Why do people 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 does changing your name symbolize?

Identity can evolve and change faster than one's personality. Since names represent identity, when identity evolves, the name no longer reflects that identity. To reflect the new identity, a new name is needed.

Why would a girl change her name?

There are, of course, numerous personal reasons a woman might want to lose her maiden name, from disliking how it sounds, to wanting to disassociate herself from absent or abusive family members.

What are the benefits of changing your name?

There are many benefits to a name change

If you have historically made mistakes that were well-known or perhaps even published in newspapers or online, a new name can help ensure that social acquaintances and potential employers will not find those embarrassing stories when researching you.

What are the negatives of changing your name?

Con: It's not free

It needs to get notarized. If your name change is the result of a divorce or a marriage, you may need additional documentation. It's not prohibitively expensive — court fees may be a few hundred dollars — but it does cost money. This is only something you want to do if you're serious about it.

People Share Why They Changed Their Name

What to do first when you change your name?

Update Your Official Documents

Obtain a copy of your name change order from the court. Obtain a certified copy of your existing birth certificate. Gather additional supporting documents required by your state's Department of Health or Vital Records Office. Complete an application for a revised birth certificate.

How often do people change their first names?

No one keeps a tally of how many people change their names each year, said Bruce Lansky, author of several books about names, including "100,000+ Baby Names," though he estimates it's about 50,000 a year. Marriage and divorce are the most common reasons for name changes.

How difficult is it to change your first 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 a woman should keep her last name?

For some women, keeping their surname is preserving the personal and familial identity they have always had, Carr said. “That could be tied to their parents, tied to their ethnic or racial heritage – names are very meaningful.”

Does changing name change your fate?

Change of name however will not change your destiny. Destiny is a far bigger concept to be affected by change of name. In the long run, if you have self-belief and have aligned to your true Self, your physical name, your lineage, your accomplishments in material world do not define you.

Does changing your name affect anything?

You probably expect to need to update your Social Security information and your credit cards, but there are plenty of other people who need to know about your new name as well. "A name change can have an impact on your taxes. All the names on your tax return must match Social Security Administration records.

Does your name affect your personality?

Because names are social markers, and have certain associations attached to them, what a child is named is surely likely to influence how they are perceived by others and treated by others, and how they therefore come to see and present themselves.

Why do ex wives keep last name?

Many women choose to hold onto their married name after a divorce because of their children. Sharing the same last name can make women feel more connected to their children. It can also provide a sense of stability for younger children who will not understand why their mother has a different last name.

Why would a man take his wifes last name?

Powell says that when a man decides to take a woman's last name, the most common reasons include the man not liking his own last name, not feeling attached to his family name or making a political statement.

Why not change last name after marriage?

Keep your surname.

Pros: You don't have to go through the name change process and it won't affect you professionally. In fact, if you've already established your career, keeping your name supports your well-known reputation. Cons: Certain situations may require you to prove your marriage is legitimate.

Can you change your first name because you want?

You can generally change your name to anything you want, but you must also follow your state's guidelines and restrictions. For example, you may not do any of the following: change your name to commit a crime or defraud a person.

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

You can legally change your name by filing papers in court. If a judge agrees, they will give you a court order that states your new legal name. You need this order to change your name on identity documents, like your driver's license, passport, or social security card.

Do you need a reason to change your name?

You don't need to have any kind of valid reason to change your name, so long as it is not for any fraudulent purpose, such as avoiding paying a debt or fulfilling an obligation — you are free to change your name at any time.

Can your first name affect your future?

Research suggests that your name affects the level of success you'll achieve in your career and love life, and even where you choose to live.

What is the most common name change?

“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.

How much of a hassle is it to change your name?

In most states, you have to pay a fee (usually $150 to $200) to file your name change petition in court. It also costs a small amount of money to get forms notarized. And if you're getting married, you may want to pay for additional certified copies of your marriage certificate to use as proof of your new last name.

What is a good genderless name?

Who do you tell when you change your name?

The police: If you have a criminal record the police will also need to be notified of your new name. Insurance providers, utility companies, local councils and the electoral roll should also be notified of any change.

What is the #1 cause of divorce?

It is no surprise, then, that marital infidelity is a leading cause of divorce. Just how common is marital infidelity? According to a study from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, as many as 25 percent of married men and 15 percent of married women have had extramarital affairs.

What are hardest years of marriage?

According to relationship therapist Aimee Hartstein, LCSW, as it turns out, the first year really is the hardest—even if you've already lived together. In fact, it often doesn't matter if you've been together for multiple years, the start of married life is still tricky.