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===Church book as a starting point=== | ===Church book as a starting point=== | ||
Always start with the church book birth entry, in which the person's surname would be listed and would have a remark about the name change, date, and type. Type | Always start with the church book birth entry, in which the person's surname would be listed and would have a remark about the name change, date, and type. Type (i.e. either royal authorization or other proof / certificate name) determine where in particular the case could be found. If the type is not disclosed in the church book, you can guess by using a couple of general rules. If the name is a given name, a woman's maiden name, or a name of another that is already being used, the name change had to received royal authorization until 1961. However, if there is a new or even an invented name, the name change will have from 1903 onward normally have been approved by other supporting information / name proof. | ||
As to which authority decided the matter, is rarely reported, so here you may also have to guess. Start with the authority where the applicant lived, since the individual changed their name. | |||
If multiple family members seek a name change, then the matter will be dealt with where the main applicant lived. If a man | If multiple family members seek a name change, then the matter will be dealt with where the main applicant lived. If a man was renamed while he was still enrolled in the ''lægdsruller'' (military levying rolls), they will usually be updated and will provide precise information in the records. | ||
It is rare that an application for name change provides a justification for the choice of family name - unless there are restrictions to an already used name. | It is rare that an application for name change provides a justification for the choice of family name - unless there are restrictions to an already used name. | ||
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