Having a middle name is very common, with most of us having at least one and many people having several! However, what happens if you no longer like or want your middle name? There are many reasons why this may occur, so should you change it or even lose it all altogether? Read on to see what we think.
Reasons for Changing or Removing a Middle Name
- It doesn’t work with your new married name. If you decide to take your partner’s name after marriage, it may not work well with your middle name.
- It is now associated with someone you no longer want to be linked with – perhaps your middle name is from a parent you have cut ties with, or it is the same name as a shamed celebrity.
- It triggers bad memories – maybe you were teased at school for having the middle name, and it brings back tough memories.
- You want a fresh name for a fresh start – maybe you are changing your first name, and you have decided the middle one needs a revamp too.
- You just don’t like the name – it could be as simple as that!
- Non-binary and trans-gender reasons – the middle name might not fit with your preferred identity.
Changing Your Middle Name – The Process
Changing your middle name is the same process as changing any other part of your name and can be done using a deed poll. A Deed Poll is a legal document that serves as proof of a name change and must be signed and witnessed.
The specific requirements are:
- You must sign your old name and your new name.
- Your witnesses must be over 18, independent of you (not a relative or living at the same address), and of sound mind. While one witness is legally sufficient, it is often recommended to have two.
The Steps
The Deed Poll itself is the proof of your name change, but your legal name is not fully recognised until you start using it. The next, and most time-consuming, step is to inform all relevant organisations of your new name. You will need to provide them with the Deed Poll as evidence. This includes:
HM Passport Office: To update your passport.
DVLA: To change your driving licence.
Banks and financial institutions.
Employers and HMRC.
Local council (for things like council tax and electoral roll).
Your GP and other health services.
For help changing your name via Deed Poll, contact DeedPoll.com on 020 8017 2216.
