davieG Posted 18 October 2011 Posted 18 October 2011 ..if so what to and why? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15333140 Full Report More and more people are changing their name by deed poll. Even those with non-embarrassing monikers are wanting to start afresh but why?It used to be only a select group of people who would change their names - those who had been saddled with a silly one or the rich and famous who wanted to sprinkle a little bit of stardust over every aspect of their lives. British singer/songwriter Elton John was once Reginald Kenneth Dwight, American actor John Wayne was born the not-so-macho sounding Marion Robert Morrison, supermodel Elle Macpherson was formerly known as Eleanor Nancy Gow, and golfer Tiger Woods dropped his previous first name Eldrick for something with a little more bite. Every now and again ordinary people hit the headlines with their choice of new names. There's the teenager who recently changed his name toFacebookdotcom Forwardslash-Mountaindew UK to boost his chances of winning a competition, and Asda worker Greg Lewis who changed his name to Dr Pasty-Smasher Omelette for a bet. Liverpool fan Shaun McCormack presented himself with a new name for Christmas but unfortunately his Spanish hero Fernando Torres was soon to move to Chelsea. It would be no surprise if he reverted back to Shaun. Changing one's name has certainly become increasingly popular. According to the latest figures from the UK Deed Poll Service, the main commercial company issuing name changes, 30% more documents were issued in September compared with the same month the previous year. And it looks like this could be a record year, with an estimated 58,000 people changing their name by the end of 2011 - an increase of 4,000 on the previous year. A decade ago, only 5,000 people changed their names. Many have been inspired by celebrities or their sporting heroes. In the past few years, the UK Deed Poll Service has welcomed 15 new Wayne Rooneys into the world, five Amy Winehouses and 30 Michael Jacksons. And nearly 200 people can now say that "Danger" is officially their middle name.
Finnegan Posted 18 October 2011 Posted 18 October 2011 I've considered it. My parents recently divorced and instead of keeping my father's name or taking my mother's new / maiden name I'd take my own middle name (Lloyd) as my surname. But it largely seemed like too much effort and whilst it meant something to me, would probably just seem petty to everyone else.
General Smuts Posted 18 October 2011 Posted 18 October 2011 I would certainly consider adding 'Danger' as a middle name.
Finnegan Posted 18 October 2011 Posted 18 October 2011 I would certainly consider adding 'Danger' as a middle name. Karl, you are so cliché.
davieG Posted 18 October 2011 Author Posted 18 October 2011 I would certainly consider adding 'Danger' as a middle name. ...and here was me thinking you'd choose something like Karl Love Clunge
StanSP Posted 18 October 2011 Posted 18 October 2011 Or even Karl Sappleton. I'm happy with my name, so nope, I wouldn't change it. How does deed poll work, just out of interest? Does it cost to apply to change your name?
davieG Posted 18 October 2011 Author Posted 18 October 2011 I've considered it. My parents recently divorced and instead of keeping my father's name or taking my mother's new / maiden name I'd take my own middle name (Lloyd) as my surname. But it largely seemed like too much effort and whilst it meant something to me, would probably just seem petty to everyone else. I thought about it many a time having the most boring English name after John Smith I've often been mistaken for or misrepresented because of it. Even had a Dr. call me and ask me to go in to see him pronto only to find out it was another with my name. As you say it seems like a lot of bother.
FoxesAreBlue Posted 18 October 2011 Posted 18 October 2011 Thought about it because I don't like my surname but I imagine it's a complete ballache having to change everything like banks, driving licences and passports etc and I don't dislike it enough to put up with it all. So no probably wouldn't change it
Finnegan Posted 18 October 2011 Posted 18 October 2011 How does deed poll work, just out of interest? Does it cost to apply to change your name? There are companies that do it on the internet but it always appeared slightly suspect to me (for example, ukdeedpoll.org.uk looks ridiculously amateur, despite being touted as "official.") You should be able to go through a high street solicitor, I imagine, though that'd cost you a trifle more (we're still not talking much, mind.) What you're essentially doing is buying a deed that states that this new name is now your official name. You send copies to your bank, to HMR&C, to your employer, to the passport office, to your doctors and dentists and wherever else.
General Smuts Posted 18 October 2011 Posted 18 October 2011 I really should be told that you can do this over the internet else i'll end up like this Hayward fella waking up to Karl Sapplezilla Chris Powell Danger Clunge Peutrill. Actually Danger Clunge sounds fantastic. I'm getting a road sign made up to this effect right this second.
MikeyT Posted 18 October 2011 Posted 18 October 2011 My mum was adopted and never met her birth parents. She changed her middle name to that original surname, so sort of now (in a way) it's like a double barrelled surname (but not), plus she was christened by her adopted parents as Eileen which she loathed and so changed that as well. Think all that makes sense.
Houdini Logic Posted 18 October 2011 Posted 18 October 2011 I know a guy who gave himself the middle names of 'Leicester City' - was gutted when he got his driving license back and it's just abbreviated to L. C.
ajthefox Posted 18 October 2011 Posted 18 October 2011 Nope, never. My parents gave me my name and that's who I am.
Jimothy Posted 18 October 2011 Posted 18 October 2011 Changed mine about 10 years ago. My parents got divorced when I was about 13, I've never liked my Dad, so changed my middle name (which comes from his side of the family) and my last name. Had to wait until I was 18, as you have to have both parents permission when your a child. It was a piece of piss to do at the solicitors. Made an appointent, told them what I wanted and showed them some ID, then returned a week or so later to sign everything once the deeds had been prepared. It wasn't that expensive either. only £37.50. The biggest ball ache was sorting everything else, such as bank accounts, and other such stuff with your name on.
Webbo Posted 18 October 2011 Posted 18 October 2011 I've considered it many times but I've reached 46 and survived with the name I've got I can manage a bit longer. Not only that but it would be embarrassing telling every one I know my new name.
The Doctor Posted 18 October 2011 Posted 18 October 2011 If I was ever to do such a thing I'd probably just change my middle name to Mendeleev but, to be frank, I'm happy with my current name.
FoxyPV Posted 18 October 2011 Posted 18 October 2011 I changed my surname after I got married to that of Ms Foxy's. It was not great shakes. You can do it over the internet and officaially change everywhere but your medical recordds for some strange reason. You can alos go to court to get it done to make 100% rock solid. I contacted the Helath Service and they would accept my deed poll even though they had accepted Ms Foxy's! Reverse discrimination!!
StanSP Posted 18 October 2011 Posted 18 October 2011 Do you reckon this skier changed her name... (Bradley's sex-face is pretty hilarious too)
MikeyT Posted 18 October 2011 Posted 18 October 2011 Do you reckon this skier changed her name... (Bradley's sex-face is pretty hilarious too) That...is fecking brilliant!
Len Finsbury Posted 18 October 2011 Posted 18 October 2011 A student of mine changed his name to Ratty Vermin. No idea why.
m00nie Posted 18 October 2011 Posted 18 October 2011 ive often thought of changing mine to try and hide my past but dont think it would work ..
Corky Posted 18 October 2011 Posted 18 October 2011 Yeah, go on then. Maybe to something a bit Russian. or Irish. Vladimir O'Flaherty.
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