Familienname Änderung Kind - Neubestimmung des Geburtsnamens

We have a minor child and would like to change the child's surname.

We would like to change the order of the child's first names.

Granting the name of the other parent in the case of sole custody of one parent

If the child has the surname of a custodial parent, this parent can give the child the name of the other non-custodial parent.

From 01.05.2025: The child can also be given a double name made up of the names of both parents (with or without a hyphen). The other parent must agree to the name change.

Change of surname in the event of subsequent joint custody

If the parents establish joint custody (through a declaration of custody or marriage) when the child already has a name, this name can be changed. The child can be given the name of the other parent.

From 01.05.2025: The child can also be given a double name consisting of the names of both parents (with or without a hyphen). The name change must be submitted jointly by the parents.

Change of surname if paternity is established as non-existent

If it is legally established that a man whose name has become the child's surname is not the child's father, the name can be changed to the name that the mother had at the time of the child's birth at the mother's request.

From 01.05.2025: If the mother has several names, the child can be given only one of these names.

Connection to the determination/change of the parents' married name

If the parents subsequently decide on a married name or change the married name, the child can join this name change and also use the parents' new married name. The name change must be submitted jointly by the parents.

Acquisition of the married name of one parent and the stepparent (single name)

If a parent is married to a person who is not a parent of the child (stepparent) and they have a married name, the child can be given this married name if the child lives in the same household as the parent and stepparent. A double name can also be formed from the previous birth name and the married name (with or without a hyphen). The name declaration must be submitted by the parent and their new spouse. The other parent must consent to the change if the child bears their name and/or they have custody of the child.

Changing the order of first names

Persons who bear their name under German law and have several first names can change the order of their first names. The addition or omission of first names and hyphens is not permitted. The spelling of individual names cannot be changed either.

From May 1, 2025, there will be further options for changing the surname of a minor child:

Revocation of the acquisition of the married name of a parent and step-parent (renaming back)

If the marriage of the parent and step-parent has been dissolved or the child has left the joint household, the child can revoke the surname and return to the previous birth name. The name change must be submitted by one of the custodial parents.

Change of maiden name after divorce of parents/death of one parent

If the parents had a married name, which is also used by the minor child, and one of the parents has adopted the birth name again after the marriage has been dissolved, the child can join this name change if it lives in the same household as this parent and this parent has custody of the child. The child can be given the new name of this parent or a double name consisting of the previous birth name and the new name of this parent. The other parent must consent to the name change.

Name change if the parents revoke their married name during an existing marriage

If the parents revoke the married name determined before 01.05.2025 and return to using separate names, the child can be given a double name formed from the names of both parents (with or without a hyphen). It is not possible to change to the name of the other parent.

Changing the name if the name of only one parent is used

If a child was born before 01.05.2025 and the parents do not have a joint married name, the child's name can be changed to a double name formed from the names of both parents (with or without a hyphen). A change from the name of one parent to the name of the other parent is not possible (exception: in the case of subsequent joint custody, see above).

Not all name change options can be described here. Special name changes can be requested from the registry office.

• Identity card or passport of the person making the declaration
• Current extract from the child's birth register (if the child was not born in Bremerhaven)

  If applicable, a current extract from the marriage register of the parents or stepparents

  If applicable, declaration of custody or certificate of non-issuance of declarations of custody

• The child must be a minor.
• Depending on the age of the child, the child's consent may be required.

• The relevant declarations must be made in person at the registry office.
• An appointment is required for this.
• An appointment can be requested at the registry office using the "Change of name for children" form.
• To change the order of first names, please use the "Change of order of first names" form.
• Children between the ages of 5 and 13 must consent to the name change; this can also be done by the child's legal representatives.
• Children between the ages of 14 and 17 can only make the name declaration themselves; they require the consent of their legal representatives.

If you, your spouse or the child do not speak German, you must use an interpreter at your own expense.