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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Name changes

32 replies

Weaselfoxandbadger · 13/09/2025 19:17

I'd love to add in an extra middle name for my two children. They already have a middle name each but I'd love for them to have a flower name each as I think it could be better alternative for them if they don't like their names when they're older. If I did this how much would it really impact them in the future re. Forms.
Do you think it's an acceptable or absurd thing to do?
Children are 2.5 and 5
Thanks

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Original poster
Weaselfoxandbadger · 13/09/2025 21:14

Moreteaandchocolate · 13/09/2025 19:37

It might be more of a hassle than a benefit to them when they’re older, as if they’re over 12 months, doesn’t it need to be declared when they fill in forms etc throughout life? I don’t think I’d do it personally.

Yes it doe need to be declared but I'm not sure these forms crop up that often?

OP posts:
Clearinguptheclutter · 13/09/2025 21:14

Bit pointless imo

dh and i agonised over middle names but the truth is they really don’t matter at all. Almost pointless IMO! I hate mine and would never ever use it

Original poster
Weaselfoxandbadger · 13/09/2025 21:14

Knowsley · 13/09/2025 19:35

Just add a middle name unofficially. No deed poll.

Forms tend to ask 'Name at birth:
If different, please attach proof of name change'

Every time the birth certificate is needed, they would also need to supply the deed poll.

Edited

How do you do it unofficially though? Just tell them they have a new name but they don't really?
Ok so they need to supply deed poll with birth certificate. That is a bit annoying. At the same time, I, as an adult don't know where my birth certificate is and can't remember when I needed it last? I obviously can't remember what forms the name change thing need to be mentioned as it's never applied to me before. Do you know which type of forms and how often they crop up?

OP posts:
Original poster
Weaselfoxandbadger · 13/09/2025 21:10

ZippyKoala · 13/09/2025 19:30

Not sure I’d personally want to pay £50 each to just add an extra name. I can’t really see any benefits to them (after all they could start using a flower name / other nickname for common use regardless of if it is a legal middle name) and maybe some small potential downsides re: forms as you say. But if you feel very strongly, I wouldn’t go as far as calling it absurd!

Yes. I don't want to sound a twat but the money wouldn't bother me.
You know sometimes people, as they get order, decide to go by a middle name because it feels better for them? I'd rather it be official than a made up one. Their first names don't have any nickname options as some do.

OP posts:
Moreteaandchocolate · 13/09/2025 19:37

It might be more of a hassle than a benefit to them when they’re older, as if they’re over 12 months, doesn’t it need to be declared when they fill in forms etc throughout life? I don’t think I’d do it personally.

Knowsley · 13/09/2025 19:35

Just add a middle name unofficially. No deed poll.

Forms tend to ask 'Name at birth:
If different, please attach proof of name change'

Every time the birth certificate is needed, they would also need to supply the deed poll.

ZippyKoala · 13/09/2025 19:30

Not sure I’d personally want to pay £50 each to just add an extra name. I can’t really see any benefits to them (after all they could start using a flower name / other nickname for common use regardless of if it is a legal middle name) and maybe some small potential downsides re: forms as you say. But if you feel very strongly, I wouldn’t go as far as calling it absurd!

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