Civilnamnet

Civilnamnet is the legally recognized name of a person as registered in civil registries. It refers to the name that appears on official documents and is used in everyday civil life, as opposed to nicknames, pen names, stage names, or ceremonial titles. The civilnamnet typically consists of one or more given names (forenames) and a family name (surname). The exact structure and permissible forms vary by country and culture; some jurisdictions also permit middle names, patronymics, or multiple surnames.

Role and usage: The civilnamnet is the form of identification that authorities recognize for legal rights and duties. It appears on birth certificates, passports, national IDs, tax records, and official contracts, and it is the name used in government correspondence and legal proceedings.

Changing the civilnamnet: In many legal systems, a person can change their civilnamnet through a formal process with a government registry. Common reasons include marriage or civil partnership, adoption, gender transition, or personal name changes. Procedures typically require identification, justification, and sometimes notification or publication. Some jurisdictions impose restrictions on names (to avoid obscenity, impersonation, or confusion with other individuals).

Distinction: People may be known by other names in daily life—nicknames, pseudonyms, or religious names—but only the civilnamnet has legal standing for official purposes.

Context and variation: The exact definition and procedures vary by country. In languages such as Swedish or Norwegian, civilnamnet refers to the official name registered by the state and used in formal contexts.