A person’s name is a core part of their identity, but there are many valid and personal reasons why someone might choose to change it.
If you’ve ever wondered why people change their names—or if you’re considering a name change yourself—here are three of the most common reasons individuals file for name changes in Georgia.
Life transitions and personal milestones
This might include:
- Divorce – Restoring a former or maiden name after a marriage ends.
- Marriage – Taking a partner’s name, combining surnames, or choosing a new one together.
- Adoption – Especially in adult adoptions, where someone wishes to take on the family name of their adoptive parent.
Correcting legal documents or records
Sometimes, a person’s legal name doesn’t match the name they’ve used in everyday life, or there may be errors on official documents. Reasons might include:
- A misspelling or clerical error on a birth certificate or government ID.
- A name that was never formally changed after marriage or divorce.
- A desire to standardize documents across school, work, and legal records.
For the benefit of a child
- Parents sometimes request name changes on behalf of their minor children. This can occur when:
- A child wants to share a surname with a parent after a remarriage.
- A parent seeks to change the child’s name after establishing paternity.
- A child is being adopted by a stepparent or relative and wants a name that reflects the new family unit.
- Note: When a child’s name is changed, the court must find that the change is in the best interest of the child, not just the parent.
At Hildebrand Law Office, P.C., we help individuals and families navigate the legal process for name changes with care, privacy, and efficiency—whether it’s a fresh start, a return to a former name, or an update that reflects who you truly are.