7 Reasons Why People Choose to Change Their Name

Marriage
Although you don’t need to be married to take on your partners surname, the union of marriage is the most popular reason why someone would change their name.  What has become more popular is when both couples create a double barrelled surname, therefore joining the two different family names together.

Divorce
 You might want to change your married name back to your maiden name.

Personal Preference
Many people want a fresh start.  There might be something in their past which has too many associations with their name and want to move on from that.   It is also quite typical that people just simply do not like their name.  Something about their name has not resonating with that name and do not enjoy being called by that name.

Professional Reasons
Changing your name can help some people professionally.  For example, an actor or writer will change their name to make their name distinctive and marketable.

Cultural or religious reasons
Some people wish to establish a deeper connection with one’s cultural or ethnic heritage.  Some change their name to better assimilate into a new culture or community.

Safety Reasons
If someone has been a victim of harassment, stalking or domestic violence, changing their name can be part of a broader effort to escape the perpetrator and protect their safety.

Identity
For those who identify and transgender or non-binary they might want to change their name to something that better reflects or expresses their identity.