Sometimes, a simple name carries more weight than anyone anticipates—shaping how a child is treated, influencing peers’ perceptions, and even affecting self-esteem.
But what happens when a name, seemingly harmless, becomes a target for ridicule and misunderstanding? For one Tennessee teenager, it meant reinventing her identity entirely, after months of relentless teasing.
A Tennessee mother recently made headlines for supporting her teenage daughter in legally changing her birth name—a decision prompted solely by persistent bullying.
The 16-year-old, originally named Dixie, had endured years of mockery from classmates, who accused her of supporting the Confederacy and taunted her with nicknames like “Dixie Dust” and “Dixie Normous.”
“They attach all sorts of crude meanings to it and call me that in the hallways,” the high school junior, now going by Skye, told Today.
Her mother, Danielle Remp, 35, explained that the choice was simple. “She’s being made fun of for it. I said yes—no questions asked,” she said.
Skye shared that her father had chosen the name Dixie when she was born in 2008, while her mother had preferred Skye. “Skye feels like me. It’s who I am, and it makes me happy to go by that name,” she said.
A Name with a Complicated History
The name Dixie carries historical baggage, associated with the Confederacy and the 19th-century song “Dixie’s Land,” which became an unofficial anthem of the South. Even in pop culture, the name has been reconsidered; in 2020, the Dixie Chicks dropped “Dixie” amid cultural scrutiny.
For Skye, however, the issue was personal, not political. “Some kids accused me of being racist because of my name,” she said.
Support at Home, Drama at School
Remp, a Burger King shift manager, is saving the $200 needed for the legal name change. To her, the decision isn’t about history—it’s about her daughter’s well-being.
“She’s a good kid, doing well in school, and doesn’t give me trouble. If changing her name makes her feel better about herself, why would I say no?” she explained.
The story sparked mixed reactions online. While some suggested parents should teach resilience, many praised Remp for supporting her daughter’s emotional health.
“As someone who was bullied for their birth name and changed it as an adult, thank you,” one commenter wrote. “Everyone should get one free name change—not just at marriage.”
Others shared their own experiences with the name Dixie:
“I’m Dixie! I was bullied too, but now I love my name. It’s unique, and I was named after my grandma.”
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“My name is Dixie, and I think it’s great she’s supporting her daughter. Growing up, it was embarrassing because it’s a common dog name, and there were inappropriate jokes about it.”
A Fresh Start as Skye
For the teenager, the new name represents a clean slate, free from teasing and judgment. “Skye feels more like me,” she said. “It makes me happy, and it’s who I am.”
Remp’s TikTok post has sparked wider conversations about bullying, personal identity, and the emotional power of a name—showing that even small changes can profoundly impact a young person’s life.
Conclusion
Skye’s decision to change her name underscores the emotional significance names can hold for identity and self-esteem. With her mother’s support, she has reclaimed control over how she is perceived and how she perceives herself. Beyond personal transformation, the story raises broader discussions about bullying, respect, and the ways families can empower young people navigating a challenging social environment.