How many people change their first name?

According to new figures from Danmarks Statistik, 6,281 people changed their first names in 2021 – the highest figure since 6,315 people did it 15 years ago. Two out of three people who made the move were women, which reflects the trend over the past two decades.

Is it common for people to change their first name?

Name changes are more common than you probably realize, and the reasons people change their names range from A to Z. No matter why you might consider changing your name, the process is quick and easy.

How many people changed their name in the US?

A record 85,000 people changed their name by deed poll last year, more than twice as many as a decade ago. But is it just ease of access that has created this boom, and what happens to the old names and old identities that are left behind?

Why would a man change his first name?

Common Reasons People Change Their Names

The most common reason for a name change is marriage or divorce. Adoption is another common reason. But there are other situations in which you might want to change your name or your child's name: You get married and want your child to share a name with the stepparent.

Can you legally change your first name in the US?

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.

People Share Why They Changed Their Name

What state is it easiest to change your first name?

Easiest States To Change Your Name

Because of Full Service, by EZ Name Change, California, Georgia and Illinois are considered among the easiest and surest ways to get a name legally changed.

How much does it cost to change your first name in the US?

Outside of marriage and divorce, legally changing your name usually comes with a price tag. The total amount can range from less than $100 to over $500. First, you should expect to pay a filing fee. This is the cost of filing your name change forms with the County Clerk.

Does changing your name cause problems?

Consequences to Changing Your Name

There can be professional consequences that can be problematic. For instance, all of your bank accounts and credit cards will need to be updated, as well as your driver's license and passport, which means you'll have a lot of paperwork to fill out.

What percentage of men change their name?

Very rarely does a husband adopt his wife's surname. In a 2018 study of 877 men, 3% (27 men) had changed their name once married.

Why do people legally change their first name?

A name change request can come about simply because a person doesn't like his or her name as given at birth. Perhaps they'd prefer something more unique than Britney or Ashley or something less unique than a homespun name that combined parents' names.

What name is changed the most?

“Issac” is the most changed name in the U.S., according to the Social Security Administration, as parents realize it's actually spelled “Isaac.” And many parents who name their child “Chloe” accidentally list it as “Chole” on the birth certificate, necessitating a change.

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.

How long does name change take in us?

Once the judge decides, you pick up a court decree (court order) with your new name. The process generally takes up to 3 months.

What are the disadvantages of changing your name?

There are some obvious restrictions: You can't pick an obscene name, you can't use something that is trademarked and you can't copy a celebrity's name exactly. You can't change your name in an effort to avoid arrest or commit any type of fraud. Other than that, though, the choice is up to you.

Is it awkward to change your name?

No, it might be confusing for some people in the beginning, but it's your name and you do what you want with it.

What age should you change your name?

You must be 18 years of age or older. The court must find that the requested name change is proper and not detrimental to the interests of any other person. A person is not allowed to change their name in order to avoid judgments or legal actions against him or her, or to avoid debts and obligations.

Has a man ever taken his wife last name?

Some, however, are challenging one of the most entrenched customs of all, opting to have the groom take the bride's surname, eschewing an age-old practice considered the norm across many cultures and continents.

Has a man ever taken a woman's last name?

A man is legally entitled to take his wife's surname upon marriage. Although it is still not considered to be the traditional approach, the number of men adopting their wives' surnames is reported to be on the rise.

What is the most common name change after marriage?

The most traditional name-game routine is for a newlywed wife to take her husband's last name. To follow this path, you should first request a certified copy of your marriage certificate from your state's Department of Health.

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.

Does your name really matter?

Recent studies found that our names have the potential to influence our behavior, physical appearance, career path and life choices, popularity, and how others perceive us. Based on research, it takes 1/10th of a second to assess someone's face and physicality to draw the first impression.

Does your name affect your identity?

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.

Can you use a different name without legally changing it?

Changing Your Name Without Going to Court

The federal courts have ruled again and again that changing your name at will or, by “common law” is every citizen's right under the U.S. Constitution. Using this “common law rule,” you can change your name without even going to court.

How do I change my first name on my US passport?

If you are changing your name within one year of the date your passport was issued, you will need to complete Form DS-5504: Name Change, Data Correction, and Limited Passport Book Replacement. If you are changing your name more than a year after your passport was issued, you must submit Form DS-82: Renewal Application.

How long does it take to change name on passport?

The application takes approximately four to six weeks to process. Requesting expedited service will get it processed in just two to three weeks. However, if you need your name change done more quickly, a private passport expediting company can help you get your passport processed as soon as 24 hours if necessary.