New naming right: Moers experiences boom at name changes!

New naming right: Moers experiences boom at name changes!

Since May 1, 2025, Germany has had a new name right, which is important for many citizens of Cologne and the surrounding area. This new law brings with it a welcome flexibility in the choice of the last name, which is particularly interested in cities such as Moers, Kamp-Lintfort and Neukirchen-Vluyn. As reported radiokw.de, around 100 inquiries were made in Moers, about half of which actually led to applications. Ten name changes have already been carried out there. It is particularly noteworthy that many children, especially steps and divorce children, now have the opportunity to return to their original surname.

The new regulations also enable the simple combination of last names. Married couples now have freedom to combine their last names without obligation to form a common name and also may also award double names for their children, provided they are older than five years. Four name changes have already been carried out in Kamp-Lintfort, while in Neukirchen-Vluyn the processing takes a little longer due to the large number of possibilities of the new law. Almost ten inquiries received here.

diverse options for name changes

One of the most exciting changes is certainly the introduction of real double names for married couples and children. Regardless of whether it is freshly married or in a relationship for years, couples can now combine names from both families. This means that the name Arnheim-Bauer is no longer just a dream, but can become a reality, as described on bmjv.de. Regardless of the marriage, steps and divorce children also have the chance of renaming and returning to their old name if certain requirements are met.

For people adults, they can change their birth names once, without a special family law event such as marriage or divorce. This opens up many options, such as switching to another parent name or accepting a double name. A shortening of a multi -part name to one is also possible.

cultural aspects and international name law

Another innovative aspect of the new name right is the possibility of gender -adapted choice of names, which is particularly important for relatives of certain ethnic groups. The traditions of the Frisian and Danish minority are also taken into account. For example, children from the Frisian ethnic group can choose a patronym, while members of the Danish minority can use birth names without a hyphen

In addition, international naming law will be more flexible by depending on the habitual residence and no longer on a nationality. This gives the citizens the opportunity to use the state's right to names that they belong to. These changes show how much the new name rights take into account the needs and realities of life of people in Germany.

The costs for name changes vary depending on the city. In Neukirchen-Vluyn, the fees are 21 euros, while Moers demands 25 euros plus document fees. In Kamp-Lintfort, the costs can be up to 42 euros. Citizens are well advised to inform themselves by phone or email before applying to clarify the necessary documents.

These new regulations bring a breath of fresh air to the choice of names and offer many new opportunities for families and individuals. What the future brings remains exciting, but the first feedback is already showing that the new name right among the population is very popular, as is enorm.bund.de.