namelaw

Namelaw is the branch of law dealing with the use, assignment, and protection of names for persons and entities. It covers personal names, family names, given names, as well as corporate and trade names. In many jurisdictions names are recorded at birth in civil registers and may be amended through formal processes.

Personal name changes. Individuals may change a name by court order or administrative act. Many jurisdictions permit changes on marriage, civil partnership, or gender transition without full court proceedings. Common grounds for objections include fraud, evading law or debts, or confusing or misleading usage; minors may require parental consent or court approval.

Procedures. Name-change processes typically require identification, proof of residence, and sometimes publication or notice. Applicants may pay a fee and wait for a set period. Some jurisdictions require a public announcement or a hearing.

Corporate and brand names. Businesses and individuals may register names to protect identity and avoid confusion. Rules cover uniqueness, trademark conflicts, and prohibited terms; authorities may refuse names that mislead or infringe on protected marks or public interest. Names may be reserved, permitted, or restricted by law.

Transfers and recognition. Cross-border recognition, diaspora communities, and digital identity raise issues about the consistency of name spellings, transliteration, and legal recognition of changes across jurisdictions.

See also: surname law, name-change procedures, and gender identity recognition.