You may have noticed that I seem to have more than one name. It's true. As of this writing, March 9, 2025, I'm announcing that I'm changing my name from Kira Swanson to Raelie Bach and I know you might be thinking: What's up with that?

The short answer: A name is a powerful thing. It's not just what people call you—it's an energy you carry, a sound that echoes through your life thousands of times. And when that sound doesn't resonate with your soul, it creates a subtle but persistent dissonance.

Let me tell you the longer version.

The Discomfort of a Weird Name (I know, I know, Raelie is weird too, but I'm ready to embrace that)
As a kid, I dreaded the first day of school. The teacher would inevitably stumble over my name during roll call, and all eyes would turn to me. "Kai-ra? Kee-ra? Keer-a?" I'd mumble the correction and shrink in my seat, wishing I could disappear. An unusual name is wonderful when you want to stand out—but torture when you just want to blend in.

I spent decades with a name that felt like someone else's coat I'd borrowed and never returned. It never quite fit right, but I wore it because, well, what choice did I have? My family laughed at my early change efforts “Kathy.” Then “Jessie.” I so wanted a name that could be turned into a diminutive. When a Latino friend called me Kirita, I considered that too.

The one aspect of "Kira" I did love was its meaning: light. That resonance with illumination, clarity, and brightness has always felt true to who I am.

As for "Swanson," it's an americanization of the Swedish patronym "Svensson"—a name that lost something essential in translation, much like how I felt my identity was somehow lost in the name I'd been given.

Why Raelie Bach?
"Raelie" (pronounced RAY-lee) maintains that precious connection to light that I've always cherished. It feels both grounded and elevated, solid and ethereal—much like the balance I strive for in my life and work. "Bach" is from my Danish heritage, a family name rich with warm memories my mother shared from her childhood. It represents a reclaiming of something authentic. It translates as stream, and I love creating a union here between light and water. And no, no relation...

Why Names Matter
In fairy tales and mythology, names hold power. In "Rumpelstiltskin," knowing someone's true name gives you power over them. Carl Jung spoke of naming as a crucial part of the individuation process—the journey of becoming fully ourselves.

When we name something, we acknowledge its existence. When we rename something, we transform it.
Think about it: How many times in your life will you hear your own name? Thousands upon thousands. That sound becomes part of your internal landscape, shaping how you see yourself in subtle ways.

As I step more fully into my work helping others find career satisfaction and authentic expression, it feels right to do so with a name that authentically expresses who I am.

What This Means Practically
Nothing changes about my work, my approach, or my values. I’m deeply committed to helping visionary leaders bridge the gap between external success and deeper fulfillment.

I'm just doing it with a name that lights me up.

If you knew me as Kira, feel free to continue using that name—I'll still answer to it! But I invite you to join me in this transition to Raelie Bach, a name that feels like coming home.

The Perfect Time is Never
There's probably never an ideal time to change something as fundamental as your name. But with my business refresh, new website, and evolved offerings, it felt like the right moment to align all aspects of my identity.

Sometimes we need to shed old skins to grow into who we're meant to become. This name change is my shedding, my growth, my becoming.

A Personal Note
Thank you for taking the time to read this story. Names are deeply personal, and sharing the journey feels a bit like inviting you into my inner world. I'm grateful for your understanding and support.

If you have questions or just want to connect, please reach out. I'd love to hear from you.

With gratitude,
Raelie Bach (the person formerly known as Kira Swanson)

[email protected]