How to Choose a New Name (Transgender)

Last Updated: December 14, 2022 References Approved

Many transgender people choose a new name when they transition. Choosing a new name can be tough, but there are some tricks to make it easier. You can look at baby naming websites, try a feminine, gender-neutral, or masculine version of your given name, or make a nontraditional name. You can choose a name that's important in your family or in your religion. Once you've found a name that feels right, give it a try!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Exploring Names

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Look at baby naming websites. These websites are full of different names and can help you come up with ideas. If you know what letter you want your name to start with, you can look at a whole bunch of names sorted by that letter. If not, you can see which names were popular during the year you were born, or names that are popular in your ethnic group.^{[1]
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- Consider what sort of emotional flavor the name has for you. Names might feel gentle, sophisticated, quirky, or high-powered. Find one that fits your personality.
- Look up the meaning of the name to make sure it feels right for you.^{[2]
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2
Try a feminine/masculine version of your given name. This can be easier to remember and get used to for both your loved ones and yourself. Samantha can turn into Samuel or Samson, Jesse can turn into Jessica, and Elliot can turn into Ellen or Ella.^{[3]
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- Only do this if it feels right for you. Some people want to distance themselves completely from their given name (often called a deadname), and so they choose a name that's totally different.
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3
Take the name of a person who inspires you. Janet Mock, a famous transgender rights activist, chose her name from Janet Jackson. Consider taking the first name of a person who inspires you, whether that's a musician, an activist, a movie star, an author, a politician, or a relative.^{[4]
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- The person doesn't have to be real! You can name yourself after a character from your favorite book or movie, like “Luna” from Harry Potter, “Nala” from the Lion King, or “Orlando” (a really cool transgender character from a Virginia Woolf book).
- If you love Greek mythology, you could call yourself “Athena” or “Artemis,” or if you love theater, you could choose a name from Shakespeare like “Romeo.”
4
Create a non-traditional name. You don't have to pick a common name if you don't want to. Many people choose a non-traditional name so they can be more creative. You can choose a name based on a place that you love, like “Brooklyn,” or if you love nature, you could take a nature name, like “Wren,” or “Canyon.” You can also repurpose a last name as a first name, or spell your name in a creative way. ^{[5]
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- You can take the name of a word that you find inspiring, like “Hope,” “Justice,” or “Destiny.”
- You can take the name of a place you connect to, like “Brooklyn,” “Sydney,” “Denver,” or “Kenya.”^{[6]
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Choose a gender-neutral name if you're nonbinary. If you're nonbinary, or for another reason would prefer a gender-neutral name, there's lots to choose from. Lots of cultures have gender-neutral names. Some examples include: Cameron, Kai, Quinn, Asa, Noor, Angel, Sage, Riley, Valentine, Jamie, Casey, Amor, and Jesse. There's lots more out there! You can filter for gender-neutral names on baby naming sites, to see what sort of gender neutral names are common in your culture.^{[7]
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- If you want a fully feminine or masculine name, avoid names that sound ambiguous, such as Gene/Jean.
- What is considered a male or female name depends upon what culture you're in and where you live. For example, in the US, Ashley is mostly a women's name, but in the UK, it's mostly a men's name.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Involving Your Loved Ones and Heritage

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Ask your loved ones what names they can imagine for you. If you're comfortable talking with your parents, you can ask them what they would have called you if you had been born your gender identity. For example, if you're a transgender man, ask what male names your parents were considering before you were born. Or, ask your siblings and friends what names they can imagine fitting for you. The people who know your personality best may be able to suggest a name that feels right to you.^{[8]
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- Involving your closest loved ones with the process of choosing a new name can bring your family closer together. But, if they suggest names that don't feel right, don't feel pressured to take them.
2
Research names in your family, culture, or religion. Think about favorite names from your culture or ethnic group. If you're religious, consider taking the name of a religious figure who you find inspiring. You can think about the names of people from your favorite religious stories, like saints, monks, or Biblical figures. Think about common names in the country you're family comes from, or in the language they speak.^{[9]
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- If your religion has a book, like the Bible or the Quran, try flipping through for names.
- You can filter on baby naming sites for particular religions or ethnicities.
- You could also name yourself after someone in your family tree, like your great-aunt Meredith who you've heard wonderful stories about.
3
Think about whether you want to change your last name. Some people choose to change their last names to help mark their transitions, and distance themselves from online information with their old names. On the other hand, changing your last name might offend your family, or require explanations. Do what feels right for you.^{[10]
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- You can try taking on a family last name, like the maiden name of a beloved family member.
- If you're in a serious relationship or marriage, you can take the last name of your partner.
- You can take the last name of someone who inspires you, or just a last name that feels natural.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Testing Potential Names and Making It Public

