Can I register a different surname at birth to the one either of the parents have? Scotland specific

[Sheera1]

Hi,

I am due in 7 weeks. DP and I were meant to get married but didn't due to covid so I currently have my maiden name and marrying next year.

DP has one surname with his bio dad's name but sent off a name change request in March as changing it to a double barrelled surname which is is step-dad's surname and his bio dad surname.

This is the name I will take when married next year but the name change office has been shut since March and none of their numbers connect. So it is looking unlikely this will be DP's surname by the birth.

Can we give the child the surname that we will take once the office is changing names again e.g. the double barrelled surname even though neither of the parents have this surname yet?

We don't want to change the baby's name later on once the name change is through. It is a faff and costs money.

[peonyrose87]

As far as I'm aware you can choose the child's name and it doesn't actually have to be the same as either parent, although obviously most people wouldn't do that but if it's in your plans to change your names then it would be fine!

[chergar]

Yes, you can call the baby anything you want but your surname and dad's surname will appear on the certificate as they are currently, so your partner's current surname will always be on there.

[ktsc89]

This unique set of circumstances also applies to me and DP who wants to change his name to remove his fathers surname and replace with his mother's maiden name. He has intended to do this for years but has 'never got around to it'.

We haven't applied yet to change his name as I'm only 3 months pregnant but never even considered that the office would be shut.

Did you apply to change by deed poll and was there any indication of timescales pre Covid?

Thanks

[ktsc89]

Sorry just realised this is Scotland specific so likely not to apply to me (England).

Congrats on the pregnancy and soon to be new arrival!

[BuffaloCauliflower]

Yes in the UK you can give a baby any surname you like, I don’t believe this differs across the devolved nations.

[Pinktruffle]

It's really common in Mulim families not to have a surname that is passed down the family, every child will often have a unique first and last name. I have Muslim friends in Scotland and this is the case with the whole family and they had no issues registering the names. You can literally pick what you like as long as it's not offensive/likely to cause the child ridicule

[Queenbee95]

Yes. My sons dad was in prison at the time of birth/registering. He’s not on birth certificate but my son has his last name

[Sheera1]

Thanks all. That sounds good news. Can't believe that we have been out of lockdown for ages and they haven't had the staff in processing these. I guess backlogs on births and deaths? Looks like heading back to lockdown so not likely to open any time soon.