Seems like people could change their name at will in the 19th century, in my family tree John Arthur Hudson became Maurice Arthur Mirfin with no paperwork that I can discover, he even made two marriages under this name.  So no birth certificate was needed to verify his identity.    Doesn't help at all with researching and I can't find out whether there were any procedures in the 18oo's regarding changing a name, or what documents had to be produced for a marriage to take place.  Has anybody had the same experience and if so can you give me any tips.

There was no legal process in place for changing a name at that time. As far as producing documentary evidence at a marriage there was nothing required - with the possible exception of a letter of consent from a guardian or parent if one of the parties was under age.  

Even today:

If you wish to be known by a different name you can change your name at any time, provided you do not intend to deceive or defraud another person.
There is no legal procedure to follow in order to change a name.
You simply start using the new name. You can change your forename or surname, add names or rearrange your existing names.


Angela

Dear Doug and Angela, Thank you for your messages, although it seems so wrong to me it was lawful and still is so we just have to live with it I suppose. Kind regards,and thanks again.

It took me years to find records of my great gran's birth and death. She was on the census records and marriage certificates as Emma Elizabeth but I eventually found that on her birth and death records she was Hannah. Her parents couldn't read so I don't know whose mistake it was or if indeed it was a mistake. When searching the death records I noticed her surname and location and a possible age so sent off for the certificate, even though the first name was different. I could tell from the person who registered the death that I had found the right person.

Afaik that is still the case, at least in this country (Australia) ie you can call yourself whatever you like, as long as you don't use it for fraudulent purposes.

Mind you, you might have trouble getting married with a name other than the one on your birth certificate, as I think you need a birth certificate to get married.

Genealogists' bane.

Barrie

It does seem strange that in the UK it appears you did not have to produce a birth certificate to prove who you were, in the 1800's.    Maybe it has changed now and if not you have to wonder why not because it could lead to all sorts of misinformation.   Many thanks for your interest.    

I know someone who changed their name by deed pole which is a legal document for which there is a fee. Barry

My gt gt grandfather changed his and his family's surname, originally TIBBS, by Deed Poll in 1870, following the death of his father.

The name he changed it to was his mother's maiden name, PEREIRA. The family story is that they were trying to curry favour with a wealthy branch of his mother's family. Not much sign of any of that wealth appearing in my branch though

I think it was a bit hard on the son who was originally Godfrey Pereira TIBBS and became Godfrey Pereira PEREIRA.

Hugh

Those who think their ancestors changed their name by Deed Poll have been confused.

There is only one way for an adult to change their name in England and that is by using their new name.

Deed Poll and all other announcements are simply ways of proving a change of name has occurred.
Cheers
Guy

Would you have needed a birth certificate to get married in 1918
Thanks Fin

Hi Fin.

The short answer is No. This site may be useful. http://home.clara.net/dixons/Certificates/marriages.htm

This has been a most useful thread to follow.  I was frustrated for four months looking for a distant relatives' grandfather who had changed his name from CARD to CARR on marriage.

Now I know I may change my name if and when I wish; I might just do that now retired and adopt my husband's surname and become Elizabeth Appleby, it has a more elegant ring than Liz Thornton. However I feel very attached to my roots in Leicester.

Great website.  Many thanks. Liz