Name Change in Denmark
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Denmark's Name Act governs first names, middle names, and surnames:
- Free choice of surname on marriage: Either spouse can take the other's surname, keep their own, or use a hyphenated combination.
- General name change: You can change your first name or surname through Familieretshuset — some changes are automatic (e.g., taking a spouse's name), others require approval.
- Protected surnames: Surnames used by fewer than 2,000 people in Denmark are protected — you cannot adopt them without a family connection.
- Children's names: Parents must register a child's name within 6 months of birth. First names must be from an approved list or individually approved.
When does it apply?
- You are getting married or divorced and want to change your name.
- You want to change your first name, middle name, or surname for any reason.
- You need to register a newborn's name.
What to Do If You Want to Change Your Name or Your Child's Name in Denmark
- Apply through Familieretshuset or the church (folkekirken) if it relates to a birth registration.
- For marriage-related changes, the name change can be processed as part of the marriage or divorce application.
- If you want an unusual first name, check whether it is on the approved names list — if not, you must apply for individual approval.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't miss the 6-month deadline for naming a newborn — the church or municipality will follow up.
- Don't assume any name is available — protected surnames and unapproved first names require special permission.
- Don't use a changed name in official documents before it is registered — the change is effective from the date of registration.
Common Questions
How do I change my name in Denmark?
Apply through Familieretshuset under the Navneloven, or through the church (folkekirken) if it relates to a birth registration. Some changes are automatic — for example, taking a spouse's surname on marriage — while others require approval. For marriage or divorce name changes, the process can be handled as part of the marriage or divorce application.
Can I use any surname I want in Denmark?
No. Surnames used by fewer than 2,000 people in Denmark are protected — you cannot adopt them without a family connection. On marriage, either spouse can take the other's surname, keep their own, or use a hyphenated combination. If you want an unusual first name, check the approved names list; if it is not there, you must apply for individual approval.
How long do I have to register my baby's name in Denmark?
You must register a child's name within 6 months of birth. The church or municipality will follow up if you miss the deadline. First names must be from the approved list or individually approved. A name change is effective from the date of registration — don't use a changed name in official documents before then.
When does it apply — name change?
You are getting married or divorced and want to change your name.You want to change your first name, middle name, or surname for any reason.You need to register a newborn's name.
What should I do if I want to legally change my first name or surname in Denmark?
Apply through Familieretshuset or the church (folkekirken) if it relates to a birth registration.For marriage-related changes, the name change can be processed as part of the marriage or divorce application.If you want an unusual first name, check whether it is on the approved names list — if not, you must apply for individual approval.
What should you NOT do — name change?
Don't miss the 6-month deadline for naming a newborn — the church or municipality will follow up.Don't assume any name is available — protected surnames and unapproved first names require special permission.Don't use a changed name in official documents before it is registered — the change is effective from the date of registration.