If you’re like most people, you were given a name by your parents or guardians when you were born. While naming traditions vary by culture, most people don’t choose their names. Instead, they’re usually given a name that includes a family or surname and an individual name they will go by.
However, many people grow up to realize they don’t particularly like their name. Some people want to distance themselves from their families. Others want to change their name to fit their gender. Some people just don’t like their name and would prefer a different one.
What You Need To Know
People have many reasons for changing their names. While many people change their last names after getting married, requesting a legal name change is possible for many other reasons.
However, when you decide to change your name, you’ll want to consider a few factors. Let’s go over some of them.
The Legal Steps Of Changing Your Name
The most important thing to think about if you want to change your name is how to do so legally. Of course, this isn’t a required step. You can go by another name and ask people to refer to you by this new moniker. However, you’ll still be called your legal name on official documents.
Without officially switching your name, you may encounter confusion when dealing with government or employment records. So, for many people, the legal route makes sense.
The process for changing a name varies by country and even by state. You can request a deed poll name change if you’re in the United Kingdom. Usually, it’s possible to officially change your name for any reason; you’ll just need to pay a small fee. In the United States, you’ll need to look at the rules in your specific area.
While established steps exist to change a name, it can take a little time, effort, and planning. Generally, it’s best to allow a few months for this process.
Consider Any Drawbacks
Depending on why you want to change your name, you may want to consider some potential disadvantages. Changing your name can confuse the people around you, especially at first. While it might be annoying, expect to be called your original name occasionally, even by those closest to you.
You may have to answer a lot of questions about your choice. It can also be confusing at first in a legal sense. Be prepared to show the official legal documents when working with places like your bank or employer. Even still, you might get mail addressed to your old name or deal with complications at times.
How To Choose The Right New Name
If you’re choosing a completely new name, picking the one that feels right to you is vital. You may already have a name in mind. If you don’t, it’s better to take extra time instead of rushing into a choice you’ll regret later.
As far as changing your last name, this process is usually reasonably straightforward when you’re getting married. However, if you’re changing your last name for another reason, think about which one suits you best.
Final Thoughts On Changing Your Name
When changing your name, remember that this is a personal decision. You have to do what feels right to you, and while you can request input from loved ones, it’s best to go with what you want.