What restrictions are there?

While it is technically possible to change your name to anything you want it to be, solicitors will not normally issue deed poll documentation for name changes which:

• Don’t include at least one surname and one forename

• Are impossible to pronounce

• Include numbers, symbols or punctuation marks (except hyphens for double barrelled surnames or apostrophes for names such as O’Brien)

• Are vulgar, offensive or blasphemous

• Promote racial or religious hatred or any other criminal activity

• Promote the use of controlled drugs, including slang names for them

• Mock other people, groups or organisations

• May result in others believing you have an honour, title, military rank or academic award, (i.e. you can’t change your name to Doctor, Admiral, Professor, Viscount, etc)

A change of title can be added to a deed poll for a name change. If you want to change from Mrs to Miss, or if you are a transsexual wanting to change from Mrs to Mr, or vice versa, no evidence is required for this.

You need to prove your entitlement to any academic, military or noble titles before you can have them added to a deed poll.

Having a title rejected will not affect your right to change the rest of your name.

Copyright

Names are not protected by copyright, so if you want to change your name to David Beckham, you can, as long as you are not trying to pass yourself off as the famous football player, or use the name for other fraudulent purposes.

There is also no way for a divorced person to stop their previous partner using their surname, unless they are deceiving others into thinking they are still married.

Fun Names

In 2010 name change applications were accepted for people wanting to be known as ‘Monkey Skunky’, ‘Mike Moonshine’ and ‘Blazing Inferno’ to name but a few.

Fun names are not normally a problem; however, the passport service will not normally accept applications for names which include political statements or strings of words that are not normally considered a name.

There is also a limit of 250 characters for forenames and 30 for surnames.

If you are considering changing your name, or have already done so, a solicitor will be able to assist you in getting the relevant documentation to support this.