Renaming Poll

GraceUponGrace09

So I'm new to the board here and introduced myself and told our story on the reintro post earlier today. But a brief recap we are in the process of adopting a 3yr and 4yr sibling set that we have been fostering for 2yrs.
We are seriously considering renaming them for the following reasons:
1. safety from their different dads who are unsafe
2. A new beginning. I've heard children with traumatic pasts/abuse can have negative feelings associated with their name
3. We think its a special privilege as a parent to name your child and we'd like to choose something for them
4. It was done quite a bit in the Bible. We are Christians and there are numerous times in the OT and NT that God/Jesus changed people's names. And I need to look it up for sure, but I'm pretty sure Revelation talks about God gives us a new name when we get to heaven.
Anyhow...I wondered what you guys think.
FYI, we will definitely keep their FN as their MN. We have an open adoption with BM.
I'd love your comments too!
Edited to add: we've asked the children if they want new names and specifically the names we've chosen and they say Yes! and get all excited...however, they are 3 and 4! So I'm taking that with a grain of salt!

IRR

I know the kids are still young but I would ask them if there is a particular name they would like to be called and take it from there.

GraceUponGrace09

@IRR I forgot to add the children think it sounds so fun to get new names so I edited the post to add that. Thanks! That's a really important part, even though they are young.

Dr.Loretta

I think it's a perfectly fine idea, and not at all unheard of.

GraceUponGrace09

@Dr.Loretta - ya I think its pretty common, especially in our situation I've just had a lot of people question me about it! So, I thought I'd come to the professionals...other adoptive moms! lol.

cvpis4me

Think of it from the point of view from your child.  Yes, they were in an abusive home and should be placed somewhere where they can be raised safely.  However the fact still remains that they have lost everything they've ever known and now you want to take their name too?  I would not do it now.  If the children get older and bring up the subject of wanting to change their name you can give them your utmost support.  Or let them do it themselves as an adult.  But at this young age I would strongly discourage it