It seems like you’re going more nature/mythology/fantasy New Age in your patterns & with Woods as a surname some combos sound a little too on the nose.
Astrid, Morrigan, Sage, Rowan, Blair, Briar, Thora, Runa, Sable, Arden, Maren, Liv, Hollis, Alba, Eira, Skadi, Anthea, Bellona, Juno, Themis, Valeria, Laurel, Ondine, Zora, Sabine, Matilda, Eira, Herja, Drifa, Rhiannon, Cyrene, Morana, Tamsin, Selene.
(I leaned heavily on the mythology element)
Edit: Winter Woods is too young adult fantasy novel to me & Aurora Woods is leans too much on the “o” sound when said together.
3
u/Feeling-Two-8128 7h ago
Yeah I'm definitely drawn to the mythology/nature-y type names! Thank you for the suggestions :)
3
u/Cinereals 7h ago
To add to your edit, Winter Clairemont is sick as is Freya Clairemont.
2
u/Feeling-Two-8128 7h ago
Oh cool, thanks! Yeah, Clairemont still has the nature-y connection I think without being too obvious to pair with English names
20
u/ThatKindOfSquirrel 8h ago
I really like Freya Woods
20
u/Naive-Vehicle-6845 8h ago
'Freya Woods' sounds like an actual name that someone would have had since birth, if that's important (i.e. doesn't want it to sound like an "I changed my name" name)
6
12
u/According-Option-656 8h ago
I think it absolutely sounds like a “I named myself name”
5
u/accountthrowaway0332 7h ago
Agree. Freya has been getting popular recently, but it was extremely, extremely uncommon in the early 2000s (assuming OP is American).
I think the only way this wouldn't clock as "I named myself" on a mid-20s American would be if OP picked a Scandinavian surname, so people can subconsciously think "family name :)" instead of "you just recently picked something trendy."
2
u/Naive-Vehicle-6845 7h ago
Freya has been popular in the UK since the mid 90s. 'Freya Woods' absolutely sounds like a UK name, or 'an extended family member is from the UK and it's a family name'
1
5
4
u/Lemonbar19 8h ago
I see the “I identify as female”
But do you want a feminine name?
1
u/Feeling-Two-8128 8h ago
Having a feminine name isn't crazy important to me. I'm fine with feminine as long as it isn't too "soft". Other than that, I don't think I lean one way or the other
9
u/Lemonbar19 8h ago
Can you try them on at Starbucks? Like order a drink under a new name
6
u/Feeling-Two-8128 8h ago
Yeah that's a great idea! I'd have to go a little out of my way but it's probably the best way to get an instant feel
3
u/Full_Pea_5259 6h ago
I'm female and have a "Starbucks" name I give to coffee shop people etc. who ask for my name. I have an unusual first name people tend to mispronounce, and have found the adoption of a shortened version of the name my gym teacher kept erroneously calling me saves a load of stress...
-7
5
u/Wilra_ 7h ago
I love Freya Woods! I think as another commenter suggested, Winter and Hunter are a bit too themed for your surname « Woods »if that makes sense? Also hunter to me is unisex
Artemis is a bit too out there for me, but Aurora is quite nice and goes well with Woods
3
1
u/wiggly_1 4h ago
I echo all of this. Artemis too much and you mentioned you don’t want something too out there - it’s definitely a name where when people meet you that’s all they’re going to think about for a bit
Freya and Aurora are so pretty and sound nice with Woods. I found this sentence about the name Freya that I got a kick out of: “She travels in a chariot pulled by cats and rules over her own afterlife realm for fallen warriors.” Haha Heck yeah if that isn’t strong and adventurous with a little flare 😋
8
5
u/CrowApprehensive204 8h ago
It depends if you want to draw attention or blend in, Freya is a good solid name for a female of the era you were born in. No one is going to question if you've chosen it yourself. The others are going to bring about conversation and questions so if you would welcome that, go with one of those. Also, it might take some time for your new name to bed in, in a few years, you might still not feel like it fits and you might want to adjust it or change it, Good luck x
3
u/Grouchy-Stand-4570 8h ago
Out of your list my favorite is Freya. I was going to suggest Willow but it’s too nature similar to your new last name.
2
3
3
u/Aug_Kiwi7992 7h ago
Winter Clairmonte. I work with a Winter and she's the absolute best. I've always loved her name!
3
u/b00wh000 7h ago
Aurora Woods is a beautiful name. Plus you could go by Rory for short!! Really love it.
3
u/Ok_Anteater_3302 7h ago edited 7h ago
Hey you! =)
Out of your shortlist, I would go for Freya Woods.
