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Hannah Emery, PhD's avatar

Congratulations, Ivy! What an awesome name 😊 I love how much time and effort you put into considering this transformation--as someone who works as a guide for both adults and expectant parents looking for the perfect name, I definitely see the differences in considering a name for yourself and who you want to be versus for an idealized someone else.

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Ivy Zeller's avatar

Thanks, Hannah! I've always loved the idea of being a naming consultant. What a fun job! How did you begin in that role?

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Hannah Emery, PhD's avatar

I've been a name nerd for as long as I can remember 😅 then kind of accidentally ended up doing a dissertation on naming practices; and then a few years after that said let me see if people would actually pay me to help them sort through the massive piles of information that are possible resources for making a really thoughtful name choice. I've worked with about 50 clients so far, usually much more in a “let me illuminate your style and some aspects of the names you're already considering” way than a “let me pick your name for you” way. It’s always a lot of fun!

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Ivy Zeller's avatar

That's amazing!

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Andi's avatar

What a bold and beautiful and resonant choice, Ivy! You've so clearly put a lot of care and passion into the process of choosing. I'm especially glad I got to read this today, as I'm starting to collect and research names for the baby I'm expecting in a few months! Thanks for sharing!

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Ivy Zeller's avatar

Thank you, Andi! And congratulations on the little one.

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Johanna Hattendorf's avatar

Good for you Ivy! What a great name you've chosen, and so rich with meaning. I legally changed my name in 2024 to get rid of the name my abusive father (a Christian Pastor) and mother had chosen for me. I am queer and happy, and love who I am and still becoming.

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Ivy Zeller's avatar

Thank you, Johanna!

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Aly Prades's avatar

Love the name Ivy for all the images and power and magic it evokes! It makes sense that a writer, who believes in the power of words, would see the power of names. May you live into this powerful transformation, Ivy!

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Ivy Zeller's avatar

Thank you, Aly!

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