People are officially changing name if they're called James or Elizabeth
15,000 court records show the 20 names people are ditching - and what they are changing to
Men named James are most likely to seek a rebrand, with more Brits ditching this name than any other in the past five years. Elizabeth is the UK's second most commonly changed given name, with Michael, Susan, and Andrew following closely behind.
The analysis, which is the largest study of Deed Poll data, was conducted by name label manufacturer mynametags.com. It shows that Britain's most changed names are all traditional, with Rebecca, Thomas, Muhammad, and David also featuring in the top 10 most changed names.
By contrast, there is a rise in Brits opting for abbreviated versions of classic names. Alex takes the top spot as the most adopted name since 2020, while Charlie, Ellie, and Jay also feature in the top 10. 'We've been analysing baby name trends for over 20 years, tracking how they emerge and evolve,' says Lars B. Andersen, Managing Director at mynametags.com. 'Our analysis of Deed Poll data shows the other side of the coin, the names that people are actively changing.
'What's particularly striking is the shift towards abbreviated names, such as Alex, Charlie, and Ellie. This mirrors a broader societal trend we're seeing in baby naming. Whilst traditional names still have their place, parents are increasingly opting for shorter, more contemporary versions of classic names for their newborns, prioritising ease and perhaps a touch of individuality. It seems that whether Brits are welcoming a new life or embracing a new chapter, the appeal of a concise and current name is a powerful force across generations."
Britain's most changed names:
James
Elizabeth
Michael
Susan
Andrew
Rebecca
Thomas
Muhammad
David
Sarah
Robert
Mohammed
Alexander
Emily
Matthew
Charlotte
Lucy
Karen
Amy
Laura
Britain's most adopted names:
Alex
Olivia
Charlie
Elizabeth
Alexander
Ellie
Robin
James
Jay
Rose
Jamie
William
Muhammad
Alexandra
Adam
Sarah
Mia
Emily
Grace
Aisha
The data was analysed by mynametags.com using 14,638 Deed Poll notices to the Senior Courts of England and Wales between January 2020 and March 2025.
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