Name changes for minors

On 1 May 2025, the Act amending the law on married names, birth names and international names came into force. The reform broadens the options for choosing a name and, in many cases, makes it easier to change one’s surname.

Double surnames for children

Children can now be given a double-barrelled surname comprising both parents’ surnames – regardless of whether the parents are married or not. The double-barrelled surname may be written with or without a hyphen, as preferred.

Simplified name change following the parents’ divorce

Following a divorce, it will in future be easier for a child to take the surname of the parent with whom they live.

Taking account of specific naming traditions

The new law on names allows people to use their married and birth names in a form that reflects their gender identity. Furthermore, traditional forms of names, such as those of the Sorbian, Frisian and Danish minorities, are explicitly taken into account.

Naming and renaming

If you are married and have a child from a previous relationship, you and your spouse can jointly pass on your married name to the child. This is known as ‘name transfer ’.

If the other parent has custody or if the child bears that parent’s surname, their consent is required.

If the marriage is subsequently dissolved or if the child no longer lives in the family home, the designation may be revoked – regardless of the child’s age. This is known as a revocation of designation.

New regulations governing international naming rights

In future, a person’s name will, as a general rule, be determined by the law of the country in which they have their habitual residence. Alternatively, by making a declaration to that effect, the law of the country of which the person is a national may be chosen.

For persons habitually resident in Germany, German law on names therefore applies in principle – regardless of their nationality – provided that no other choice of law has been made.