Genealogy Chat

Top tip - using the Genes Reunited community

Welcome to the Genes Reunited community boards!

  • The Genes Reunited community is made up of millions of people with similar interests. Discover your family history and make life long friends along the way.
  • You will find a close knit but welcoming group of keen genealogists all prepared to offer advice and help to new members.
  • And it's not all serious business. The boards are often a place to relax and be entertained by all kinds of subjects.
  • The Genes community will go out of their way to help you, so don’t be shy about asking for help.

Quick Search

Single word search

Icons

  • New posts
  • No new posts
  • Thread closed
  • Stickied, new posts
  • Stickied, no new posts

Change of Surname

ProfilePosted byOptionsPost Date

Benjamin

Benjamin Report 7 Jan 2008 21:28

I have someone in my tree who I think has changed their surname around 1880 - 1890. Would they have had to fill in any official paperwork that I could look up to confirm my suspicions?
Any help and advice would be appreciated. Many Thanks

Benjamin

Benjamin Report 7 Jan 2008 21:35

Thanks Elouise. Im not sure I will ever solve this mystery! Cheers,
Ben

Christine in Herts

Christine in Herts Report 7 Jan 2008 21:37

So long as it's not with fraudulent intent, anyone can change their name any time they like - and they don't (legally) need any paperwork: they just start answering to a different name. There are practical problems these days, though, as it would be much harder to undertake any substantial financial transactions without evidence (in the form of birth certs) of your name.

Christine

Chris in Sussex

Chris in Sussex Report 7 Jan 2008 21:40

It has always been possible for a person to change their name informally, the exception being during the Second World War, providing it is not for fraudulent purposes.

However there have been methods of formally recording a name change the most common of which is by Deed Poll.

Chris

Benjamin

Benjamin Report 7 Jan 2008 21:43

Thank you. Was it common for poeple to change their surname at this time?

Chris in Sussex

Chris in Sussex Report 7 Jan 2008 21:50

The NA has a useful research guide to changes of name....

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=176

Chris

Benjamin

Benjamin Report 7 Jan 2008 21:55

Thanks Chris. I will have a look now.
Ben