Can You Remove Your Surname? (Dropping the Family Name)
For many people, a surname is more than just a name—it is a link to a family history. But if you are looking to distance yourself from that history due to estrangement, trauma, or simply a desire for a complete fresh start, you might be asking: "Can I just get rid of it?"
The short answer is yes. You are legally entitled to drop your surname and be known by a single name (a "mononym").
However, while the law allows it, the practical reality of living without a surname in the UK is surprisingly difficult. Here is everything you need to know before you cut the tie.
Is It Legal to Have No Surname?
Yes. Under English law, your legal name is simply the name by which you are generally known. There is no statute that forces you to have both a forename and a surname.
If you want to be known simply as "Sarah" or "Phoenix," you can execute a Deed Poll that states you are abandoning your former surname and forenames and adopting a single name for all purposes.
The "Official" Headache: The Passport Office
This is where your plan to remove your surname runs into a bureaucratic wall. HM Passport Office (HMPO) has strict rules about how names must appear in their database to match international security standards.
If you apply for a passport with only one name, HMPO policy dictates that they cannot leave the "Forename" field blank. Instead, they will usually:
- Place your single name in the Surname field.
- Enter "XXX" in the Forename field.
This means your official passport will read "XXX Sarah" or "XXX Phoenix." This often causes confusion at border control and can make booking flights difficult, as airline systems rarely accept "XXX" as a valid first name.
Why You Might Want to Choose a New Surname Instead
If your goal is to sever ties with a family name, we often recommend replacing the surname rather than removing it entirely.
By choosing a neutral surname (like "Smith," "Green," or a name that has personal meaning to you), you achieve the goal of breaking away from your family history without inheriting the administrative nightmare of being a "mononym."
The "Computer Says No" Factor
It isn't just passports. UK banking systems, utility companies, and HR payroll software are almost all hard-coded to require two names. If you remove your surname, you may find yourself forced to enter:
- "Sarah Sarah" (Repeating your name)
- "Sarah ." (Using a full stop)
- "Mr Sarah" (Using a title as a first name)
...just to get an online form to submit. It is a daily frustration that most people eventually find exhausting.
How to Do It (If You Are Sure)
If you are determined to have a single name, you can absolutely do it. Thousands of people in the UK legally have one name.
You will need a Deed Poll that is correctly worded to explicitly state you are dropping your surname. You cannot just use a standard template, or it will likely be rejected for being incomplete.
At uknamechange.com, we can facilitate this change. Our Complete Package (£29.99) allows you to generate the correct legal documents. Plus, our Guide will help you navigate the tricky conversations with banks and the Passport Office.
