America, Land of Unlimited Name Freedom
Picture this: you live in Austin, Texas. Your name is Klaus Müller. Solid, but a little… let's say… uninspired. After a few years of cowboy boots, BBQ and donut mustaches, you think: "I'm not Klaus anymore. I am Wilderich Herzog von Hohenzollern!" And the best part? In the USA you can actually do that, completely legally. And yes, even as a European. But be warned: the road can be a little quirky. Welcome to the wonderland of American name law!
In the USA, (almost) anything goes
The basic rule in the United States: you can call yourself whatever you like, as long as you don't defraud or confuse anyone. Want to be named like a medieval knight, an 80s action figure or your favorite dish? No problem, unless the name you choose:
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is racist or offensive,
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amounts to a title of nobility or a professional title (e.g. "Dr. Love" or "Sir Awesome", sorry),
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misleads the public ("Barack Obama II" is a tough sell),
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or infringes a trademark ("Elon Musk of McDonald's", please don't).
But Wilderich Herzog von Hohenzollern? Sounds crazy, but it's allowed.
The legal route to a name change in the USA
1. Common law name change
In some states you can simply rename yourself. Yes, really. You introduce yourself at Starbucks with your new name, sign your lease with it, and voilà: the new name lives. But careful: without a court order, banks, passport offices and the DMV (the US motor vehicle department) quickly get as sticky as cold pecan pie.
2. Court-ordered name change
The classic, safe route. Here's how it works:
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You file a name change petition with the relevant county court.
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You state your reason (don't worry, "I just love the name" is often enough).
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There is a short hearing (often a formality).
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In some states you have to publish the name change in a newspaper. Yes, really. Welcome to the 19th century.
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At the end you receive an official decree that seals your new identity.
The cost? Between $150 and $500, depending on the state.
Curiosities on the side
Did you know that people in California have officially renamed themselves "Sexy Vegan" and "Trout Fishing in America"? Or that a man in Ohio is called "Beezow Doo-Doo Zopittybop-Bop-Bop"? By comparison, Wilderich Herzog von Hohenzollern seems almost… ordinary.
Our tip: act first, talk later
So if you're seriously thinking about changing your name:
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Talk to an attorney. (For example, the attorneys on the firm's team.)
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Get everything in writing.
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Be ready for questions from your consulate.
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And most important of all: enjoy your new name.
Because what would life be if you couldn't be a Duke at least once?
Advice? Yes. Free? No.
We're happy to help you set up your name change properly in the USA. We advise you on:
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the court strategy in your US state,
But please note: our consultations are not free (here's why). After all, even Wilderich Herzog von Hohenzollern should know: noblesse oblige.
👉 Book a paid initial consultation with Mount Bonnell Advisors now. To see what life in Texas looks like beyond the name tag, read our Moving to the USA section, and find more articles under News.
Consultation & implementation
If you'd like to find out what this means for your own situation, the best step is to book a consultation.
