What happens when you name your child, then change your mind about the name. Do you give your baby a new name? For some, the answer is yes.
In my case, I was the baby. That’s right. For the first nine months of my life I was called by a different name.
At birth I was named, Wendy Bell Stebbins, but called Wendy. As I mentioned, that was for the first 9 months. Perhaps this will explain both the birth of my neuroses and a lot about my mother. My Grandmother (bless her heart) vehemently told my mother that my name sounded like a boat. Not 
sure how soon after my grandmother’s proclamation it occurred, but my birth certificate shows, BELL and then Margaret is typed above it.
My mother, who clearly was suffering from some bizarre Peter Pan obsession, found that everywhere she went mother’s were screaming for a girl named Wendy. She agonized over the realization that she had not selected the right name for her last born. Resolved to remedy the error of her ways, she then insisted that everyone begin calling me Elin.
And just in case you forgot…I was 9 months old.
My brother Rodger told me that he has a vivid memory of calling my name when my back was toward him, I was in a highchair, I did not turn around. After three attempts, Elin, Elin, EE-LIN, he checked that our mother was not within earshot then said, Wendy, in an exaggerated whisper. I of course turned around.
Later in 1967 (I was 4) Mom obtained a court date for the legal change of my name from, Wendy Margaret, to, Elinor Margaret. Elinor after the aforementioned beloved grandmother (bless her heart) and my mother. Thankfully they continued to call me Elin.
For 48 years I despised the name Elinor.
Then my mother died. After, I came to know her as a young person through her letter writing to my dad.
Because my mom also saved a number of letters that she received from her mom, I also have come to know my grandmother. It has been such a gift to see them both in a different light, not as a mother, not as a grandmother, but as women. Strong, articulate, outspoken women.
Although I will never choose to go by Elinor, the name itself embodies a new sense of strength and for that I am quite grateful.
*This is a modified excerpt from an earlier post.
I have a friend who was adopted and when they took him to change his last name, they asked him he wanted to change is first name, too. He was only seven, so he said, “sure!” But he says it was weird to all of a sudden be called by something totally different.
I bet that would be weird. I remember when I was in 6th grade deciding that Elin was to much of a challenge for people to pronounce so I tried on Margie (Mar-Gee). As soon as people began calling me that I retreated from the idea and changed it back to Elin. I have to say I am really glad my Mom did change my name, although I like Wendy, I don’t feel it suits me, people that know me all agree. I guess there really is more to a name than we may consider! I have to say I am glad my 3 kids all like their names. Thanks for stopping by today Janie.
Isn’t it funny how our view can change with more information?
Indeed.
If my father had his way my name would have been Wendy! Guess who won. There must have been tons of Wendy’s at the time we were born. Thanks for the story, Wendy….er, Elin! PS Elin just fits you so well with your lovely personality. xo
I LOVE that Cathy! See, we must be soul sisters. Thanks for sharing. xo
I’ve always wondered about such things. I’ve never regretted the names I gave my daughters, but I have thought about some of the weird monikers attached to kiddos lately, wondered if the mothers eventually changed them to something more fitting (and normal). Wendy wasn’t weird, by any means, but I do love that you embrace your final name and consider it a source of strength. Now THAT is positivity at its finest.
Thanks Lisa, there are a few odd names out there, but I am sure a couple of people may feel that way about my middle son’s name, Kodiak. Although it is different it sure fits him and happily he loves it!
Fascinating! My sister’s name was changed, for reasons that remain mysterious. But the name change took place just three week after she was born, so she never had to deal with the confusion you did. Makes me wonder how often parents think twice about the name they’ve given their kids and then do something about it.
Yes, actually following through with the change, I wonder too. Thanks for sharing about your sister too, interesting to learn that the reasons for the change were ever revealed.
A rose by any other name … I love you whether you’re Elin or Elinor or Wendy or whoever!
Ah lois. Thank you. Love you too my friend.