How Many Names Can I Go By?

Unless they get married and want to adopt their spouse’s surname, you could assume everyone will want to keep their own name for the rest of their lives. Nonetheless, a person may wish to use more than one name or change their name for various reasons. This blog post will examine the number of names that are permitted.

How Many Names Can You Legally Have in the UK?

A person’s legal name is the name that appears on their legal identification documents and/or the name by which they are referred to. Unless a Deed Poll is used to modify it, the name on your birth certificate is your legal name. Until a statutory declaration of Deed Poll formally alters them, nicknames are just names that people make up in their minds. In the UK, you can legally change your name at any time, provided it is not for fraudulent purposes.

Can You Go By More Than One Name?

It is actually not unusual for someone to have more than one name. A person may be referred to by a different name by family, friends, and coworkers. Many renowned celebrities have several names to distinguish their personal lives from their stage personas, and both names have equal validity. A married person who wants to use both their maiden and marital names is another example of why someone might use several names.

Is There A Limit to How Many Names You Can Have?

It should be emphasised that although you may have more than one name in your legal name, each of those names counts as your legal name. Under UK law, there is no limit to the number of forenames you can have. You can have five “first names” if you choose; they are simply all considered part of your “forenames.”

Middle names or hyphenated versions of other names are frequently used. Although you are legally allowed to have as many middle names as you like, it’s vital to keep in mind that official identity cards, like your passport and driver’s license, have a character limit on the number of names they can print. It’s important to keep in mind that official identity cards, like your passport and driver’s license, have a character limit on the number of names they can print.

While hyphenation is common, you can legally have a string of un-hyphenated surnames. When people are married and wish to combine their names, this is often the case. If you choose to stop using your last name, though, you are pretty free to do so. You may legally apply for a passport without providing a last name, but it’s important to keep in mind that, since it’s unique, this may draw attention and possibly prompt an examination. Many people feel more at ease when they can change their name and use various names. 

Contact UKDP for Deed Poll services on 0208 0172216.