My name has the word "Zhaodi" in it. I don't know if I should change it.

Dear Question Asker,

It is challenging to provide comprehensive guidance on the subject of name changes in a concise format. Nevertheless, it is my hope that this response will facilitate further discussion and exploration of alternative options when one experiences feelings of inadequacy or distress related to this matter.

It should be noted that there are others who have faced similar challenges.

In light of the issue you have raised, I am prompted to cite an article published by the news website The Paper two days ago that has attracted over 100,000 views. The article, entitled "When 'Zhao Di' decided to change her name", draws upon data obtained from a government affairs platform in a certain province in China, which was used to check for duplicate names. This data reveals that there are more than 11,000 women with the names "Zhao Di" and "Zhao Di" in the top ten surnames.

It is plausible that the number of women across the country who are confronted with similar challenges may be considerable. The 20-year-old woman who successfully altered her name, as documented in the media, may resonate more profoundly with readers when they learn about her experience.

[Changing one's name is a civil right granted by law]

In accordance with the relevant provisions of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China, which was implemented in 2021, natural persons are entitled to a name and the right to change their name in accordance with the law. Furthermore, according to Article 18 of the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Household Registration, which was promulgated in 1958, a citizen who changes their name is required to apply to the household registration authority for a change of registration in accordance with the following provisions: 1. If a person under the age of 18 needs to change their name, the person themselves or their parents or adopters are required to apply to the household registration authority for a change of registration. 2. If a person over the age of 18 needs to change their name, the person themselves is required to apply to the household registration authority for a change of registration.

Should one elect to alter one's name, one may contact one's local police station to ascertain the particular procedures involved. It is also advisable to be mentally prepared for the possibility that the process may be complex and that, subsequent to the name change, one will be required to address matters pertaining to one's household registration, identification card, bank card, academic qualifications, and social security.

It is important to be aware of the influence of names on people.

Indeed, Chinese culture has historically placed a high value on names. Names can influence an individual's psychology and behavior, and they often reflect the cultural psychology and preferences of a group. The names that parents give their children often reflect their expectations and values, and in some cases, they can place undue pressure or distress on the child.

In particular, a negative perception of one's name can have a detrimental impact on one's sense of well-being. For example, the name "Zhao Di" reflects the parents' expectations for the boy, and the preference for male children over female children can foster a negative perception of oneself as a girl, leading to feelings of inferiority in terms of gender and an apprehension about introducing oneself in a crowd.

In light of the impact of names on individuals, one may opt to alter one's name or imbue it with a distinct, positive connotation. Regardless, it is imperative not to allow one's name to impede the realization of one's authentic self and the attainment of genuine happiness.

Ultimately, it is my hope that the individual in question will be able to extricate themselves from the constraints imposed by their name and embark upon a life of greater fulfilment and contentment.

Hello, I'd like to offer you a hug.

I recently came across an article about the experiences of several girls named "Zhao Di" who changed their names. It seemed that the process was quite challenging, but they were able to persevere and make the change.

In recent years, there have been instances where individuals have chosen to change their names. Some have even documented their experiences and shared them online as a guide for others.

The law allows for ordinary people to change their names if they have a justifiable reason. From what I have read, it seems that the police station feels that the name does not cause much harm and does not violate public order or good sense.

I can only imagine that some people still live in a time warp, stuck in the past, unable to accept the modern world.

It is encouraging to note that in recent years, an increasing number of individuals have opted to change their names. This suggests that the time may be right for a change in the situation.

I would like to express my support for your decision to change your name. If you feel it is the right choice for you, then I encourage you to proceed with it. I believe that every individual has the right to be the boss of their own name.

Naturally, when submitting an application to change your name, it would be advisable to present the situation in a way that highlights the difficulties you have faced as a result of your name. It may be helpful to express your feelings in a way that shows you are vulnerable and in need of support. This could help to elicit a sympathetic response from the staff.

It requires some skill, and we can discuss it together if you'd like.

Naturally, changing your name is one option. Some people, for various reasons, choose not to change their names, but it can still be a challenging decision.

I would like to suggest that you consider your name from a different perspective. People often feel sympathy for "Zhaodi" and perceive them as victims of patriarchal families. However, they may also believe that children from such families will be more self-reliant, self-respecting, and possess stronger life skills.

It could be said that the name may bring some stereotypes, but this stereotype has both positive and negative aspects. Many people simply say that there are only negative aspects.

It's really up to you how you choose to deal with it. If you're open to it, you can use the name to your advantage. For instance, you could portray yourself as being down-to-earth, hardworking, and having a high emotional quotient.

It would be beneficial to consider the potential challenges associated with this name, such as the possibility of a heavy family burden or having many siblings. It is also important to reflect on whether there might be a preference for sons over daughters or a tendency to act as a "sister-helper" in relationships. One way to approach this is by being open and honest about these expectations.

My family has four sisters and I am the youngest brother. When people hear about this kind of family configuration, they often assume that we were trying to have a son. It is true that in the countryside, people often looked down on families without a son, especially many years ago.

However, if the family is doing well, they may not necessarily want their son to become a son-in-law. Having a son can certainly make the family stand tall.

It's not necessarily about continuing the family line. It's simply that a son will not be bullied.

