Need advice for mid life name change
I just got married and I’m thinking about changing both my first and last name if I decide to take his last name. I never liked my first name so this could be my chance to fix that.
Option 1 - keep my name Tina Dudley
Option 2 - Tina Tan
Option 3 - Adelina Tan (nn Lina Tan)
Option 4 - Athena Tan (nn Tina Tan)
I like the meanings of both of the alt first names (Adelina is noble and Athena is goddess of wisdom). Vs Tina which isn’t even a real name just a diminutive for Christina which means follower of Christ. (I’m not Christian)
I’m leaning towards Adelina because it’s an Italian name with Germanic roots, like my grandmother Ernestina (for whom I’m named), and I already go by Lina as a pen name.
It feels beautiful and elegant and I love it.
Not sure what my mom would say or think 😬 or if other ppl in my life would think I’ve lost my mind, or if I even have the right to give myself such a beautiful name…
Maybe just Lina would be better, it’s shorter, but I want to be more than a diminutive!
Also Adal the base of the name is older than Christianity which I like.
Noble means
Integrity
Honor
Generosity
Courage
Fairness
High principles
Things I’d like to be.
Thoughts?
Anyone have any experience with just up and changing your first name as an adult?
Posted Jun 11, 2026, 10:40 PM UTC · locked