11 Reasons Why People Change Their Name

There are many reasons for a name change — marriage and divorce are the most common, but some may also arise from more complex legal issues. Having a lawyer to help you legally change your name is important. 

No matter why you might consider changing your name, a lawyer can give you peace of mind. Keep reading to learn more about 11 common reasons for a name change and how you can change your name. 

1. Marriage

Most states make it easy for a person to change their name after getting married. However, the process can vary by location, and in some states it may be faster than others. 

Additionally, it may not be as easy for same-sex couples, a husband taking his wife’s name, or in other unique situations. It's also becoming more and more common for people not to change names after marriage. 

Sometimes, couples decide to take a hyphenated name or to create an entirely new name by combining their last names. Depending on your state, this could be as simple as completing one form when you legally get married, or it could require following a longer process.

2. Divorce or separation 

When one spouse, traditionally the woman, takes their partner’s name during marriage, they often want to revert to their maiden name or another previous name if they get divorced. While this isn’t always true — many women opt to keep the same name as their children, for example — it’s another common reason for a name change. 

Changing your last name may be possible in divorce proceedings or other methods, depending on the laws in your area.

3. Not liking your name 

There are reasons for a name change other than marriage. One of them is simply not liking your birth name. If you dislike your name, never went by your first name, or are tired of having your name mispronounced or misspelled, a legal name change may fix any of these issues.

4. Changing a child’s surname 

Families grow and change, which could lead to a parent wanting to change a child’s last name.

You may want to change a child’s last name to the name of a parent who became involved later in the child’s life. You may also want to change a child’s name after adoption. 

Additionally, mothers may put their last name on a child’s birth certificate if they are not yet married to the father. They may later want to change both their name and the child’s name if they marry the father. A legal name change might be possible in any of these cases.

5. Discrimination 

It’s illegal to discriminate based on race, religion, gender, or national origin. However, if you believe your name puts you at an unfair disadvantage when applying for jobs, schools, or similar opportunities, you can legally change it. 

Discrimination can also come from having your last name changed or “Americanized” upon entering the United States from another country. Some individuals reclaim their family heritage by changing their name back to one that more closely resembles the name of their ancestors.

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6. Couples hyphenating or combining last names

Hyphenated last names are a great way for couples to honor both sides of their family or to signal marriage equality. 

The process for hyphenating or combining last names is usually the same as the one a woman would use to change her name after marriage. The primary difference is that both parties must do it. Some states may require additional steps.

7. Gender identity affirmation 

For many transgender individuals, the name their parents gave them at birth becomes what is known as a “dead name.” After transitioning, it’s common for many trans individuals to want to change their name to something that more accurately reflects who they are now. In fact, a name change can be a key step in beginning a new life.

Depending on where you live, changing your name to reflect your gender identity can be challenging. There can also be additional legal obstacles when updating your gender on identification and other documents. 

8. Safety concerns

Survivors of violence, abuse, domestic violence, or stalking may wish to change their name to protect their safety. In some states, you must publish your name change request in the local news. You could have this requirement waived if you're concerned about your safety.

9. Religious reasons

Some people change their names when they convert to a new religion or commit to a spiritual identity. For example, taking an Arabic name is common when converting to Islam, and Buddhist monks take a new name when they get ordained. 

10. Correcting errors

Miscommunications, clerical errors, and transcription errors can lead to mistakes when filling out a birth certificate. For example, a middle name could get swapped with a first name, or “Luanne” could become “Lou Anne.” You can petition for a name change to correct these mistakes. 

11. Personal branding 

For some, personal branding has become an essential part of doing business. Writers, musicians, radio personalities, actors and actresses, social media influencers, and others may want to legally change their name to take ownership of their new identity. 

How to change your name

The steps to legally change your name can vary from state to state, but generally include the following:

1. Obtain the necessary documents: If your reason for name change is a marriage or divorce, you will need your marriage certificate or divorce decree. If your name change is for another reason, you will need to petition the court. 
2. Publish a notice: Your state may require you to publish a public notice of your name change in the local newspaper. You may have to run this notice for several weeks. If you're petitioning for a name change for safety concerns, you must give the court a valid reason and provide evidence.
3. Attend a hearing: A judge will review your petition and may ask that you attend a hearing. This step may not be necessary if everything on your petition is correct. 
4. Get a court order: Once the judge approves your petition, you will receive an official court order (Judgment for Change of Name) that you can use to proceed with changing your name. 

Once you have your court order, you can update your information. You should update your name on your:

• Social Security card
• Driver’s license or state-issued identification
• Vehicle registration
• Passport
• Bank accounts 
• Credit cards
• Voter registration
• Professional licenses
• Employment information/payroll
• Estate planning documents and beneficiary designations

Filing a Petition for Change of Name 

If your name change is for a reason other than marriage or divorce, you will need to file a Petition for Change of Name in your local circuit/district court. 

In the Petition, you will provide your current and desired names, your birthplace, and your parents’ names. You will need to state a clear and lawful reason for the request. You will then need to file it with the court and pay any required fees.  

Your local circuit/district court may have a pre-approved form for this purpose, which might be found online or by contacting the court clerk by phone. 

Legal constraints when changing your name

There are some reasons for a name change that are not legally permitted. A judge will not grant your request for a name change if the judge believes it involves:

• Fraud: You can’t change your name to avoid paying creditors or fulfilling legal obligations, such as paying child support or spousal support.  
• Criminal evasion: You can’t change your name to avoid criminal charges or conceal a past criminal history. 
• Offensive language: A judge can deny your petition if you request to change your name to something obscene, offensive, or racist. 
• Infringement: A judge can deny a request to change your name to one that already belongs to a well-known person or brand. 

Get your name change started today

You don’t have to be wealthy to get quality legal help. LegalShield can provide you with access to experienced lawyers who will offer you name change advice, with plans starting at around $1/day. 

The purchase of a LegalShield Personal Legal Plan can help you with an uncontested name change. Once you’ve signed up, a provider lawyer will contact you within 1 business day. After a quick discussion about your needs, a LegalShield lawyer will walk you through the process according to the laws in your state. If your name change meets the legal requirements, they will draw up the paperwork and ensure it gets filed properly.

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common name change questions below.

Why do people change their names?

Marriage and divorce are two common reasons for a name change. People can also request a change if they don’t like the name given to them at birth. 

People may also want to change their name to protect their safety, avoid discrimination, better align with their gender, or correct misspellings and other errors. 

Can I change my child’s last name?

Yes, you can change your child’s last name. However, both you and the child’s other biological parent must agree to the change. When considering your petition, the court will decide whether or not the requested name change is in the best interest of the child.

Procedures for changing a minor child’s name differ by state, so make sure you understand your state’s process. 

What reason should I put for a name change?

What to put for reasons for name change will vary depending on why you want to change your name. Whatever your reason, make sure you are open, honest, and clear about it when completing your Petition for Name Change or going before a judge. 

What are acceptable reasons for a name change?

Marriage, divorce, and changes in family circumstances are all acceptable reasons for a name change. You can also change your name for safety reasons, branding reasons, religious reasons, to affirm your gender, or to correct errors. Not liking your name is also an acceptable reason.

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