Name changes on the increase

More and more Belgians are applying to change their names by deed poll, Flanders News reports. Last year 1,797 people began the procedure that should end with them answering to a new surname or first name. Many applicants are immigrants wanting a more Belgian-sounding name. People with silly names applied too, as well as members of the public unhappy that they share their name with a notorious criminal. The Belgian Justice Department has explained that a name change is only possible in exceptional circumstances: “People applying for a new name have to provide objective evidence that they will profit from this change.” People usually refer to their family situation, having been abandoned or been the victim of serious violence or sexual offences, while some immigrants claim their given name leads to social, administrative or practical difficulties. The Justice Department will consider each application on its merits. Changing your surname costs €49, but changing a first name is ten times as expensive, at €490. In certain cases when first names are deemed to be ridiculous or hateful the fee can be lowered. It is not yet known how many of the 1,797 people who applied last year have been blessed with a new name.