Of course. Choosing a name that still feels like "you" is a deeply personal journey, and it's completely normal to feel unsure. Based on the shared experiences of others, here are the key themes that can guide you.

Honor Your Past and Your Roots Many find that a name feels most authentic when it honors a part of their history. This could mean keeping your birth initial to continue a family tradition, or choosing a name whose meaning connects you to your core personality. As one person shared, they wanted a name that reminded them of who they were before they had to hide their true self: "I wanted names that reminded me of who I was before I was forced to be closeted... and I wanted a name that connoted joy and lightness." – Independent-Offer186 source

Find a Name That Feels Like an Evolution, Not a Rejection A powerful strategy is to find a name that feels like a natural progression from the one you were given at birth. This often means choosing a name with a similar sound, feel, or rhythm. This approach can feel right almost instantly and may also be more easily accepted by loved ones. One user described this perfect fit after trying a name that was too different: "Settled on something that I liked, that began with the same first two letters/same vowel sounds as my birth name... TOTALLY felt like my name immediately." – screwballramble source

Consider Practicality and Longevity It’s wise to think about how the name will serve you throughout your entire life. A name that feels right is often one that is age-appropriate, won't be tied to a fleeting interest, and will allow you to move through the world safely and comfortably. As one person advised, it's important to pick a name "that would fit me through every stage of life, wouldn't be tied to fleeting interests... and was a strong cis passing name you'd expect from someone my age." – SkyBluSam source

Embrace the Process of Trial and Error It's perfectly okay if the first name you try doesn't feel right. Initial feelings of it being "weird" or not fitting are extremely common. Give yourself permission to experiment. Try saying it out loud, asking a trusted friend to use it, or using it when you introduce yourself to new people. The right name is worth the search, and it will eventually click. As one user wisely noted, "It’s ok to be connected to your [past] self. It’s all you and it’s yours. It’s an important experience." – Low_Acanthaceae2678 source

Trust the Feeling of "Rightness" You will know you've found your name when it simply fits. For some, this is an immediate and certain feeling, as if the name has always been theirs. For others, it’s a sense of comfort and rightness that grows over time as they use it. The key is that it eventually becomes a natural part of your identity, to the point where you "can't imagine being any other name." – rinnyrinrinrin source

In the end, the name that feels most like "you" is the one that honors your journey, fits your authentic self, and brings you a sense of peace and belonging. Be patient and kind with yourself as you explore; the perfect name is out there waiting for you to find it.