Changing One's Name into Spanish

Question

I understand that names generally aren't translated from language to language (though pronunciation may change. Daniel (Dan-yull) in English becomes Daniel (Dan-yell) in Spanish). However, what about adopting Spanish names?

My friend's name is Aahan (he's Indian). However, in Spanish class, he goes by the name of Simón. My Spanish teacher in middle school gave everyone a Spanish name (I was Ricardo), but he's the only one that continues to use his in High School Spanish class.

I want to know what Spanish speakers think of someone who is clearly not Hispanic adopting a Hispanic name just for use in Spanish. Do they encourage this? Do they find it offensive? Or do they not mind?

(I also want to point out that almost all of the Chinese people I've ever met in the United States do this with English. My friend Tian Yue goes by the name Tommy and my friend Hao Hua is called Charlie. A lot of English speakers don't mind. Is it the same way for Spanish speakers?)

This is an interesting post. I hope some Spanish speaker will answer as we have a few who post. I have an opinion about this but will check back later. - Jubilado, Feb 15, 2013

Good question! I would be tempted to do so with my last name, as it is a bit difficult for Spanish speakers to pronounce! - BigMike, Feb 15, 2013

Answer 1

I want to know what Spanish speakers think of someone who is clearly not Hispanic adopting a Hispanic name just for use in Spanish. Do they encourage this? Do they find it offensive? Or do they not mind?

In my experience, they seem to appreciate it because some names in English are just too hard to pronounce. When I introduce myself as "Marianne" people often hesitate a bit. Then I say, "Mariana" and they look relieved because it's easier to say.

Also, I noticed that many Spanish natives here in Guatemala adopt nicknames in English to make it easier for the foreigners to pronounce, e.g., Maximilion is Max, Ignacio is Nacho.

Good answer. In most Spanish classes that I have taken, the teacher tended to use Spanish names, Juan, Mauricio, Miguel, Ricardo etc. A couple of weeks ago la profesora addressed one student as “Guapa”. You can pretty well guess why. - kirk1, Feb 15, 2013

In China, a lot of people, especially young women, who worked with foreigners adopted western names. Chen Xiaoyen (the given name is pronounced “Show (rhymes with how) Yun (rhymes with run) and means “little bird”. She was known as Sharon. - kirk1, Feb 15, 2013

Answer 2

I changed mine in Bolivia - Ian Francis Hill

to Juan Francisco Colina because it sounds better.

Not officially though.

Answer 3

I think nobody would get offended if someone decides to use a Spanish name as a nickname.

Other thing I've seen is to tell people to pronounce the name in Spanish just as it's written.