1. Jurisdiction   2. Page number   3. Old name and new name   4. Filing location and date   5. "Affidavit of Change of Name"   6. Residence of applicant   7. Birth place and date   8. History of names used   9. Parents' and stepfather's name, description   10. Date of affidavit   11. Old legal signature, new legal signature

Record of Name Change Marion county, Iowa

Name Change

Although official name changes except through marriage are unusual, the record generated by a name change is one of the most valuable records an ancestor can make.

Typically, a record of name change will give very specific identifying information, including a physical description and sometimes a photograph, an exact birth date and place, a precise residence, and usually the names of both parents. A reason for the change of name is also recorded, and when the name change is not for frivolous reasons, there will be important clues about the ancestry. Additionally, if the ancestor owned land, the name of the land owner must be changed to reflect the correct ownership.

Few records of name changes have been abstracted, published, or microfilmed. The records are usually kept at the county or district courthouse, and must be examined in person. Contact the appropriate county or district courthouse for further information.

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