From Mary to Mohammed- Name Change Provider Celebrates 160 Years Of The UK's Most Popular Names

Online, June 22, 2011 (Newswire.com) - As this year marks the 160th year anniversary of British citizens being able to change their names by Deed Poll, The Legal Deed Poll Service have revealed the most popular names of 2011.

Tina Clough from The Legal Deed Poll Service the UK's leading Deed Poll provider said: "Each year the list of most popular names makes for startling reading as it can show serious societal shifts. In 1851 the most popular names for girls and boys would have been Mary and John, whereas these latest figures demonstrate that Olivia and Mohammed are topping the charts.

"The choice of names in the UK demonstrates two key trends this year. One is that there is a re-emergence of what many deem to be 'old fashioned' names such as 'Harry' and 'Alfie' and another key trend is for cultural differences. The fact that the name Mohammed is now the most popular boys name in the UK indicates that the UK is now becoming multinational."

"Despite this, parents have shown a strongly conservative tendency overall, with many of the names being chosen this year being very similar to those selected last year."

MOST POPULAR NAMES NOW INCLUDE:

1.Olivia
1.Mohammed

2. Ruby
2. Oliver

3. Chloe
3. Jack

4. Emily
4. Harry

5. Sophie
5. Alfie

6. Jessica
6. Joshua

7. Grace
7. Thomas

8. Lily
8. Charlie

9. Amelia
9. William

10. Evie
10. James

Of course, choosing your legal name is not something the majority of the population can control, unless of course you take a visit to The Legal Deed Poll Service website.

Tina Clough added: "160 years ago, the process of changing your name was extremely different from the process today. Back in 1851, you would have had to deal with complicated Deeds that did not use punctuation or steer clear of 'flowery legal speak'. Today however, all legal documents must be in plain English and those difficult legal terms kept to a minimum to make them accessible to anyone and everyone.

"160 years on, it is possible to change your name by filling out a simple online form, and with the new express service from The Legal Deed Poll Service, your Deed Poll document will be put in the post to you within two hours of the application being made."

Tina continued: "You can now change your forename or surname (or both), add names, remove names, change the spelling of your names and/or rearrange your existing names with the help of a Deed Poll document and there is no limit on how many times you can change your name, contrary to popular belief."

For more information, please visit www.thelegaldeedpollservice.org.uk

Please direct all press enquiries to Tina Clough, Media Liaison Officer on 0330 660 0478. Calls are charged at standard/local rates.