Why do People Change their Name by Deed Poll: We’re pretty sure most people, at some point in their life, have fantasised about changing their name. The teenage years, in particular, are rife with it as you start to establish your identity as an adult.
Most of us end up sticking with the name our parents gave us, but more and more people are following their intentions through and changing their birth name by deed poll.
That’s because it’s so much more common these days and certainly not something that causes eyebrows to be raised as it might have 30 or 40 years ago.
At that time, it was only really pop stars or actors who changed their name for something that sounded more exciting for the stage. Nowadays, don’t be surprised if one of your neighbours’ answers to a different name today than they did as a child.
So why do people want to change their name by deed poll? Here is a list of some of the most common reasons we’ve found here at Deedpoll.com:
You dislike your birth name
Some young people feel so strongly about hating their birth name that they change it as soon as they become an adult. The reason they dislike their original name could be because it is difficult for others to pronounce, or there is something embarrassing about it. Then again, it could be that they didn’t enjoy their school years and want to embrace adulthood with a different identity.
You’ve just gone through a divorce
As divorce statistics rise, so does the request for name changes by deed poll. Divorce is actually one of the most common reasons for people to change their name – especially if the divorce ended acrimoniously. Many women will resort to their maiden name while men too will change their name if, for example, in getting married they also changed to name to a double-barrelled one (ie by adding on their spouse’s maiden name).
You’re in a same sex relationship
In this case one individual from a couple may want to take on their partner’s surname. Unlike, with marriage where the wife can automatically take her husband’s name, in a same sex marriage, having the same surname means changing it by deed poll.
You’re the husband and want your wife’s name
In a traditional marriage it’s not unheard of these day for the husband to take on the wife’s surname – especially if he has never particularly liked his own name. Certainly, this rather unconventional trend is growing in popularity. Again, the only way for this to be achieved is via deed poll.
You want a double-barrelled surname
A trend which is even more popular in marriage circles today is the joining of surnames when a couple weds. We can think of at least five friends or acquaintances who have done this and today sign their second name with a hyphen in between. And, of course, you don’t even have to be married to do this. It’s actually a good way to signal to others that you in a long-term relationship (yet don’t want to go down the marriage or civil partnership route). Again, deed poll is the way to do it.
You want your child to have your name
Most children acquire their father’s surname on birth. But if the father hasn’t been around since then understandably the mother may want their offspring to have their own surname. This makes life (and administration) far easier for everyone concerned.
Conversely a couple reuniting after a birth when the birth certificate shows the mother’s maiden name, may mean changing this to the father’s name. Again, this has to be via deed poll.
Get in touch today
As you can see from the above list, there are many reasons why someone would want to change their name. Deed poll is the only way to legally do this in the UK.
If you are certain that you do indeed want to change your name then you can apply for a deed poll. You can do this via our secure online service. Alternatively, you can apply over the phone by calling 020 8150 2010.
Once you receive the documents you must sign and date them in front of a witness. In the case of a child, whoever has parental responsibility must be present.
And that’s it. Your name has been changed. It’s then a case of letting all the relevant authorities know, including the passport office, council tax, your employer, DVLA, HMRC etc. It’s always best to do this by post or email so that you have a record of your correspondence.
