For many people in the UK, a middle name is a harmless extra initial on a bank card. But for others, it is a source of genuine embarrassment, bad memories, or constant frustration. Whether you were burdened with an unusual family tradition, an ex-partner's name, or simply a word that sounds unpleasant to modern ears, hiding your middle name can feel like a lifelong chore.
You might dread showing your passport to friends, hesitate when a form asks for your "Full Name," or cringe when your name is read out at the doctor's surgery. If this sounds familiar, we have good news: You are not stuck with it.
At UK Name Change, we help thousands of clients privately remove unwanted names every year. It is one of the most common reasons for a name change, and the process is discreet, legal, and permanent.
The "Open Secret" Problem
Many people try to deal with an embarrassing middle name by simply ignoring it. You might leave it off your CV, your social media, and even your gym membership. While this works for day-to-day life, it creates a "legal trap."
Your official identity (Passport, Driving Licence, Bank Accounts) must match. If you try to open a bank account without your middle name, but your passport shows it, you will likely be rejected. To truly be free of the name, you cannot just hide it—you must legally remove it.
Privacy First: Use an "Unenrolled" Deed Poll
If you are removing a name because it is embarrassing, the last thing you want is a public announcement about it. This is where the distinction between "Enrolled" and "Unenrolled" Deed Polls is critical.
- Enrolled Deed Polls: These are registered with the Royal Courts of Justice. Crucially, they require your name change to be published in The London Gazette. This creates a permanent, searchable online record linking your old embarrassing name to your new one.
- Unenrolled Deed Polls (Recommended): These are private legal documents. They are fully accepted by HM Passport Office, the DVLA, and all UK banks, but they are not published anywhere. The change remains between you and the organisations you choose to tell.
At UK Name Change, we specialise in Unenrolled Deed Polls to ensure your privacy is protected.
The Removal Process
Step 1: The "Old" vs. "New" Declaration
When you fill out our Adult Deed Poll application, the process is simple:
- Old Name: Enter your full current name (e.g., Sarah EmbarrassingName Jones).
- New Name: Enter the name you want to keep (e.g., Sarah Jones).
Once signed and witnessed, this document legally invalidates the old middle name. It no longer exists as part of your identity.
Step 2: Update Your Passport
This is the moment of relief. You send your Deed Poll to the Passport Office along with your renewal application. When your new passport arrives, the embarrassing middle name will be gone. You will have a clean, streamlined ID that you can show without hesitation.
Step 3: Clean Up Your Digital Footprint
With your new passport, you can update your bank accounts. This is vital because it stops the old name from appearing on statements, credit checks, or mortgage applications.
How We Help You Scrub the Record
Removing a name requires you to be thorough. If you forget to update one old account, the name might pop up again later. Our Complete Package (£29.99) ensures you don't miss a spot.
We provide a Digital Dashboard with a comprehensive checklist of organisations to notify. We also provide pre-written letter templates that explain you have "removed a middle name" (rather than changed your surname), which helps bank staff process the request faster without asking awkward questions.
Your name should be a source of pride, not shame. If you are ready to drop the weight of an unwanted middle name, we are here to help you do it quietly and legally.
Remove your unwanted middle name today. Start your private application now.
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