Posts by marcin422

marcin422

26 Dec 2007

Life / Legally changing my Polish name to English one? [55]

Hi,

I am thinking of legally changing my name. As my name is not a common English name, it receives lots of confusion to whom I am telling it to. My name is Marcin and I am thinking of shortening it to Marc. Any thoughts on this? Any of you changed your name before? Did you like the change? I am just tired of people not understanding my name, mispronouncing it, and me having to waste time repeating myself. It’s just a pain in the butt. I was thinking to just shift my names so my first name would me Marc, then Marcin, then my third name, and last name. Can we have a third? I want to have an English name while also use my original name , Marcin.

Cheers,

marcin422

26 Dec 2007

Life / Legally changing my Polish name to English one? [55]

I don't know about the legalities of changing your name, but I don't think you should do it just because some of us can't pronounce it!

Some? It’s more like 90% of people. The people who are familiar with the name are ones who are Polish or have met someone with that name before. It’s partially that they can’t pronounce it, but also that I have to waste time repeating my name over and over.

When I came to Canada, teachers automatically wrote my name as Martin. I have used that name up untill University, where then began using Marcin and pronounced it accordingly. “Marsin”. Professionally at work I am now referred and introduce myself as “Marsin”, I do not even attempt to introduce myself as “Marchin”.

Anywho, it’s all confusing to me right now and I need to think about this more. I know it would be a slap in the face to my parents. But I would just be changing to an English version of my name. I.e. Marc, Mark, Marcin, Martin all have the same meaning “war-like”, except have different origins.

There are plenty of people who hate their name so much they feel belittled in the eyes of others so want to change it. But changing your name legally from Marcin or Wojtek to a trendy western equivalent (for the benefit of others??)

It’s not to become trendy, it’s to make my life easier. My parents did not know they would live in Canada in the future, else they would probably given me an English name. If you have a child in an Enlish speaking country, would you give him a name of your heritage or where he would live? It makes communication with other people easier why do so many Chinese people change their names when they emigrate from China?

Goonie wrote:
I think I'll have a better opportunity of becoming successful with an english name...

I think this is a crazy theory and I know it doesn't belong solely to you.

I feel similar to Goonie, as it does help in communication. People will understand your name right away without having to repeat yourself. PolskaDoll not quite sure what you are trying to say. Have you had trouble with people mispronouncing your name.

Hey and what about celebrities changing their names, why\what is that all about?

marcin422

11 Jan 2008

Life / Legally changing my Polish name to English one? [55]

It's ok to change your name if that's what you want to do, but to change because other people can't speak properly is wrong. You could just tell people your name is marc/martin. You don't have to do it legaly!

I understand what you are getting at. Guess I need a smarter way of going about it.

You don't have to change you’re name legally, simply start introducing yourself as "Marc" or "Martin", and tell people you know that you would prefer to be called Marc from now on. Keep the spelling in your driver license the way it is now, it's easier this way.

Okay so in casual setting such as bars, gyms, parties, any social settings I can use any nick name I desire. It is a laid back atmosphere so whatever goes. But professionally? For example, I apply for a job with my real name Marcin xxxxxxx. Then comes the interview, I introduce myself and shake the interviewers hand. Now what would I say my name is in English. Do I butcher the pronunciation and say "Hello my name is, Marsin, pleasure to meat you." OR "Hello my name is, Marsin, but people call me Martin". I am confused.

If I had a child anywhere his/her name would reflect their heritage rather than where I lived at that moment.

How come? Is it a way to give him a deeper identity by having him remember his roots?
Wondering if I am making too big of a deal about this name issue.