The Top Ten Reasons Why People Change Their Names

People change their names for a variety of reasons, some of which are odd.

People alter their legal names for a variety of reasons, including no cause at all. Unless used for fraudulent or deceitful reasons, it is totally lawful.

Here are some of the most common reasons why individuals change their names.

1. I dislike the current name.

A name change request might be made merely because a person does not like his or her birth name. Perhaps they’d want something more original than James or william, or something less original than a homegrown name that combines their parents’ names.

In the same line, those with potentially humiliating names, particularly if mispronounced or misspelt, may seek name modifications.

2. Changing Your Name After Divorce

If a woman takes her husband’s name upon marriage, she may choose to restore her maiden name following separation or divorce, or she may choose to adopt a whole new name. Some states may make it simple to return to a maiden name, so verify your state’s legislation.

3. Taking Wife’s Name After Marriage

It’s becoming more common for a husband to acquire his wife’s surname, although only California, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, and North Dakota make it easy. In some places, the procedure is the same as when a woman takes her husband’s surname upon marriage, while in others, additional documentation is required.

4. Changing a child’s surname to that of his or her mother or father

In the absence of a father, a woman may request that her child’s surname be changed to hers. On the other hand, if a previously absent father has returned, a name change to the father’s surname may be sought.

5. Couples who combine or hyphenate surnames to create a new one

Another prevalent trend among married or cohabiting couples is the formation of a new surname using portions of each partner’s name, or simply hyphenating the two last names to create a fresh new joint surname.

Again, some states allow the merging or hyphenation of married couples’ surnames with easy paperwork, so verify your state’s laws.

6. Desire for a name that is less or more “ethnic”

People with “ethnic” names may seek name modifications for a variety of reasons, including ease of pronunciation and spelling.

Some people, on the other hand, want to recover their ethnic history by reverting to a surname that may have been lost through time or by adopting a new one.

7. Name Changes for Transgender People

Name changes to match gender are often requested by transgender persons. Names may be altered to merely the male or feminine version of the present name, or they can be whole new names.