When changing the first name of your baby or minor child, there are several possibilities. Common requests include incorrect birth registration, forgetting to provide a first name, using a different name than the one commonly used (roepnaam), experiencing inconvenience or complaints due to the use of the first name, or naming the child after a family member (e.g., grandmother or grandfather).

You can have your request assessed directly, free of charge and without obligation, by using the free intake form. For frequently asked questions about the procedure, please refer to our FAQ page. General information about the duration of the procedure, costs, etc., can also be found in our brochure on first name changes.

Below are some sample scenarios that discuss common requests for first name changes, giving you an idea of the possibilities and chances for your child’s application. These examples are not exhaustive. On our blog page, you can find real court decisions and search by situation using the ‘tag’ button.

Sample Scenarios

Naming After a Family Member

Parents notice that their child has a strong bond with a grandmother or grandfather and would like to name the child after them by adding a second or third first name. It’s also possible that parents have named one of their children after a family member in the past but forgot to do so for another child. In these situations, there is a significant and legitimate reason for the request for a first name change (in the sense of adding a name).

Deviation in the Use of the “Roepnaam” (Common Name)

Parents forget to officially register their child’s common name, resulting in one or more official first names that differ from the common name. Parents can still officially register their child’s common name. This is often important to prevent future inconvenience for the child, as the use of the common name (nickname) may not be clear.

Incorrect Birth Registration

Sometimes, parents agree on a child’s name, but a name is accidentally registered incorrectly or one or more names are omitted. It also happens that parents were not completely sure about the name choice, leading to later regrets. In these situations, there is a significant and legitimate reason to change the first name.

Psychological Distress in a Parent

The birth of a child involves many aspects, and occasionally, a complication during pregnancy can lead to psychological issues for the mother. This can affect how the child’s name is perceived. If the mother (and/or father) regrets the name choice or if the name causes psychological distress for the mother due to the mentioned event, the child’s name can be changed. In such cases, there is a significant and legitimate reason for the change.

Bullying or Depression in the Child

Depending on the child’s age, they may have had unpleasant experiences related to their name, such as bullying or other significant life events. In this situation, there is a significant and legitimate reason to change the child’s first name.

Requirements for the Procedure

To initiate a procedure for changing a first name, you will need a recent copy of the birth certificate. You can obtain this through the website of the municipality where your child was born. If your child was born abroad and you don’t have the original birth certificate, you can contact us to discuss your application.