LifestyleParentingA teenager has said he wants to change his name as soon as he is old enough, as he is fed up with jokes about it and fears his name will stop him being taken seriously in his future career15:50, 16 Jun 2026Although you have no say in the name you're given at birth, there's always the possibility of changing it further down the line. That's precisely what one teenager is planning, after spending his entire childhood being likened to a cuddly toy.‌The student revealed how he wants to be taken seriously in his future career - but doesn't believe he'd be able to achieve that while being called Teddy.‌Posting on Reddit, he said: "I didn't always dislike this name but now that I'm growing older I've grown a strong distaste for it. It's so annoying dealing with people poking fun at my name and calling me teddy bear. I cant imagine when I'm old enough to attend business meetings having to introduce myself as teddy as a fully grown man."‌According to Bruce Lansky, author of several books about names, an estimated 50,000 Americans change their name per year.Teddy went on to reveal how he had previously attempted to go by his middle name, Alejandro, but it never stuck."I don't know why my parents would pick such a stupid name for me, not even Theodore. But no, I get Teddy. I'm so sick of it," he added.‌While the majority of users agreed he ought to change his name as soon as he is old enough, others encouraged him to try Ted as a short-term solution.One user said: "When I hear Teddy my first thought is of Roosevelt- a complicated guy, but largely associated with toughness, leadership and masculinity. Anyone teasing you about your name is a schmuck."‌Another user suggested: "Start introducing yourself as Ted. It sounds more mature."A third user commented: "I hope people who are all for 'naming a baby what you plan to call them' see this post and see it's not that simple or black and white."If you plan on calling your baby Petey or Tommy or in your case, Teddy, that doesn't mean you should name your child that name."Article continues belowA further user added: "Why don't you start using Alejandro? It is your name as well and you love that name."Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌BabiesToysTeenagersParenting