realname

Real name refers to the name a person is legally registered under for civil identity. It is typically the given and family name as recorded on official documents such as birth certificates, passports, national IDs, or driver’s licenses. In many jurisdictions, the real name is the standard basis for identity verification, record keeping, and official transactions.

Real name versus pseudonym. A real name is the legally recognized name; a pseudonym, stage name, or online handle is used in specific contexts and may not reflect a person’s legal identity. People may use different names in different settings, and changing a legal name requires a formal process in most places.

Use in public life and online platforms. Some institutions and platforms adopt real-name policies to reduce impersonation, fraud, or abuse. Critics argue that such policies can threaten privacy, chill free expression, and endanger at-risk individuals. Practices vary by country, sector, and platform, reflecting trade-offs between accountability and privacy.

Legal name changes and updates. People may change their legal name for personal, cultural, or gender reasons. The process typically involves filing a petition with a court or civil registry, paying fees, and updating documents and records such as birth certificates, social security numbers, and bank accounts.

Cultural and legal variation. Naming practices differ widely, and legal frameworks governing real names vary in scope and ease of change. The concept of a real name is a social construct tied to formal identification systems and varies with cultural norms and legal rules.

See also: real-name policy, legal name, alias, pseudonym.