Seven Reasons People Change Their Names

Man signing paperwork

Name changes can have a many reasons; marriage and divorce are probably the most common reasons a person changes their name, but name changes are more common than most people think. Having an attorney to walk you through the legal considerations and the process makes changing your name quick and easy, and, as a subscriber to our legal subscription plans, you'll be able to talk to a qualified attorney about a name change at no additional cost.

People Change Their Names When They Get Married

In most states and provinces, the process of changing your name when you get married is usually fairly simple, but the process might not be as simple for same-sex couples, if a husband takes his wife's name, or in some other, unique situations. Most states and provinces have a streamlined process for either partner to change their name when they get married. It has become more common over time for couples to take on a hyphenated version of both their surnames or to create an entirely new surname when they get married. Depending on your state or province, you may need to fill out a simple form, but some states have an involved process to navigate. If you didn’t change your legal name when you got married and later want to, you will need to file paperwork with the court to do so.

People Change Their Names When They Get Divorced

Traditionally, when a woman took her husband's surname when they got married, she would often want to go back to using her maiden name or another name if they ever were to divorce. Some women want to keep the same surname as their children, but if you want to change your name when you get divorced, most states give you that option during the divorce proceedings. If you got divorced and didn’t change your name during the divorce proceedings and later want to, you will need to petition a court to do so.

People Change Their Names Because They Don't Like Them

It's a common misconception that you are stuck with the name your parents gave you. If you hate your name, dislike having your name mispronounced or misspelled, or go by another name that you'd like to use in a legal capacity, you can always change your name to something you like better. For instance, if you go by a middle name, use a nickname in your day-to-day life, or have a difficult-to-spell or difficult-to-pronounce name, a legal name change might be a good choice.

People Change Their Names For Personal Branding

Performers such as musicians, actors, radio or TV personalities, writers, influencers on social media, and others who become well known by a pseudonym, stage name, or pen name may want to change their names legally, not only for personal legal matters, but also to effectively be able to protect their brand and business. Many people are known online by a name they created or a "handle" for online interactions, and if you are known by this name professionally, it might be a good idea to legally change your name to your chosen moniker.

People Change Their Children's Surnames

There are many reasons that parents may want to change their child's surname, including when a parent meets a child later in life, or if the parents get married after the child is born, or if you adopt your spouse's child.

People Change Their Names Due To Discrimination

It's a sad fact, but people are sometimes judged by their names alone. This is particularly true for job seekers, and, while it is illegal to discriminate against someone based on their race, country of origin, or nationality, employers sometimes dismiss applications from people whose names are foreign, difficult to pronounce, or hard to spell. The inverse can also happen, where people want to reclaim their culture or family heritage and revert to their cultural names before their ancestors immigrated, for instance.

People Change Names To Match Their Personal Pronouns

People who are transgender often grew up with a name that they feel does not suit them and may wish to legally change their name to formally and legally begin their new life.

If you're considering a name change, as a member of our legal subscription plans, you can speak to a dedicated, qualified attorney about all the legal aspects of your name change at no additional cost. Your lawyer will walk you through the process for changing your name in your state or province of residence, prepare the paperwork, and make sure that it gets filed properly. Learn more about our legal subscription plans for individuals and families or sign up today!