Namensführungen

Namensführung refers to the legal and social practice of how individuals carry and use their names. This encompasses birth names, adopted names, and names acquired through marriage or civil partnership. In many Western cultures, it is common for individuals to have a given name and one or more surnames. The surname is typically inherited from one's parents, often the father's, but increasingly mothers' surnames are also incorporated.

The process of changing one's name can occur for various reasons, including marriage, divorce, personal preference, or to reflect a change in gender identity. Legal procedures are usually required for official name changes, involving applications to relevant authorities and potentially court orders. Once a name is legally changed, it typically becomes the individual's official designation for all purposes, including identification, legal documents, and public records.

In some jurisdictions, there are restrictions on name changes, such as prohibiting names that are offensive, confusing, or too numerous. The concept of "Namensführung" also touches upon the idea of family names and their continuity across generations. The specific rules and customs surrounding name usage and change can vary significantly between countries and cultures. The term emphasizes the ongoing management and designation of a person's identity through their name.