UPDATE: In a heartwarming move, parents from Michigan have announced they are legally changing their daughter’s name from Margaret Olivia to Maisie Margaret-Olivia, responding to her long-standing rejection of her given name. This decision comes just in time for her 6th birthday, marking a significant shift in how the family recognizes their daughter’s identity.
Amanda, 33, and her husband, Dan, 36, shared their decision on Threads, revealing that their daughter has been adamantly asserting her preferred name since she could speak. “As soon as Maisie could talk, if we called her Margaret she’d say, ‘No I’m Maisie,’” Amanda told Newsweek. This persistent assertion highlighted a disconnect between their daughter’s identity and the name they had legally given her.
The couple originally chose the name Margaret Olivia during a difficult pregnancy, wanting to honor Dan’s late grandmother, Margarit. Despite their intentions, it became clear that their daughter identified more with the name Maisie. Amanda expressed concern that maintaining the name Margaret would force her daughter into an identity she never accepted, resulting in constant corrections at school and medical offices.
After years of discussions, Amanda and Dan made the decision to officially change their daughter’s name. “I looked at my husband and said, ‘Do we just do it? Do we give her what she’s asked for all these years?’” Amanda recounted. Dan agreed, stating, “It seems to be what she really wants.”
The couple has received overwhelming support from family and friends, many of whom were unaware that Margaret was Maisie’s legal name. The hyphenated middle name preserves family tradition while honoring their daughter’s wishes. “It’s about relief,” Amanda stated. With the name change, Maisie will no longer need to correct teachers, doctors, or peers, aligning her legal identity with her personal one.
Their Threads post has gone viral, garnering over 15,000 likes, comments, and shares. Users have praised the parents for their thoughtful decision. One commenter wrote, “Love that you’re letting her do this and making it happen!” while another added, “The sweet gift of sovereignty! Kudos to you for respecting and legitimizing your daughter’s preferred name.”
Amanda confirmed that the necessary paperwork for the name change has been submitted, though approval may take up to 45 days. “We’ve all decided that her name will now be Maisie Margaret-Olivia,” she stated. “It’s a mouthful and I know that Margaret and Maisie are basically the same thing, but it’s different to us and means something different to our family. It will be okay. We don’t mind and she loves it.”
This decision not only showcases the importance of respecting a child’s identity but also highlights the emotional relief that can come from aligning one’s name with their true self. As this story continues to gather attention, it serves as a reminder of the power of names in shaping our identities and the significance of listening to our children’s voices.
