You can give the child any surname (the father's, the mother's
or a combination, or it can be a totally different name - but once
you have registered the child it can only be changed in rare
instances).
Your child would normally be given the surname of the mother or
father (even if the parents are not married to each other and the
father does not attend with the mother).
Once the surname has been decided it can only be changed if:
- The parents apply for the birth to be re-registered
because they are not married to each other and the father's
particulars were not entered in the Register.
- The parents marry each other after the original
registration - in this case the birth should be re-registered even
if the child was given the father's surname at the original
registration.
For both types of re-registration, the Registrar will be pleased to
advise you.
More help
For further information please contact us on 020 8430 3617 or email
us - see
Get in Touch for contact details and opening
times.
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