If you had to change your name, what would your new name be?

If I Had to Change My Name, It Would Be CiCi Lee

Have you ever thought about what your name would be if you could choose it yourself?

If I had to change my name, there would be no debate. I would proudly become CiCi Lee.

Now, before anyone starts wondering where in the world “CiCi” came from, let me explain. It wasn’t some glamorous stage name or a nickname I gave myself. It came from my niece when she was little and couldn’t quite say “Christy.” Instead, she called me “CiCi,” and just like that, it stuck.

What started as a toddler’s pronunciation challenge turned into my identity. Today, all of my nieces and nephews call me CiCi, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. My niece may have started it, but all of those kids have made the name special. They mean the world to me, and every time I hear “CiCi,” it reminds me of the love, laughter, and memories we’ve shared over the years.

Then there’s the “Lee” part.

Lee is a family name on my mom’s side. In fact, both my mom and dad have Lee as their middle name. How many people can say that? It’s one of those unusual family coincidences that makes you stop and think, “Well, that’s interesting!”

Our family has always been told that somewhere way back in the family tree, we’re related to Robert E. Lee. Now, whether that connection is close enough to get me invited to any family reunions from the 1800s, I have no idea. But it’s still a pretty cool story and part of our family’s history.

So when you put it all together, CiCi Lee isn’t just a name. It’s a nickname given by a little girl I adore, a connection to a family name that’s been passed down through generations, and a reminder of the people who have shaped my life.

Besides, doesn’t “CiCi Lee” sound like someone who has her life together? Maybe a bestselling author. Or a country music singer. Or at the very least, someone who never loses her car keys.

Meanwhile, Christy is still over here looking for her sunglasses while they’re sitting on top of her head.

So yes, if I ever had to change my name, I’d happily answer to CiCi Lee.

And honestly, I kind of already do.