An American in Provence

Busy with the final steps of getting my file together for my French nationality request (and what a long road it has been too!).

Another month and we will hit the 4-year mark, which is, unless Sarkozy changes the legislation again between now and then, the time that I can officially hand in my papers. I think I'll need a wheelbarrow.

One of the questions on the form is:
"Souhaitez-vous une francification de vos noms et prénoms?" Oui ou non?

Do you wish to have your first and last names Frenchified?

Hmm. Well, I guess I'm set with my last name, but the first name could go from
Megan -> Mégane.

Not sure how binding it would be, whether I would then have to get all my paperwork changed, including US stuff, or whether it is just sorta an "honorary" thing. Besides, let's face it, I will never be more than an "honorary French" in their eyes.

Kinda strange that such an option is still even offered. Like when people stepped off the boat in Ellis Island and all magically became Mr. Smith.

Don't think I will do it. Only advantage would be so that French wouldn't wonder whether "Megan" is a man's name. Many French names have a feminine version of a man's name, with an e or an a tacked on the end, so Megan should be a masculine name, and Mégane the feminine version.
But "Megan" is considered as a man's or woman's name, with a tendance towards woman's, but not exclusively.

Maximum of 11 boys named Megan 1993, vs 238 girls named Megan in 1995.

http://www.aufeminin.com/w/prenom/p13310/megan.html

But apparently, even "Mégane" isn't exclusively feminine, 10 boys in 1994 vs. 2601 girls in 1995.
http://www.aufeminin.com/w/prenom/p22840/megane.html

Geez people, make up your minds. It's like the boy named Sue.

Guess there was a peak in the 1990's like in the US.

Everyone here pronounces it as Mégane anyway. I have been addressed (by mail thankfully, not face to face) as Mr. Megan.

When I am introducing myself to someone in French, I will pronounce my name Mégane (meh-ghanne), but in English I always pronounce it as I always did (May-gin, gin like bin, not like the drink).

Not sure how my middle name, Kathleen, would be Frenchified.

So readers, would you Frenchify your name, and if so, what would it be?