Genealogy Chat

my uncle changed his name by deed poll in 1933 it was done through a solicitor then reported in the news paper in the clasified under the LEGAL section. it gives his address and the names of his wife and children who also changed. and says it was enrolled at the central office of the supreme court. you would think this would create quite a paper trail if you were keen to look. my documents were all passed down so i do not know how you would go looking for them jeannette

Any person living in the United Kingdom aged 16 years and over can change their name to any name they choose simply by using their new name. This is known as changing your name by usage. With few exceptions, you can have whatever name you choose so long as you are not changing your name for fraudulent purposes or to avoid an obligation or debt. Furthermore, there are no restrictions on how often you can change your name. However, if you change your name by usage, you will encounter difficulties when trying to get certain official documents and records changed since government departments such as the Passport Office and DVLA - and many other companies and organisations, particularly financial institutions such as banks - will ask you for 'documentary evidence' of your change of name. This is where a Deed Poll, being a solemn declaration comes in. Contrary to popular belief, there is no central register of name changes in the United Kingdom. Deed Polls are not registered anywhere unless they are 'enrolled' i.e. lodged for safe keeping, in the Close Rolls of the Chancery (from 1851 to 1902) and from 1903, in the Enrolment Books of the Supreme Court of Judicature, which is located within the Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand, London. However, most would not bother to do so.

Don't forget you don't actually need to do anything to change a name, except use the new one (or at least you didn't, pre 9 - 11) so there may not be a record of it anyway!

Deed polls are done through Solicitors, a copy is kept by the solicitor dealing with the name change another copy is given to the person changing thier name. Your very welcome btw xxxx

Not sure. Would have thought the courts kept them. But I could be wrong. Di

Are records kept on Deed Poll name changes? I know my g-grandfather changed his but it would be interesting to see any documetns related to it.

Thanks for that Anglea.

Hi Diane Yes his National Insurance Number will stay the same. My hubby changed his name by deed poll to mine (looks really confusing on my tree as I now look like the Daughter-In-Law lol) His National Insurance number stayed the same. Angie xxx

Hi, Can anyone tell me if a bloke changes his surname through depoll does his national insurance etc stay the same? Thanks Di