Changes in naming law
More options in naming rights
Choosing a name is now much easier for married couples. The reformed law allows more freedom and choice and makes it easier to change surnames. Divorced children and stepchildren can also change their name under certain conditions.
Read on to find out what modern forms the so-called married name and birth name law offers you.
This is new
The law amending the law on married names and birth names came into force on May 1, 2025. All previous options for choosing a name will still be available in the future. The reform also opens up further options:
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Double names for married couples and children
In future, the married name can be formed from both surnames and be used by both spouses. The order and whether with or without a hyphen can be determined by the spouses themselves.
Children of the spouses should then be given this double name. This option is also available if the parents are not married or do not have the double name themselves.
In order to prevent long chains of names, however, the double name may only consist of a maximum of two individual names.
Examples:
- Ella and Jan Müller-Schmidt or vice versa Schmidt-Müller
- Ella and Jan Müller Schmidt or vice versa Schmidt Müller
- The children have the parents' double name or can also be called Müller or Schmidt
- If the parents keep their own names (Ella Schmidt and Jan Müller), only the children can have a double name, for example Müller-Schmidt or Schmidt Müller.By the way, married couples who already have a joint married name also have the choice of deciding on a double name at a later date.
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Names of children after a divorce
After a divorce of the parents, children can now simply take the surname of the parent in whose household they live. This also applies to stepchildren, i.e. children who have been given the name of a stepparent. The previous lengthy administrative procedure is no longer necessary.
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Traditional variations of names
The modernization of the naming law also allows traditional variations of national minorities.
For example, the wishes of the Sorbian and Slavic minorities can be met by changing the surname according to gender. For example, the male surname can be Kral and the female surname Kralowa.
Friesians, for example, can choose a birth name for their child that is derived from the first name of the father or mother. For example, "Jansen" as a derivation of Jan as the father's first name.
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Adult adoption without name change
The previous obligation to change names when adopting an adult no longer applies. An adopted person now has three options:
- keep their previous name
- take the name of the adoptive parent
- choose a double name consisting of their own name and the name of the adoptive parentIn the case of the adoption of underage children, the adopted child continues to receive the surname of the adopting parents.
Where can we find help and advice?
If you have any questions about choosing or changing your name, you can contact the registry office responsible for you. The registry offices are also responsible for notarizing declarations on the names of spouses and civil partners as well as the names of children.
Further information Links to read more
