Changing your child’s name upon adoption
Find out about the options available when changing your child’s name during adoption.
You can apply for a name change for your adopted child, either as part of the adoption application process or after the adoption has been finalised.
Changing your child’s name upon adoption
Unless otherwise specified in the adoption application, the adopted child will take the surname of the adopter(s) upon adoption. However, the child has the option to retain their original surname, use it as a middle name, or combine their original surname with the adopter(s)' surname(s) using a hyphen.
Changing your child’s name when the Agency of Family Law or Appeals Board (Ankestyrelsen) issues an adoption license
A request to change the child's name is processed alongside the adoption application. There is no need to submit a separate name change request to the personal registrar.
Changing your child’s name when an international adoption has been approved
When the Agency of Family Law recognises an international adoption, it notifies the CPR register with details of the adoption, including the name the child holds according to the international decision.
If you want the child to have a different name than the one listed in the international adoption, you must apply for a name change at the church office in your parish of residence.
Read more about adoption from abroad here on the website.
Name change after adoption
An adopted child will always be able to take a name after both the original family and the family of the adopter(s).
If, after the adoption, the child wishes to take a name from the adopter(s)' family, this can be done in accordance with the Names Act by submitting an application to the church office.
If an adopted child wishes to be given a name after their original family following the adoption, an application must be made to the church office. Documentation of the adoption and the original family must be provided.
You can findthe church office in your parish at sogn.dk.
Other articles on naming rules
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What should you name your child?
Learn about the rules for naming and about the options for choosing names.
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Gender identity and name change for adults
Find out how to change your name as an adult.
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Gender identity and changing your child’s name
Find out how to change your child's name.