Are there any restrictions of the new name I choose? In the UK, if you wish to change your name by Deed Poll or Statutory Declaration there are generally few restrictions on the new name you can choose. If you are simply substituting one ordinary name for a different name, such as changing from Smith to Jones, or from Peter to Paul, there will not be a problem. Your new name must have at least a first name and a surname. You may not change your name for any type of fraudulent or illegal purposes such as to deceive, to avoid debt or avoid prosecution, or to pass yourself of as someone else in some form of identity theft. You may not change your name to infer and sort of title or honor that you are not entitled to such as Sir, Lady, Reverend, Captain, Professor or Doctor for example, as titles do not make up a part of your name.