For many of us in the Trans/CD community there comes a time when we know we are all in. With that comes one of the most important decisions we make in our journey to our femme selves – choosing our female name. But where to start? How do all those that have been before us decide on their female name?
Depending on how you identify yourself, choosing a female name is that giant step into becoming the new you, a rebirth if you will. For someone going through a full transition, this will become their new name as they leave their male names behind. For those of us that crossdress, we may go through a few names before we find the one that fits us just right. Regardless of where you are or what choices you are making, your female name is going to reflect who you are. We weren’t given a choice for our male names, so this opportunity should not be taken lightly.
For those of you still searching, we’d like to offer our help in how to go about choosing your female name.
A play off of your male name
This is one of the easiest ways to name yourself. If your name is Steve for example, you can choose Stephanie. If you are going to fully transition and a female name will be all you go by from here on out, using a play off of your male name can be a callback to your former life (if it’s not something you’d like to forget), since it is still a part of who you are. For those of us that just dress occasionally, this is a way for you to easily remember your femme name. Remember you are not technically married to your femme name so this way is a good way to start off until you choose a name you are happy with keeping.
Pick a Female name from a member of your family who you may want to honor
Embracing your family heritage or ethnicity is a great way to honor your roots. I come from an Italian family and our heritage runs deep and if I had decided to go this route, I would most definitely choose one of my grandmother’s names as they were two of the most important women in my life growing up. Certain ethnic names have a meaning as well. For example in Greek, Phoebe means “Radiant or Bright,” so if that fits your personality and you are of Greek descent, it could make a great choice.
Ask your parents what they would have called you had you been born female
If you are out to your family, have a talk with them and ask them had you been born female, what would they have named you. Involving your closest family members like this is a great way to break down any barriers and let them know how important they are to you. Bonding over a name choice can help to bring you closer during this transitional period.
Choose a name from a woman who inspires you (musician, actress, historical figure)
I’ve met many girls who chose their name from women who have inspired them. I for one am a big music lover and there have been quite a few female artists that have inspired me over the years. With that being said, I wouldn’t go around calling myself Cher or Madonna as there truly is only one of those icons, but I’ve always loved Gwen Stefani. So for me, Gwen or Stefanie would be a great choice. Maybe you’re an actress at heart and Sandra Bullock is a favorite of yours, go with it. Even a fictional character – Wonder Woman’s secret identity is Diana Prince. If Wonder Woman was a big inspiration to you, Diana would be a great choice and while also being a classic name. We all have someone we look up to so a tribute to these amazing women is a great way to go.
Look at baby naming websites
If all else fails, an easy way out is to go to a website with baby name ideas. There could be names that you never even thought of that may jump off the screen at you. Like I said earlier, choosing your female name is like going through a rebirth, so why not choose a name from a baby name website.
Choosing your new female name is not a race. Take your time and select what works best from you. You may find yourself going through a bunch of names before you settle on the one you feel is right. From the many girls I’ve spoken with, they all say the same thing – when you pick the female name that is right for you, you will know it in your heart that that is who you are.
We would love to hear how you chose your female name. Share your stories with us on our Facebook page or email us at [email protected]. Once we receive your stories, look for an updated version of our story at Glamourboutique.com