Are There Any Restrictions On The Names I Can Choose?
Although there are currently no laws in the UK relating to unsuitable names, we impose certain restrictions on the type of Deed Poll applications we will process. We will not accept a Deed Poll application to change your name to something that:
- Does not have at least one forename and one surname.
- Includes numbers and/or symbols (accept a hyphen to join names or an apostrophe for surnames such as O'Brien).
- Might be considered vulgar, offensive, blasphemous or in anyway unsuitable.
- May confuse the public into thinking that you have an honor, title or rank. For example, changing your forename to Lord, Lady, Laird, Sir, Dame, Baron, Baroness or General.
If you are considering changing your name to something considered to be humorous, for example, James Bond, we would suggest that you check with your employer and any professional bodies you belong to such as the Law Society or the Institute of Chartered Accountants to ensure that they will not have a problem with the name you are choosing. After all, your employer might not be so good humoured when you start answering the telephone under the name Father Christmas!
We reserve the right to refuse an application that includes a name which we deem to be offensive, blasphemous, racist or in any other way unsuitable. Applications that are considered to be unsuitable by our processing staff will be referred to our Chief Executive who will take the decision as to whether or not we will process the application. In the event that your application is rejected, you will be notified of the situation and we will make arrangements to refund you in full. For more information, please read our Terms and conditions.
Related pages
