Can I change my name if I don't like it?

Typically, you may legally change your name to whatever name you'd like, although state marriage laws may also provide some additional legal guidance. There are some exceptions though. For example, you can't: Change your name to escape debt liability or hide from criminal liability.

What to do if I don't like my name?

If you do not like your name because you feel it is boring or old-fashioned, try getting your friends to call you by a nickname. You can also go by a nickname. There are nicknames abound for "time tested" names.

Can I change my name personally but not professionally?

Principle #4. You do not have to change your name professionally when your name changes legally. I changed my legal name in the middle of the academic year. Doing so was part of reclaiming myself after a divorce, and that part felt great.

Why I don't want to change my name?

Personally, I won't change my name because It was given by my parents and it has beautiful meaning. I realized when I grew up my name represents myself and my personality a lot. It belives that name is wishes of the parents. So, it's so important for parents to give good names to their babies.

Is it disrespectful to not change your last name?

Depends. Many women change their last name when they are getting married and I think most parents accept it. Artists change their stage name all the time; again, nobody cares. If you do it for professional reasons, your parents may have little to say.

People Share Why They Changed Their Name

Does changing your name affect anything?

Once the name change has taken place legally, you may not be able to use any of your former documents. Another factor to consider, a name change can have an impact on your taxes. The names on your tax return much match Social Security Administration records.

Why you should keep your last name?

It keeps your professional identity consistent

Now, it's by no means insurmountable, but if you feel proud of what you have built up under one name and feel that your name is firmly secured in your field, it may be easier to keep your last name and keep growing your business and your brand under the same title.

Is it hard to change your real name?

Depending on where you live, your legal name change process could be as easy as filling out an online form, or as intensive as attending a formal hearing and getting fingerprinted by the FBI. You'll also need to pay a filing fee, which could cost anywhere from $50 in Hawaii to $450 in California.

Why do females take the man's last name?

The tradition of women changing their last names to match their husbands' has its origins in the property transfer that took place upon marriage, Scheuble said. Essentially, women went from being part of their parents' family to becoming their husbands' property.

Who should I tell if I change my name?

Can I legally have two names?

No, you can have only one legal name. Keeping more than one official name is illegal.

Can you have two legal last names?

A hyphenated last name would be Smith-Jones or Jones-Smith. It's your choice which name comes first. Hyphenating your last name is considered a legal name change – meaning you can't drop your spouse's name or the hyphen in the future without having to go through a court-ordered name change.

What are the disadvantages of changing name after marriage?

Cons: Hyphenating your names could result in a long, awkward, and complicated last name. If you have children, they may not keep both names.

How do I get over name regret?

If you feel very strongly, a legal name change might be the best cure for your remorse. "We have friends who changed their son's name when he was nine months old", says Lindsey. "The new name definitely fits him better, and they're glad they did it."

Why is it important to like your name?

Our names are an incredibly important part of our identity. They carry deep personal, cultural, familial, and historical connections. They also give us a sense of who we are, the communities in which we belong, and our place in the world.

Is it normal not to like your name?

Of course it's ok, it's also fine to do something about it! I hated both my first and last name growing up, it wasn't a secret that my mom wasn't fond of my first name either.

Do men care if you take their last name?

63.3 percent of Men's Health followers said they would be upset if their wives kept their maiden names. 96.3 percent of Men's Health followers said they wouldn't take a woman's last name if she asked them to.

Why would a woman want to keep her last name?

Many women who keep their maiden names do so because they marry later in life or at a time when their careers are already in full swing, and it could be risky—both career-wise and financially speaking—to change names. That's partly due to the value of personal branding or, in simple terms, name recognition.

Which states can a man take a woman's last name?

In fact, in all the 50 states only Colorado, North Dakota, New York, Massachusetts, Louisiana, Iowa, Hawaii, Georgia, Oregon, and California allow husbands to use a marriage license to adopt the last name of the wife.

Does changing your name affect your credit score?

A name change won't affect your credit history. Don't be concerned; your credit history is tied to your Social Security number, which hasn't changed. In other words, if you have an excellent credit score, changing your name shouldn't affect it unless you've done things like make a late payment.

How much does it cost to change your name in America?

Name changes cost anywhere from under $100 to more than $500, depending on your state. In many states, fees vary in each county, so check with your local probate, family, or district court clerk. Many states still have fees well under $100.

How much does it cost to change it name?

The cost to file name change forms in California is $435. However, a few courts charge more ($450 or $465) but no California Name Change Courts charge less than $435 to file a Petition for Change of Name.

What is most common last name?

Quick…what's the most common last name in the U.S? If you guessed Smith you are correct. According to an analysis by 24/7 Wall Street, the surname Smith occurs slightly more than 828 times per 100,000 people in the U.S., or about 2.442 million times.

What are the pros and cons of changing your name?