Top 20 most-changed names in the UK as James and Elizabeth fall out of favour
Men named James are most likely to seek a rebrand, with more Brits ditching this name than any other in the past five years - and it's a similar story for women named Elizabeth
Men called James are the most likely to change their name, with more Brits trading in this moniker than any other over the last five years. Elizabeth ranks as the second most discarded Christian name in the UK, with Michael, Susan and Andrew not far behind.
The research, touted as the biggest study of Deed Poll information to date, was performed by nametag firm mynametags.com. It revealed that the UK's most frequently altered names hail from a roster of timeless choices, including Rebecca, Thomas, Muhammad, and David amongst the top 10 most altered names, reports Yorkshire Live.
On the flip side, more Brits are adopting shortened versions of traditional names. Alex has surged ahead as the frontrunner since 2020, alongside Charlie, Ellie, and Jay making appearances within the top 10 list.
"We've been analysing baby name trends for over 20 years, tracking how they emerge and evolve," said Lars B. Andersen, managing director at mynametags.com. "Our analysis of Deed Poll data shows the other side of the coin, the names that people are actively changing.
"What's particularly striking is the shift towards abbreviated names, such as Alex, Charlie, and Ellie. This mirrors a broader societal trend we're seeing in baby naming. Whilst traditional names still have their place, parents are increasingly opting for shorter, more contemporary versions of classic names for their newborns, prioritising ease and perhaps a touch of individuality. It seems that whether Brits are welcoming a new life or embracing a new chapter, the appeal of a concise and current name is a powerful force across generations."
Britain's most changed names:
James
Elizabeth
Michael
Susan
Andrew
Rebecca
Thomas
Muhammad
David
Sarah
Robert
Mohammed
Alexander
Emily
Matthew
Charlotte
Lucy
Karen
Amy
Laura
Britain's most adopted names:
Alex
Olivia
Charlie
Elizabeth
Alexander
Ellie
Robin
James
Jay
Rose
Jamie
William
Muhammad
Alexandra
Adam
Sarah
Mia
Emily
Grace
Aisha
The data, covering 14,638 Deed Poll notices to the Senior Courts of England and Wales between January 2020 and March 2025, was compiled by mynametags.com.
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