People may choose to change their names for different reasons, and some times for no reason at all. Your name is not something you change every now and then. However, doing so is not illegal, unless it is for fraudulent or deceptive reasons. There is a certain procedure that must be followed to change your name legally.
Process to Change Name Legally
The first and foremost step to changing your name legally is to get a newspaper publication made in two vernacular newspapers with the details of the person getting their name changed, while also stating their previous and new names.
Once you have done that, an application must be made before the Gazette of India authorities. The following must be attested along with the application:
- 2 photographs of the applicant.
- 1 government-issued document with old name such as Aadhar Card, PAN, etc.
- A copy of the newspaper publications in a CD.
- An affidavit specifying that the applicant wishes to change their name, signed by 2 witnesses, who are not the applicant’s parents.
You must, thereafter, pay the required fees to complete the application filing process.
The Government of India publishes their official Gazette every 15 to 20-days. After the application is accepted, the Government of India shall publish about your name being changed in the official Gazette of India.
| Note: Gazette publication is the official document stating your name has been changed and which can be submitted as proof of your changed name wherever required. |
Why do People Change their Names?
They Dislike their Current Name
People may change their name because they do not like the name given to them at birth. This may be due to it being difficult to pronounce, to have a more unique name or for something that would be more catchy and goes with the modern times. They may also choose to do this because their names are often misspelled, which can be quite embarrassing at times.
Changing Name after Divorce
Women often take up their husbands’ surnames after getting married. After getting divorced, some of these women may choose to change their names and apply for a name change process. They may either want to change back to their maiden name or simply to something other than their ex-husbands’ names.
Combining or Hyphenating Parents’ Surnames
In recent times, married couples and live-in partners often choose to combine or hyphenate their names to create a unique surname for their child. This may be one of the reasons why people may choose to change their names. Besides, considering the simple paperwork associated with the name changing process, it is quite easy for parents to combine their names if they wish so.
Religious Reasons
People may choose to change their names due to religious reasons. Such reasons may include to respect a certain deity or, if someone has changed their religion, the God of the religion they have switched to. For example, an individual named Steve Kreuscher changed his name to ‘God We Trust’ to honor and thank God for the help he provided during his tough times.
Political Statement
Although this is a bit of a rare occurrence, people may choose to change their name to give a political statement or support a specific cause. A few people who changed their names for a political statement are Christopher Garnett, who changed his name to KentuckyFriedCruelty.com, Brandi Valladolid, who became RinglingBeatsAnimals.com and Marvin Richardson, who changed his name to Pro-Life.
Changing to Mother’s or Father’s Surname
Due to the absence of a parent, people may choose to take up their other parent’s name and change their names accordingly. In cases where a father is not around, the child may take up their mother’s name.
Gender Change
When people choose to change their gender, they might need to change their name to suit their sexuality. The name may be feminine, masculine, combined, or something unique, depending on how the individual is transitioning.
Conclusion
Although names are a vital part of your identity, you may choose to change it any time you want, unless it is for unethical reasons or any illegal practices. Simply adhere to the government-specified name changing process to legally change your name whenever you want.
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