Why Change a Name?

There are a variety of reasons why people change their names and no reason needs to be stipulated in the legal document. Some people simply don’t like their birth name eg because it is made fun of or may be difficult to pronounce or they may simply be bored with it. There are lots of reasons connected with family union or breakup which results in a name change eg a married woman may wish to revert to her maiden name after separation from her husband; or on marriage a couple who have children from previous relationships with different surnames may wish to have one surname for all the children; or a couple may wish to use a double-barrelled name on marriage. There may be professional or business reasons eg entertainers who often use a stage name may wish to adopt their stage name for every day use.  

Some people have may have only used their original birth name official records but in every day life have used and been known and identified by a shortened or nick name and may wish to formally change their official records to that of used name. 

Finally , some people change their names simply for fun eg to that of a famous actor , musician or sports personality whom they adore eg Elvis Presley or a fictional name such as James Bond. Since there is no copyright protection in a person’s name anyone is free to call themselves what they wish. However, if by using the name leads others to be deceived then this could result in legal action . Eg you could not make records and call yourself Paul McCartney in the context of the music industry. However, you could legitimately call yourself Paul McCartney in every day life.  

There are no laws in the United Kingdom restricting a persons choice of name.