Changing babies first name

Hi. Sorry unsure about Ireland. But England it is very straight forward - just wil show on the birth certificate.
maybe ring your register office and ask the question.

It’s very simple to do, I did this (kept the same name but we only used the short version of the name so changed it to the shorter version legally. Just go to your local registry office fill in the paper work and you’ll get a call a few days later to confirm it’s done. Don’t think about it, do what makes you happy :-)

That’s great thanks so
much!

@Rebeccaangela , is this any use?
gov - Register a birth in Ireland (www.gov.ie)

from doing a search:

In the Republic of Ireland, you can change a child’s forename (first name) under certain circumstances. Here’s what you need to know:

Registering a Birth:

You must register your child’s birth within 3 months of their birth, if possible. However, you have up to 12 months in some cases.
You don’t need to bring your baby to the registration office; once registered, they’ll receive a PPS number and a birth certificate.
Birth certificates contain information about the child and parents given at the time of registration.
Changing a Forename:
Parents can apply to have their child’s forename registered, added, or changed.
There’s a fee of €5 for inserting or altering a child’s forename1.

Changing a Surname:

You can change a child’s surname in the Register of Births under specific circumstances.
Children aged 14 to 17 can execute a deed poll themselves with both parents’ consent.
Children under 14 require parental consent2.

Remember to follow the official procedures to ensure accurate records. If you need further assistance, consider contacting the Civil Registration Service for advice1. 🌟Learn more

1
citizensinformation.ie
2
bing.com
3
citizensinformation.ie
4
gov.ie
5
skildgrad.com

Hi, I’m thinking of changing my daughter’s name. She’s 3 months old. Is this very difficult to do legally? I’m based in Ireland so not sure if someone can help on this. I’m quite worried and very regretful about our original name choice as it’s too long. TIA

This is a thread from 2022

How many times have you ever looked at/used or even seen your own birth certificate? 😂

I don't think it matters at all if there are two names on it.

It isn't like you get it out at parties! 😂

x

Thank you. I have private messaged you x

@HollHollyU
@Mon248

I changed my daughters name when she was 4 months old. Happy to answer any questions if you have any 😊

Same as you :-) although we are further along the time line to do it - feel like there could be a support group of people who have done it for those who are going through the dilemma for reassurance

Hi. I know this hasn’t been commented on for ages but just wondered if you changed the name?
I’m in the same situation of wanting to change my daughters name at 4 months so wondered how you found it.

Try calling her by the new name for 2 weeks, then you will probably know

If you still aren’t sure after a month, then I’d add the new name as a middle name, which gives her the option of adopting it later

I too have done this, very similar to Another person on this thread but the other way round. We registered our daughter the longer formal name however the shorten we called her and literally from the moment we seen her wasn’t the most obvious and even some didn’t realise it came from he longer name. So at 4 months we changed it as it didn’t sit right with me. I did realise after some time that the actual reason I did what I did before was due to the strong opinions of my mother who believes the formal name should be on the bc however just felt wrong as it wasn’t ever a name we used. It is annoying having the two names on the bc but we’ve just applied for her passport and it was so easy and I’m VERY glad we made the change and did what we wanted as her mum and dad

I did this, my child is now 12 and I’ve never regretted it for a second. It felt like the right name for him and people completely understood. I kept the original name as an added middle name because it was part of him for a while. Good luck!

In England anyway

pinklavenders · Today 14:49
The birth certificate will show the old name and the new one.
Even if changed before 12 months?

Yes.

I was right! Neither name is my style but you were steamrollered into a decision, so have a long hard think about it and change it when you are sure

The birth certificate will show the old name and the new one.

Even if changed before 12 months?

Change it. You won't have to tell people, and stuff what people think, apart from us on here, of course.

So your partner bulldozed you into agreeing to the name he liked rather than the one you'd planned when you were recovering from being unwell? Definitely change it in those circumstances! It also sounds like you've got another name that you're sure about, rather than just a vague sense that the current name isn't quite right. I think if you don't do it you'll always think what if and maybe feel a bit resentful to your partner. If you change it it'll give you a fresh start.

I thought "previously known as" meant maiden names so haven't ever written my DC's previous name on forms...

I've looked through all the threads but I haven't seen many stories of life after changing it.

As a general rule, people don't start threads unless they have a problem or dilemma. People don't come back to post about "life afterwards" because there's nothing to say - it's fine, done, they've moved forward.

The lack of threads answers your question.

Personally I think you're massively overthinking it and changing it sounds like the right thing in the circumstances.

As for the "previous names" thing on forms, I wasn't aware that applied to names shown on your birth certificate, but to people using a different name to their birth certificate where they would have a separate piece of paper (marriage certificate, deed poll, etc) to show the current name.

Don't hold back on changing it because of other people's reactions. Most people won't really care, or will think about it for a very short space of time before moving on with their lives. Baby names are like weddings - they matter hugely to the couple but not so much to everyone else.

The only people who would have known my original birth name, had it been changed, by the time I was in INFANT school would have been my family. No one from nursery went to my school. I expect most people in her life wouldn't know she'd ever changed it.

I don’t know where you are but if you’re in a Scotland then the old name won’t be on the new birth certificate as she’s under 12 months.