The possibility of changing one’s name – whether given name, patronymic or surname – is a right of every Bulgarian citizen. A name serves as the principal means of individualising and identifying each person. As they grow up and enter adulthood, however, a person may decide that the names given to them by their parents do not correspond to their preferences or their identity. In such cases, the Civil Registration Act allows a change of names, but only under certain exceptional conditions. The main purpose of this restriction is to prevent the abuse of a name change, which could be used to evade justice or other forms of liability.

Conditions for changing a name

A change of given name, patronymic or surname may be approved by the court in the following cases:

  1. Where the name is mocking, defamatory or socially unacceptable.
    • A mocking name is one that provokes ridicule, mockery or unpleasant remarks towards the person. In such cases, case law supports the change, taking into account whether the name has objectively caused inconvenience to the person who bears it.
    • A defamatory name is one that, without any basis, creates a negative perception of the person and gives rise to hostility or even hatred towards them.
    • A socially unacceptable name applies where the person holds a public role and the name they use must emphasise the relevant public activity or contribution.
  2. Where important circumstances necessitate the change.
    • Important circumstances may be those of personal or public significance, such as the use of a pseudonym or stage name under which the person has become known. The popularity of that name, however, must be substantiated before the court with documents or witness testimony.

It is important to note that a deteriorated relationship between parent and child is NOT considered a valid reason for changing a patronymic or surname.

The court procedure for changing a name

A claim for a change of name is filed with the district court at the permanent address of the person seeking the change. The statement of claim may indicate a wish to change any of the names – given name, middle name and/or surname. Although in certain cases the simultaneous change of two names is possible, case law rarely permits the change of all three.

Required documents

Depending on the specific reason cited by the person for the change of name, different documents are attached to the statement of claim. For example:

  • Identity documents issued by another country;
  • Official documents stating a different name;
  • Witness testimony in cases of being known by a different name, or of allegations of a mocking or defamatory name.

The court examines the statement of claim in an open hearing, which requires the personal presence of the person. The state fee for filing the statement of claim is BGN 15.

Options for appeal and other actions after the court decision

If the court rejects the statement of claim, the person has the right to file an appeal with the regional court. Likewise, in the event of a refusal, there is no legal obstacle to filing a new statement of claim before the district court.

Once the court approves the change and the decision enters into force, it ex officio sends a copy of it to the “GRAO” office of the relevant municipality. In addition, the Criminal Records Bureau is notified of the change made, so that the relevant registers are updated.

If you need legal advice or assistance with changing a given name, patronymic or surname, contact us on 0887550706 or by e-mail: [email protected]