Nimimuunnos

Nimimuunnos is a Finnish term that translates to "name change" or "alias change." It generally refers to the act of altering one's given name or surname, or adopting a pseudonym. This can be done for various reasons, including personal preference, to reflect a change in marital status, to distance oneself from a past, or for professional reasons.

In Finland, the process of legally changing one's name is regulated by the Act on Name Changes. Individuals can apply to the Digital and Population Data Services Agency for a name change. The agency considers applications based on several criteria, including whether the proposed name is offensive, too common, or similar to an existing official name. There are also specific rules regarding the use of surnames, such as not being able to take a surname that is already in common use by a significant portion of the population.

Changing one's name is a formal process that requires submitting an application and, if approved, the change is recorded in the population register. This legal name change affects official documents such as passports, identity cards, and driving licenses.

Beyond legal name changes, "nimimuunnos" can also refer to the adoption of a pseudonym or stage name by artists, writers, or other public figures. This is often done to create a distinct public persona or to protect their private identity. Such pseudonym usage does not typically require a formal legal process unless the pseudonym is used in a way that implies a legal identity.