Name Modifying/changing

[Ermias]

My name is Ermias Tseghay Teklemariam. I am in accelerated Nursing program and I will graduate this year. I will also be a naturalized citizen this year. My question today is a little bit off topic. I have a problem people not able to pronounce and remember my name esp patients during clinical. From what I read and I heard, I also have the feeling my name may affect for job opportunity in the future. So, I thought about modifying my name when i am becoming citizen this year which is easy to do it. For the information-the exact meaning of my first name (Ermias) from my languages' bible is Jeremiah. So, I thought about changing my first name to Jeremiah but I am not sure if it matches my age (31) and how people look at this name. I will use my middle name as my last name but I am sure it will be hard for people to say it but i don't know any English sounding name close to it. What do you think about this and what can you suggest? sorry for my English. I appreciate your for your valuable comments in advance. Thank you.

Ermias

Please note, I am not trying to change identity. I am proud for who I am but I am trying to my make daily life easier and have a better future and career.

[jayrow]

I understand your concerns well; I myself am considering changing my name. I sometimes do give people/children/the hard of hearing an easier to pronounce modification.

Congratulations on becoming a citizen. That's a big step and if you're going to change your name, now is the time! I agree with others who have said your first name should not be too difficult--though, sadly, I do understand the concerns about employers and patients discriminating.

I also think that Jeremiah is a good name, if you're trying to stay close to your original name.

I personally am considering shortening my last name by a few letters a. To make it less "ethnic" b. To make it more user friendly. Have you considered this? I also agree with others who say your middle name may be more intimidating to pronounce than your last.

[Ermias]

Jayrow, thank you for the valuable comment. Yes, i thought about my last name a lot and come up with a conclusion of shortening it. Normally, in my culture we shorten my last name as T/Mariam. So, I am thinking to shorten my last name that way (TMariam). What do you think? Does it sound fine for you? Please give me your advice. Thank you again for your comments.

[Ermias]

So, it will be Jeremiah TMariam