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Change of Surname

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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

Researching:
Avatar...My darling Dad. 1931-2019 'Take nothing on its looks, take everything on evidence. There is no better rule' Charles Dickens, Great Expectations. 'A brickwall is a problem that you haven't solved yet' Dave Annal http://media.nationalarchives.gov.uk/index.php/brick-walls-and-lost-ancestors/

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

Researching:
Avatar...My darling Dad. 1931-2019 'Take nothing on its looks, take everything on evidence. There is no better rule' Charles Dickens, Great Expectations. 'A brickwall is a problem that you haven't solved yet' Dave Annal http://media.nationalarchives.gov.uk/index.php/brick-walls-and-lost-ancestors/

Benjamin

Benjamin Report 7 Jan 2008 21:55

Thanks Chris. I will have a look now.
Ben