Entering into a civil partnership is a significant step in your life, and many individuals choose to make a personal change along with this important life event—changing their name.
Whether you’re considering changing your surname, first name, or middle name, it’s important to understand the trends and the process behind name changes in civil partnerships.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common name change trends, why people opt for name changes after entering a civil partnership, and how you can easily go about legally changing your name using a deed poll.
Important note: All data in this article is taken from 350 civil partnership deed polls that we provided.
If you’ve recently entered a civil partnership, you may have thought about changing your name.
According to our data, 84% of individuals who change their names after a civil partnership opt for a last name change. This is typically the most significant name change, as many individuals—especially those in same-sex partnerships—choose to adopt a shared surname
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Interestingly, when it comes to first and middle names, changes are far less common. In fact, only 8% of people who change their name in a civil partnership alter their first name, and just 5% change their middle name. Most individuals prefer to keep their first and middle names the same, perhaps as a way to preserve their identity while embracing their new partnership.
If you are considering a name change, know that it’s completely up to you whether you wish to change your first or middle name, but the most frequent change remains the surname.
When it comes to gender, women are more likely to change their last name after entering a civil partnership. According to our data, 76% of name changes are made by women, with the majority opting to change their surname from their birth name to their partner's. This trend mirrors traditional marriage name changes, as many individuals transition from titles like “Miss” or “Ms.” to “Mrs.” following a civil partnership.
As a woman in a civil partnership, you may feel a strong desire to take on your partner's surname as a symbol of unity. Whether you do this or choose to retain your birth name is entirely a personal choice, and there’s no right or wrong decision. For men, name changes are less frequent, with just 24% of name changes being made by men, though some still choose to change their surname.
It’s fascinating to look at the age breakdowns in the data. If you’re in your 30s or 40s, you are part of the largest group of people changing their names after a civil partnership. The data shows that 60% of individuals who change their names are aged between 30 to 39, and another 22% are between 40 to 49 years old.
While name changes are not exclusive to any one age group, it’s clear that those in their 30s are the most likely to make this change. If you’re in your 40s, you’re not alone in considering a surname change, and it’s perfectly normal for individuals of all ages to do so as they enter civil partnerships.
For many, changing the last name is a deeply symbolic gesture. It represents a new chapter in life, a shared identity with your partner, and a visible symbol of your commitment. However, it’s important to remember that not everyone chooses to change their surname. The data reveals that 30% of individuals in civil partnerships do not change their last names, often because they have established personal or professional identities tied to their existing names.
Many individuals, especially those who have established professional careers or strong personal identities associated with their names, prefer to keep their maiden or birth names. You may also decide to hyphenate your surname to include both your last name and your partner’s. This can be an excellent way to blend your identities while still honoring your heritage.
Although surname changes are the most common, you may wonder whether changing your first or middle name is right for you. The data shows that these types of changes are rare. Only 8% of people change their first name, and 5% change their middle name, with many people opting to keep their first and middle names unchanged. As the data suggests, most people retain these elements of their identity as they feel they are more reflective of their personal history and individuality.
If you’ve always felt connected to your first name and middle name, rest assured that you can absolutely keep them as they are. Your decision to change your name should be entirely based on what feels right for you and your partner.
After entering a civil partnership, you may find that you wish to change your name legally. A deed poll is a simple, official document that allows you to change your name in the eyes of the law. If you are among the 84% of people changing their surname, you can use a deed poll to formally adopt your new name. The process is quick and straightforward, and you can apply for a deed poll with us.
A deed poll allows you to use your new name on official documents, such as your passport, driver’s license, and bank accounts. You can even change your title (e.g., from "Miss" to "Mrs.") if that’s part of your name change. If you wish to adopt a shared surname with your partner after a civil partnership, a deed poll will help you legally change your last name and reflect this on your official documents.
