Declaring the baby’s first name: what steps at birth?

Declare the baby’s name is part of the administrative procedures for young parents at the birth of the child. The choice of first name is recorded directly when the declaration of birth at the town hall. Parents must respect a certain deadline and specify the spelling of the first name, or if it is a compound first name. In any case, certain rules must be followed. What are the steps to take ? How do I add a middle name? Can we change the baby’s name? Answers.

How long to declare the baby’s name?

The declaration of the baby’s first name is done at the same time as the declaration of birth. This compulsory and free procedure must be carried out at the town hall of the place of birth within five days of the birth (the day of delivery not being counted in this period) and it is extended until the next working day, if this falls on a Saturday, a Sunday or a holiday or non-working day.

What steps for the declaration of the baby’s first name?

This statement must be carried out with a civil status officer, in the town hall, by a person who attended the birth (usually the father). Failing this, it is the person, such as the obstetrician, who will have attended the delivery who will take care of it. You must bring the following documents: birth certificate, family record bookpossibly the declaration of the choice of surname, the act of recognition if this was done before the birth (or proof of address).

What names are prohibited in France?

In France, there is no list of authorized or prohibited first names, it is therefore possible to choose a foreign first name, a diminutive, or with an original spelling. However, a first name may be refused by the civil registrar, in particular if he judges that the first name chosen is contrary to the interests of the child.

Moreover, if foreign first names are authorized, it is forbidden to use letters that are not part of the French alphabet. This is the case for example of ñ, ø, etc. It is also not possible to give a surname as a first name., whether that of a stranger or that of one of the parents. In case of disagreement on the name of the childor if the civil registrar refuses a first name and the parents do not choose a new one in the child’s best interests, the family affairs judge may be seized and decide on the question, or even assign another name for the baby.

At the time of the declaration of birth, parents can give one or more first names to their child. The first, second and third given names must be separated by a comma. In case of composed first namedeclarants will have to indicate to the civil registrar whether they want the two first names to be linked by a hyphen or not (for example, Anne-Charlotte or Anne Charlotte).

What is the middle name for?

For a long time, the middle name served to avoid homonyms. Subsequently, and still today, the middle name is often chosen to honor a deceased loved one.

In any case, know that you can give several first names to your child. The number of first names is not fixed by law. However“the civil registrar may consider that the multiplicity of first names is contrary to the interests of the child“, indicates the public service website. Moreover, “any first name entered in the birth certificate may be chosen as the usual first name, whatever its order.”

It is entirely possible to change first name and to request the deletion or addition of a first name or the modification of the order of first names from a civil status officer. However, it is necessary demonstrate a legitimate interest. This is the case if your first name or the junction between the name and the first name is ridiculous or if you consider that it harms you. The process is free, and it is done for adults via the Cerfa form no. 16233and for minors via the Cerfa form no. 16234.

Who can apply for a name change? :

• People born abroad : it is possible to francize the first name and/or the family name.
• Adults or adults under guardianship.
• Miners : the request must be made by a legal representative. If the child is over 13, his consent is required.

What are the documents to provide?

The request must be made at the town hall, providing a complete copy of the birth certificatea valid identity document and those of the legal representativesand a recent proof of address. Depending on the situation of the person making the request, other supporting documents may be requested.

It is also necessary to provide documents justifying the interest of the request, for example medical certificates attesting to the difficulties encountered by the adult or the minor because of his first name. If the civil registrar considers that the request is not legitimate, he must contact the public prosecutor. If the latter opposes the change of first name, it is possible to seize the judge of family affairs, who will decide.