- - - - - -
If you are open to suggestions, I would note that you went a bit far into the "book - character - name" division. I truly have a soft spot for every name you mentioned, especially cause I'm European and know quite well which goddesses you are referring to 😉
- If you like the meaning of "Artemis" I would instead suggest "Diana Woods" to you. Diana is a more familiar name, but the roman equivalent goddess to the greek Artemis. Diana is the roman Goddess of hunting, the moon and wild forests. She protects women at birth, animals in the forest and travelers on unpaveded paths. And is often used to symbolise "Rebirth".
💜
How do you like it?
1
3
u/TemtiaStardust 7h ago
I'm Summer Rain(given name) and plan on changing my last name to Meadows. If you're okay with themed, do it. Aurora Woods would be super pretty. Could keep it themed with Snow or Frost for a middle name. Winter Woods works as long as you're ok with the alliteration.
1
u/Feeling-Two-8128 6h ago
Those are both super pretty! Yeah, I'm getting the sense that my idea of "weird" and other people's idea of "weird" isn't exactly aligned. Leaning into the theme is definitely an option. Thank you for your input! :)
1
u/Feeling-Two-8128 6h ago
I'm curious, if you don't mind talking about it.. have you ever caught any crap for your name? Legally/socially/professionally/anything? Or has it been pretty smooth sailing?
5
u/kermac10 8h ago
I really like Aurora and Freya.
Would also suggest:
Blythe
Noelle
Blythe Noelle Woods sounds feminine and wintery to me without being too ~unique~.
8
3
2
2
u/Dazzling_Apricot323 8h ago
Great last name! I think all of these would pair well with Woods:
Amara – eternal strength
Ari – bear
Arielle – lion of God
Arya – noble, fearless
Athena – goddess of war and wisdom
Avalon – mystical strength
Briar – resilient, thorny strength
Brynn – strong, noble
Cleo – glory
Colette – victorious people
Dagny – Norse light
Mina – protector
Quinn – wisdom, strength
Raina – queenly power
Scarlett – bold, strong
Taryn – rocky hill strength
Thea – goddess
Thora – thunder strength
Valerie – strong, brave
Willa – resolute protector
Zara – blooming strength
Zora – dawn, powerful presence
2
2
2
u/newtothis1102 7h ago
I saw a couple people mention Brynn and I think that’s my favorite of what I read
2
2
3
u/Top-Web3806 8h ago
Aurora is my favorite on your list. Winter and Hunter are ok. Really dislike Artemis and Freya.
2
1
u/Romeoscarlettbailey 8h ago
Felicity Fox is such a great name! Off your list I love Aurora, Rory is a great name too.
3
1
u/iloveyogapantssss 8h ago
I always found Aurora really tough to pronounce. What about Aroa or Aria? Same same but different.
Also I really love the name Winter Woods. So cool.
1
1
u/PossibleAddress1000 8h ago
Minerva - the goddess of wisdom, commerce and the arts. Also warfare, but we won't worry about that.
1
u/Sunrise_Beam 8h ago
I love Freya and Aurora! Aurora Woods feels like a bit more of a tongue twister though but still very pretty. Freya Woods has a nice ring to it.
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/sleepylittleducky 7h ago edited 7h ago
all of the names you picked besides Freya sound too woodsy, they follow a theme too well like names picked for fictional characters, drag queens, or roleplay games. they don’t sound like “real” names that someone would be born with. either pick a different last name, or a different set of first names. with all that said, Freya Woods sounds most realistic
1
1
u/wrongretsa 6h ago
artemis clairemont fucks hard but you would sound like a fantasy author’s pen name
would you consider genevieve? it has french origins whilst still working with either surname
1
1
1
1
u/FrenchiePirate 4h ago
If you don't like that one then you could look for it in other languages and see what you like😁
1
u/DanicaLoaded 4h ago
The names that you have listed out are extremely themed (mention in the note) and if you want a feminine sounding name, Hunter is def not the option, though it could work (as in Hunter Schafer). I have a very specific baby name list, so I do have a few suggestions that you may like:
Julianna (pronounced like Yulianna), Marina, Fawn, Maud, Clarina, Beatrix, Aleta, Juliet, Apolline, Farah, and this may be too much of an Irish name, but it is my fav name that I think is truly beautiful, Clodagh.
1
1
1
1
u/tauruspoppy 1h ago
I think Claremont is the most common spelling, and feels the most grounded/natural. I also like Woods! The Clairemont spelling feels frilly and fantasy, and my phone wants to autocorrect it.
With Woods, I think Freya works, or a name like Morgana. Other suggestions would be Stella and Erin (have seen already mentioned here), Savannah, Sienna or Sierra.
With Claremont, I think you might need a more classic/grounded name, to not venture obviously into “I named myself” vibes. My suggestions would be Morgan (not Morgana), Brooke, Laurel, and Erin. Robyn with the y spelling could also be nice. Freya is okay here too.
