NAME SHAME
My mum thought she was giving me a unique name – now I share it with a world famous murderer, I’m desperate for a change
Watch the video to see some of the most controversial baby names
A WOMAN has revealed that she wants to change her name, as she now shares it with a famous criminal.
Choosing a name for your child can be extremely tricky, as you want to pick something special and unique, but not so out there that the child runs the risk of being bullied.
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And the connotations of names can change over time, meaning that a name that was perfectly normal when you were a child, can end up having a completely different meaning.
Although the woman didn't reveal what her name is, many social media users have guessed that it is Gypsy, due to the information that the woman gave.
Gypsy Rose-Blanchard was convicted of second-degree murder in 2016, for the death of her mother Dee Dee Blanchard, who had subjected Gypsy to physical and mental abuse throughout her life.
She served eight years in prison, and her story gained widespread media attention.
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Hulu drama series The Act, was created about Gypsy in 2019, and she has been featured in a number of documentary series, such as Life After Lockup.
Taking to Reddit, the woman also revealed that her name is a 'slur'.
Gypsy can be used as a derogatory term to describe Romani people, however, some Romani groups use the word with pride.
The woman said: "I was given this name at birth by my now deceased mother and its hard to say, but I need to change it.
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"I don't feel comfortable with it anymore."
She then asked for suggestions on what she should change her name to, stating that she likes Sylvia, Juniper, Lydia or Scarlett.
I'm slammed for begging strangers to pay for my £500 designer pram when I'm a millionaire - but I'm pregnant with my ex's baby & only just got out of prison
The post was flooded with comments from Reddit users who shared their thoughts and advice.
One person said: "I like Juniper, and it starts with the same sound as your original name which will help you adapt better than starting over with a brand-new name.
"It is easier to ‘tune in’ to something that sounds like your own name than not.
Who Is Gypsy Rose Blanchard?
Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who was convicted for her involvement in the murder of her mother, Clauddine "Dee Dee" Blanchard, was released from prison in December 2023. Gypsy's story gained widespread attention due to the severe abuse she suffered at the hands of her mother, who had Munchausen syndrome by proxy. Dee Dee falsely claimed that Gypsy had numerous serious illnesses, confining her to a wheelchair and subjecting her to unnecessary medical treatments for years.
In 2015, Gypsy conspired with her then-boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, to kill Dee Dee in an effort to escape her abusive situation. Godejohn was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the murder, while Gypsy received a 10-year sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree murder. Her case has sparked discussions about the complexities of abuse and the justice system's handling of such situations.
"If a colleague starts saying ‘J…’ your ears are more likely to prick up than if they say ‘S…’ which you’re not used to relating to yourself, especially because you’re not changing your name because you absolutely love a different name, it’s being motivated because you don’t want to share a problematic name with a high-profile murderer."
The original poster replied: "I've been leaning to Juniper for a while now, and my partner agrees too.
"The J sound being one of the biggest reasons why.
"I will likely end up using Juniper, especially based on comments here."
Another person said: "So I think most people have guessed your name now, so I’ll say this - It reminds me of the flower, gypsophila.
"Instead of being the first half, why not the second half?
“'Ophila' - Ophelia! Gorgeous name and you could say that your first name was short for the flower."
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A third person said: "If you really want to feel like you still have the name your mother gave you, maybe consider making your current name your middle name? That way you don't have to use it ever, but you'll still "have" it.
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