Changing my Surname

[UsernameChange3290]

I have wanted to change my Surname for years. It is my Dad’s Surname. The thing is I don’t really get on with my Dad or have much of a relationship with him. I don’t like the name either. I have spoken with my Mum about this a few times. When I last spoke to her about it she dismissed it. I believe she understood my reasoning, but still didn’t want me to do it. At the time she mentioned my age (I’m 32) and I don’t see how that has anything to do with it. Besides I was younger then. I don’t want to hate my name any longer. I already know what I want to change it to. Has anyone else wanted to or changed it? Thank you for any replies xx

I changed mine and used a deed poll so that I had physical evidence.
Just use the name for now so that you get used to it, while you are officially changing it.

@DustyLee123 I like that idea, thank you. Did anybody else think anything about it such as family? xx

Is it quite simple to use deed poll? We’re there complications with things like passport?

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No, having the deed poll made it easier, and it didn’t cost too much.
It’s your life, change it if you want, but remember that it’s not just your dad’s name. I assume mum changed her name too ? And many female relatives will have held the name too. But if it’s what you want, go for it ! I have no regrets.

Hello!
My dad left my mother penniless when I was a baby while he lived a life of luxury.
I had his last name and when I was 19 I decided to change my last name to my mother's maiden name (not my mother's new married name because my step dad was violent).

This was to honour the work my mother did to bring me up. She deserved recognition, not the sperm donor.

I married 3 years ago and I kept my name. My husband absolutely understands my attachment to my name so was never an issue.

Change your name! It is empowering and cleansing. Doesn't have to be your mother's.

Could even be something brand new so you can start your own family name. All last names are men's. You could start something unique.

Deed poll is unnecessary and complicated. A statutory declaration is cheap and easier.

@DustyLee123 Yes, it is my Mum’s name too and my Brother has it. The thing is, my Dad and his Brother don’t get on and we don’t know that side of the family. I see my Grandad but he doesn’t live nearby. They are the only other family members who have this surname. I never know if/when I will see my Dad’s Brother or my cousins again. My cousins are nice but I don’t know them well at all.

@SwordToFlamethrower I was thinking about using my Mothers Maiden name. I do like the idea of making up my own too. My maternal grandparents only had Daughters and that was something I was taking into consideration. I also thought about my life and what could relate to it. My current surname is quite unique and so I like the idea of having another unique name.

After I divorced, I changed my name via statutory declaration to my great grandmother's maiden name.

Use your mums first name or part of it and add child to it eg if your mums called gladys become gladchild.

I changed my name at 19 from my Dad’s name to my Mum’s - very easy experience via deed poll. Although the deed poll itself isn’t expensive you will need a new passport and other ID etc which does cost money so just bare that in mind. When I did it I found a list online of all the places I’d need to change my name which was helpful.

@Woahtherehoney Yes, this is something I’m thinking about too. Making a list and finding out everywhere that I need to change it with is definitely something to find out.

@AnchorWHAT I like that, it would be good to merge the first part of my Mum’s name with something I love too. I hadn’t thought of that.

@Mabelface I know my Grandmothers maiden name but I will find out maiden names further back too.

I love all of these ideas! Thank you so much everyone xx

You can do a free deed poll online and I've had mine accepted by everywhere including the passport office, DVLA and the Chinese Consulate for visa purposes (notoriously difficult place). https://freedeedpoll.org.uk/
It's really easy to use, you can print it at home (I did mine on card) then you just need 2 witnesses to sign it with you.

@pinguins Thank you!

I did a £30 deed poll back in 2014. I went to my mother's maiden name. She's since married and taken the new name but I still love mine. I wouldn't do anything differently.

The name changes were fairly simple and I've had no issues with it at all. Hardest one, weirdly, was Vodafone who still don't seem to have gotten the message. But that's fine.

Absolutely go for it. It'll make you happy!

@Olivia199 Yes, it will make me incredibly happy.