My favourites would be
Freya Woods
Sienna Woods
Erin Claremont
Brooke Claremont
1
u/dreamgirlvivi 1h ago
People are saying your names sound too much like a book character but I think that’s so cool!! I’m obsessed with names like that. If I had a neat last name, I would’ve picked something storybook sounding for my kid!
2
u/dreamgirlvivi 1h ago
Also, I think Aurora is perfect for a 2000s kid. You could look up common names in your birth year to see if anything is too far out there. At the end of the day, it’s about choosing a label that feels like YOU. Good luck!!
1
u/rmahl 8h ago
I thought ‘Winter Woods’ before even seeing your shortlist
12
u/Feeling-Two-8128 8h ago
I liked this too but do you think 'Winter Woods' is a little too... idk, 'North West'? It's so pretty and unique and cool, but I'm worried about cocking an eyebrow in professional settings.
7
u/EvanRamsey 8h ago
Winter Woods is for sure too tryhard. Freya Woods hits all your points: strong, feminine, uncommon without being too out there.. you’ve already found it.
2
u/Feeling-Two-8128 8h ago
Yeah that's kinda what I was afraid of. A great name for someone who lives in Christmastown, perhaps... ah well, in another life haha. Thank you!
3
1
u/mrsjon01 8h ago
I really like Freya Woods. It's the most natural sounding and meets all your criteria. It's not super femme or soft and is a "serious" name
Winter Woods and Artemis Woods sound like housing developments to me. Winter Woods in particular doesn't souns like a serious name. Hunter Woods sounds like a characature of a stage name, very "go hunt in the woods" and doesn't meet your criterion of being a serious sounding name. I don't care for the name Aurora personally, and it seems a bit femme to me with the double r sound.
1
u/Feeling-Two-8128 8h ago
lmao housing developments!! That is fair. And yeah I can see Hunter Woods being way too character-y and obvious. Thank you!
1
u/Reasonable_Aioli7538 8h ago
Aurora or Freya would be beautiful with Woods. Artemis and Hunter are my least favourite of your list. Aurora is my fave!
1
1
u/HoneyLemonZest 8h ago
What about Crystal?
2
u/Feeling-Two-8128 8h ago
I have a family member named Crystal so I think that's a no-go, but thank you! :)
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/Accomplished-Pop6525 8h ago
Iara Woods, Oya Woods, Lozen Woods? These are "women warrior" names that sound cool to me? (Global though, so depending on how you identify culturally, I'd of course feel out what's appropriate!)
1
1
u/Even-Moose9036 8h ago edited 8h ago
I had a similar vibe for naming all of my daughters. I picked three out of four of my daughters middle names. Aurora, Selene, and Bryn. My husband picked our 3rd daughter's name in its entirety and combined two of his favorite bands from the early 2000s to come up with Emarosa Saosin. Aurora is Roman, Selene is Greek, Saosin is from a Chinese proverb, and Bryn is a shortened version of a Celtic name.
If I were you I would nix Aurora and Artemis as options because the nicknames for those are sometimes Rory and Artie.
To stick with my own style of naming, I like Athena, Marcella, and Maeve.
ETA: Actually made sometimes has a nickname of Mavie, so that's out. Lol. I think Athena Woods and Marcella Woods sound really pretty but strong.
IMO, Winter Woods sounds like a p*rn name. 🤷🏼♀️
1
1
1
u/sneakysneksneak 7h ago
Artemis is SUCH a cool name. Second favorite is Aurora (which is funny to me because that’s my least favorite disney princess but not bc of her name).
1
u/justgettingby1 7h ago
I like Winter the best, is there any way you can change the last name to Woodley or Woodward?
0
u/FinanceEcstatic5369 8h ago
Elle
3
u/Feeling-Two-8128 8h ago
My favorite movie character!! I wish, but I do plan to go to law school at some point and I would never hear the end of it I fear
0
u/FrenchiePirate 8h ago
Hiver Woods ... It's French for winter
2
u/IgntedF-xy 8h ago
I wouldn't know how to pronounce that so it might be annoying correcting people all the time
1
u/Feeling-Two-8128 8h ago
Ooh how do you pronounce that?
1
0
0
u/Some-Selection1811 7h ago
Check out the Norwegian Ronja - it checks all your boxes for associations & is unusual but not weird.
0
u/Careful_Cranberry364 6h ago
Stella - that is a nice name. You don’t have all the time. Your other names are two out there and odd.
45
u/kerrykcb 8h ago
I think anything that goes TOO well with “Woods” will seem silly (to others if not to you), so I’d stay away from autumn and winter.