1
Practice signing each potential name as a signature. As you're signing, think if any of the signatures feels particularly right and natural, and like yourself. Write down your initials, and see if any of them feel better than others. If you're going to keep your last name, practice signing all your potential first names with the last name.^{[11]
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- Once you're pretty sure about a name, practice signing your signature until you can sign it all in one, fast flourish. It doesn't have to look pretty, but it will feel great to be able to sign it quickly and really own your signature.
- Consider how easy it is to spell the names you're considering. It can get tiring having to spell out your name for others, and it can lead to mistakes in email addresses and so on. So pick an easily spelled name if this is an issue for you.
2
Consider the nicknames that would go with your potential names. Some names (like Elizabeth, Alexandra, Robert, Nicholas, and William) have set nicknames that often go along with them. Shorter names like Paulina or Emma typically don't have set nicknames, but sometimes can have nicknames, (Paulie, Em). If you don't like the nicknames that go along with your potential name, you might want to choose a different one.^{[12]
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- Some feminine names can be given a boyish nickname (e.g. Alexandra shortening to Alex, Christina to Chris). If you don't like this, choose a name that can't be shortened this way.
3
Practice introducing yourself with your potential name. Saying the name out loud will help you hear if you like how it sounds, and if it feels like it expresses your personality. Get one of your friends to help you practice getting used to your new name and pronouns. Ask them to call you by your potential name, and see how it feels.^{[13]
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- Consider how easy the name is to pronounce. Will other people be able to get it right? If you're soft-spoken, are people likely to misinterpret you?
4
Take your time. Choosing a name is a process, and it takes longer for some people than for others. You don't have a deadline, and there is no right or wrong way to choose a name. Give yourself time to play around with different names. If you choose one, and, after a while, decide you don't like it, you can choose another. You'll find a good name in time.^{[14]
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Get a court-ordered name change when you're ready. When you feel sure about your new name, you can change it legally. You'll have to gather together your driver's license, birth certificate, and proof of state residency. Fill out a petition for a name change and file it with the civil clerk in your county's courthouse.
- Some states require you to attend a court hearing before they give you a certified copy of your name change.
- You can use the certified copy of your name change to officially change your birth certificate and driver's license.
- If you're under 18 years old, and not an emancipated minor, a parent or guardian will have to apply for your name change for you. If they don't agree to, you may have to wait until you're 18.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I pick a FTM name?

Inge Hansen, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Inge Hansen, PsyD, is the Director of Well-Being at Stanford University and the Weiland Health Initiative. Dr. Hansen has professional interests in social justice and gender and sexual diversity. She earned her PsyD from the California School of Professional Psychology with specialized training in the area of gender and sexual identity. She is the co-author of The Ethical Sellout: Maintaining Your Integrity in the Age of Compromise.

Inge Hansen, PsyD

Clinical Psychologist

Expert Answer

There's no one right or wrong way to select a new name. Some people prefer a new name that's a family name or the name their parents would have chosen for them if they'd been assigned a different gender at birth. Others are drawn to names that are variations of their original name or that start with the same letter. Still others prefer a name with none of these associations, and they pick a new name based on the sound or other associations with the name. No matter how you choose your name, make sure it's something that you'll still like the sound of 30 years from now.