I'm pretty much down with Karen Kei, which is my name. When I was little, though, I always wanted it to be Kalena, which is the Hawaiian equivalent of Karen.

Karen, 20
Marshelltown/Ames, IA

When I was younger I would have gladly changed my name to something grand like Suzanne or Elizabeth. But now I like my name; its who I am. I have only one remaining concern. I'm not comfortable with getting older and still being called Cindy. I just think that I should have a more mature name by the time I'm fifty. I've asked people at work to call me Cynthia and it feels so awkward when they do. Cindy still feels more comfortable.

Cindy, 41
Lowell, MA

You can. I've chosen the name Rat which was given to me by a friend roughly four years ago. It became my regular nickname after I started using it on stage for both name recognition and anonymity. Although I still use the name my parents gave me at work and in official business type stuff I do introduce myself as Rat.    BTW- "Alias" stems from my hatred of nametags but the name has grown on me and I now use it in many faceless environments.

Alias Irrelevante

Alexandria.
My parents *almost* named me that, but my mother resisted and decided Amy was nice and simple. Amy sounds too much like a cocker spaniel; Alexandria, Alex for short, is a real name.

Amy, 23
Baton Rouge, LA

Because of a whim of my mother, I have both a legal name and a nick name. Over the years I've named children, dogs, cats, guinea pigs and goldfish. My christening impulses have been satisfied.

Jill, 59
Saylorsburg, PA

When I was 5, I told everyone my name was Suzanna because my favorite song was "Old Suzanna". When I was 15, I wanted it to be "Phoebe" because I thought Phoebe Cates was soooo cool. When I asked my mom why she couldn't have named me Phoebe, she said "because people would call you 'Phoebe the freebie' ". In French class I was Adele, and in Spanish I was Julia. I liked both of those a lot.

kimberfreed, 31

I have never wanted to change my name ever.   In fact, up until the 4th grade, I thought I was the only person in the world with the name Felicia.  How angry I was when another Felicia showed up in Mr. Hogan's 4th grade class. I got over it.  I wish every person had that feeling of usually being the only person with that name in any group.  I thank the powers that be that my mother did not go with her other strong choice "Mariah".  I often wonder, would I be a different person if she had.

Felicia, 34
Somerville, MA

Manny Carcano. No question. None.

Anthony, 24
Baton Rouge, LA

If I could pick my own name it would either be: Val or Will.

Ernest, 28
Washington, DC

I think "Nolan" would do me just fine. . . no first or middle names, just my last. . .I'd like my wife and maybe even my kids to call me it too. . .

mothmc, 35
Pensacola, FL

I think I would have to pick Michelle. I've been told that I look like a Michelle, so I think it suits me a little better than the name I have now.

Nicole
Elk Grove, CA

Cidaq....("spirit that runs wild and free")

Helena, 31
Sydney AUSTRALIA

I really like my name.... If I had to choose a different name, I think I'd choose Joy.

Laura, 34
Lowell, MA

Yesterday / Tomorrow