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Global Insight Network

How many middle names can you have UK?

Author

Sarah Martinez

Updated on April 15, 2026

Yes, you can add however many names you like to your name. However, you should be aware that HM Passport Office can only print a maximum of 30 characters as your Christian name (and this includes your middle names), and a maximum of 30 characters as your surname.

Likewise, people ask, how many middle names can you have legally?

The maximum length of names – including any spaces between names – that we can register is 50 characters each for the: family name. first given names. other given names or middle names.

Beside above, how many names can you have in the UK? Note that other organisations will have their own restrictions about what they will show on the documents they produce — for HM Passport Office the limit is 30 characters each for your forename and your surname, and for the DVLA the limit is 30 characters in total for your full name.

Additionally, are middle names legal UK?

There is no concept or definition of a “middle name†in English law. Legally speaking, you don't have a middle name, so you'd simply have a first name made up of two names (“John Fredâ€).

Can you have 2 middle names?

One can have several middle names, but it is unusual to have more than one or two. In practice, their status is similar to that of additional given names, and middle names are often omitted in everyday use, just like a person with 3 or 4 given names would only use one of them in most situations.

Related Question Answers

What child names are illegal?

Here are 35 examples of baby names that, for one reason or another, were deemed unfit for a birth certificate.
  • Nutella.
  • AKUMA (DEVIL)
  • ANAL.
  • GESHER (BRIDGE)
  • TALULA DOES THE HULA FROM HAWAII.
  • OSAMA BIN LADEN.
  • ROBOCOP.
  • CHIEF MAXIMUS.

What is the longest name in the world?

Hubert Blaine Wolfeschlegelsteinhausenbergerdorff Sr.

How many middle names is too many?

More than two middle names is too many middle names unless you are royalty.

Can you name your child a number?

Why are there laws about baby names? The law bans names that contain “obscenity, numerals, symbols, or a combination of letters, numerals, or symbols…â€, but naming a child after a mass murderer is A-OK.

Are middle names legal?

The Social Security Administration does not consider a middle name or suffix as part of an individual's legal name. But many other legal sources say a full legal name includes middle name. In general, it's probably best to include your middle name if the form asks for full legal name.

How much does adding a middle name Cost UK?

You must apply to the Royal Courts of Justice to get an 'enrolled' deed poll using the deed poll process. It costs £42.44. You can only enrol your own name change if you're 18 or over.

Does full name include middle name UK?

There is no concept or definition of a “middle name†in English law. Your middle names (if you have any) are a part of your first name. So, for example, if your full name were “John Fred SMITH†(your surname being “SMITHâ€), then your first name (in full) would be “John Fredâ€.

Does First names include middle name HMRC?

Always give your full forename(s), not just your initial(s). Also make sure that your forename(s) and surname are in the correct order (for example, John Smith and not J Smith or Smith J). Also include your middle name in full if you have one (for example, John Michael Smith and not John M Smith).

Should I use my middle name professionally?

After a while, it started being a bit of a joke, but it isn't a bad idea to use your middle initial professionally because middle name initials enhance evaluations of intellectual performance according to a research study in the European Journal of Social Psychology.

Can you add a middle name later?

Adding A Middle Name To A Child

To add a middle name, when the child already has one or more middle names, you will need to get a Superior Court Order, Granting the new middle name, and then you can have the child's ID and Official Records changed to match.

How do I remove my middle name UK?

Dropping Your Middle Name

If you decide to drop your middle name, you will need to order a Deed Poll without your middle name. After receiving your Deed Poll, you can remove the middle name from all of your official documents and only use your first and your last name.

How do I choose a middle name for myself?

Top tips for choosing a meaningful middle name
  1. Honour a family member (or two)
  2. Keep your maiden name alive.
  3. Give a nod to your heritage.
  4. Choose a name that is meaningful to you … even if no-one gets it.
  5. Initials.
  6. Rhythm.
  7. Google it.
  8. Find more on Kidspot:

Can I use two names legally UK?

Speaking generally the law of this country allows any person to assume and use any name, provided its use is not calculated to deceive and to inflict pecuniary loss.

What does middle name mean in the UK?

countable noun [usually poss NOUN] Your middle name is the name that comes between your first name and your surname.

Can you legally have 2 names?

You can use two names, however you need to choose only one "legal" name and use it exclusively for things like your driver's license, employment & income tax forms and filings, any contract you may execute, etc.

Can you have 2 first names?

For any other form: For the first name, put whatever you want people to actually call you. In America, two first names is actually not uncommon: in addition to the Hispanic population, it's an long-standing Southern tradition. For the last name, put both names, or else you will confuse people.

Can I change my full name?

Note: In California, you generally have the legal right to change your name simply by using a new name in all aspects of your life, also known as the "usage method." BUT, with few exceptions, government agencies require a court order as official proof of a name change so getting a court order is the best way to make

Why do British royals have so many names?

Since the royals embrace the tradition, their multiple names not only honor other family members, but they also denote their upper class standing. As previously stated, the royal baby's name was revealed on April 27 after much speculation.

Can you change your first name to Doctor?

The Fictitious Name Permit allows the doctor to practice medicine under a different name. It is important to note that all name changes must be reported to the Medical Board of California within 30 days with the doctor providing both the old and new names. In order to do this, she must legally change her name.