Civilname

Civilname refers to the name assigned to a person by civil authorities, typically at birth, and recorded in official documents such as a birth certificate. This is the name by which an individual is legally recognized and identified within a society and its governmental systems. It is distinct from nicknames, pseudonyms, or professional names.

The civilname is crucial for various legal and administrative purposes. These include obtaining identification documents like passports and driver's licenses, registering for educational institutions, establishing legal rights and responsibilities, and conducting financial transactions. The process of choosing and registering a civilname varies significantly across cultures and jurisdictions, with some places having strict regulations on permissible names while others offer greater freedom.

Changes to a civilname can be made through legal processes, often referred to as a legal name change. This typically involves petitioning a court and demonstrating a valid reason for the alteration. Such reasons might include marriage, divorce, personal preference, or to correct an error. Once legally changed, the new name becomes the individual's official civilname. The concept of a civilname underscores the importance of a standardized and legally recognized identity for individuals within the framework of a state.