My name is considered a ghetto name. I am thinking of changing it. Should I?

I am getting older and the name is a name that starts with La. I have been thinking of several names that may help me get a better paying job. I don't want to be perceived as ghetto. Thanks!

My name is considered a ghetto name. I am thinking of changing it. Should I?
Your name will not make you any less employable. It's not nearly as important as how competant you are or your qualifications. Sure, people might have an impression of you because of the name on your resume- but remember, your name isn't the *only* thing on your resume. There is all the important stuff too. =]





If you don't think that the name you have suits you, and have thought over changing your name, then good for you! Let yourself be the judge as to whether you like your name or want to change it. Don't worry about how other people perceive it. Besides, there are many successful people with names some consider to be ghetto: just look at Barack Obama, Condoleezza Rice and Queen Latifah.
Reply:Is it considered a "ghetto" name or a stereotypical "Black" name? I don't think you should care about what other people perceive your name to be. Your job will seldom be dependent on what your name is. If you got the experience, you'll get the job even if your name is LaSomething.


Changing your name, legally, is a lot of work too. But, if you're really considering it, you should do it before you get older and have to do changes with more places and more people.





Maybe you can use your middle name or even your last name.
Reply:I was born with a european/american christian name. But I legally changed it to my Hawaiian name because I identify with my (part) Hawaiian culture.


Some people asked me a similar question to yours pertaining to my name sounding non-white and my possibly being seen as a lower class of people.


To me culture is an important aspect to one's life. It defines who you are and where you come from.


If you like your (current) name, then you should stick with it and not let others influence you. Be proud of who you are.


If you don't like it because it brings you heart ache, then you must decide whether it's more important to you to change it.


Best of luck to you.
Reply:I think you shouldnt let people make you think that you are labeled as ghetto....thats just something people made up there is really no such thing but if you where to change your name I think you should come up with a name that fits your personality that always work so that when people look at you they can say your name really fits you.
Reply:There is a stereotype that goes along with names typically from African American culture. It just depends on whether or not you feel that this would have a negative affect on you or your career. I say do what you think is right.
Reply:You saw that Tyra show, haw!





What is your name?








You could always GO BY your middle name.
Reply:Perhaps names like:


Laura


Laverne


Lana


Larissa


might be to your liking. =)
Reply:Don't change your name to suit other people. Stuff em. Be proud of your name, its what was chosen for you.