In our family, we did not treat our daughter harshly, even if we had wanted a son. We raised her and sent her to school the same way. My younger brother is a son, and I have different expectations for him.

It is my view that the name "Zhao Di" continues to have an impact on the growing process, particularly in relation to the family. If parents only express a degree of love towards their children because they feel the need to have a son to support the family's reputation, it may not be the most optimal approach.

It is likely that, even in Chinese families nowadays, there is still a preference for sons when it comes to property. This is especially the case with rural homesteads and the like, which are a legacy of rural China and have their reasons.

If you feel ready to change your name, you should definitely go ahead with it. If you're not sure, it might be helpful to spend some time getting to know yourself better. As you interact with others, you'll likely notice the different ways people respond to your name. If you're feeling negative about your name, it might help to tease out some positive aspects to remind yourself of your worth.

I am often both Buddhist and pessimistic, and I try to be an occasionally positive and motivated psychological counselor. I love the world and I love you.

Hello! I'm so happy to have this chance to share my thoughts with you.

I really think you should change it. You'll avoid a lot of unnecessary trouble and worry that way.

But if the questioner doesn't have the courage or ability to take control of their own lives, it might not make a difference either way whether they change it or not.

Many people's names contain the hopes and blessings of their parents for them. It's a lovely tradition! But it can also be a bit selfish and silly to take your own expectations or the blessings of others and name your children after them.

I've always thought that as a parent, it's really important to let your child feel your preference for their gender. So I think those parents who openly give their children such names are probably controlling parents. It seems like their whole life is about fulfilling their wishes, one after the other. When they're young, you're "Wang Zhaodi"; when they go to school, you're "Liu Perfect Score"; when they're a bit older, you're "Sun Qinghua", then "Doctor Feng" and "Officer Zhao", and then "Li Gujia" and "Zhang Filial". I wonder when it'll be your turn to be yourself?

It's so sad when you finally get to a place where you can just be yourself, but you've forgotten what you want and what you want to become. It's like they've already taken that ability away from you without you even realizing it.

So, the truth behind the name "Zhaodi" is that it doesn't matter what you think or want; what matters is what we think and want.

I really want you to change your name, even though I know it's a tough decision. I think "Knowing shame and then being courageous" is a great way to use this name as a driving force to spur yourself on for the rest of your life. And then, use your own happiness to slap fate in the face and prove to yourself that you are no worse than anyone else.

I know that thinking like this might be a bit of a luxury, because the trouble it causes you is real and you won't be able to overcome it in a short time. But I also know that not calling it by that name won't stop you from struggling, right? So just change it~out of sight, out of mind.

Hi, I'm Xiao Dong, a psychological counselor. I just wanted to wish you a happy life!

Good morning, I am Strawberry.

Upon seeing the question, I was compelled to respond because the meaning of my name is identical to the questioner's, except that my name is more commonly associated with boys. When many people see my name, they inquire about the rationale behind a girl having a boy's name. Consequently, during my childhood, I developed a negative sentiment towards my name, even experiencing emotional distress on multiple occasions.

The questioner's apparent inferiority complex is likely a result of the overtly negative connotations associated with the name in question. Let us examine the root cause of this issue.

The causes of an inferiority complex

It is preferable to have a boy and a girl in a family. Did the parents of the questioner select this name because they have a preference for boys over girls? Has having this name resulted in setbacks for the questioner?

Has the name been the subject of ridicule from others?

If the parents in question treat all their children equally and the gender bias is a result of indoctrination, rather than a genuine belief, then a single name will not have a significant impact on the questioner.

I rejected my name due to teasing from classmates who gave me the nickname "sacrifice" based on my name. As I matured, I came to understand that a name is merely a code, and I gradually began to accept my name without reservation.

The issue is not the name itself, but the various influences that the name brings to the individual. In some cases, these influences are the result of our own concerns, which can lead to challenges.

Please consider an alternative viewpoint.

The expectation that your name will result in the arrival of a younger brother creates an imbalance in the questioner's perspective, as if not fulfilling this expectation would be a mistake. This line of thinking does not indicate any personal shortcomings on your part.

The reason for rejecting one's name is also a rejection of the self. There is an invisible pressure from parents' expectations. A different perspective is recommended, with a few questions to consider: Is there an inferiority complex caused by one's name? Is happiness unattainable because of one's name?

Is it the case that we are unable to socialize normally because of our names?

It is important to recognise that individuals have different concerns. It is not helpful to assume that others share the same concerns as you. It is essential to focus on being true to yourself.

Make decisions based on reality.

When someone expresses interest in my name, I will allow them to speculate as to whether it is the direct cause of my having a younger brother. When we are able to accept the aspects of our identity that we care about, we can more readily address the underlying issues.

It is reasonable to assume that anyone can guess the meaning of the questioner's name. In most cases, there would be no reason for them to attack you because of it. However, the questioner still feels that this name will cause them distress and inferiority. Therefore, it is up to them to decide whether to change their name.

A name is simply a designation. Do not self-identify based on your name. Once you have a clear understanding of the underlying reasons behind your feelings of inferiority, address them directly, overcome them, and find a solution. This approach offers the most effective results.

I hope this information is useful to the questioner. Best regards,