Name change in mid-life - WHY?

[clayton bradley]

My brother was given two first names and has always been called by a diminutive of the second. For the last few years he has chosen to be called by his first name, which was our late father's. Dad died in 1970. Dad had two first names and was always known by the first as a child but as an adult he became known by the second. People are interesting.

[kath davis]

This is all a good reason to persevere with searches, if you have good birth information, ditch the first  - or even surname, and try again - it can work.

[Sloe Gin]

Sloe Gin - I will try and find the thread, it may make interesting reading.  Never too late to learn! 

Here's one
https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=816907.0

A search for something like "illliteracy" will find lots more.  It's something that often crops up.

[kath davis]

Thank you, it is interesting.  I suspect the language has changed - we would be instructed to "sign here" now, but previously they probably said "mark here" - and as someone said in days gone by we did as we were told. 
Again thanks for your help and interest 

[suey]

I have a lady in my husbands tree. She disliked her given name when growing up, so was always known as Diana. however, when she discovered that Eugenia was a family name and that she was named along with several other Eugenias through four generations she happily changed back . Strange but true.