Is it illegal to create a last name that doesn't exist and switch to it?

Question

If one were to create a surname for themselves from the top of their head but it did not at exist anywhere, would it be illegal? This is assuming that they would use other legal procedures to change their last name.

Answer 1

As long as the name was not an obscene word or some other similar term, you can change your last name to anything you want. Or drop it entirely and not have a last name.

The only requirements are that whatever legal name you have be something that can be spelled and recorded in government documents, and that the Court find you are acting in good faith and not for fraudulent purposes.

Answer 2

You can change your name to most anything you like, though I am assuming (and I could be wrong) you probably can't use cuss words.

This is, of course, you follow the legal procedure like publishing a Notice of Change of name in the legals section of the paper and what not.

Answer 3

This is totally legal. In some jurisdictions you may be required to give a reason for the name change however.

Some common valid reasons are:
Divorce,
Religious reasons,
Abnormal spelling,
Derogatory connotations (like a boy named Rebel, or the last name Hitler),
Confusion with a prominent figure, character, etc. (Like if you were named Ronald McDonald).

Answer 4

Not if the person went through the legal process of changing their name.

Answer 5

Depends on your nationality. In the US and many countries you can re-name yourself anything so long as it can be written in the English alphabet. I would imagine most countries using other alphabets would have similar requirements as to theirs. Some countries simply do not permit changing one's name.

Answer 6

I think it is legal in States. Your former last name will still remain on file though.

Answer 7

Back when computers weighed tons, somebody changed his name to Z. The Social Security Commission's computer couldn't handle it and they took him to court. Z won.

Answer 8

Yes, you can call yourself anything you like; but you must legally change your name for driver's license, banks etc.

Answer 9

Prince legally changed his name to a symbol...

so long as you do it legally, and do the necessary documetation, you can usually change your name to anything. including: KLHIOUGHKBNK:BGL

Answer 10

No, people do it all the time.