Most frequently changed names and surnames in Turkey announced
Across Turkey, the surnames and names that citizens tend to change due to social perception or negative connotations have been identified. Authorities state that there is a high volume of applications, particularly for surnames with meanings that cause discomfort.
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With the Surname Law that came into effect in 1934 in Turkey, many families received surnames for the first time. However, over the years, citizens bearing certain surnames have sometimes found themselves in difficult situations due to the meaning or pronunciation of those names. According to the latest data, many people who wish to change surnames that can become a subject of ridicule or carry negative connotations have applied to official institutions.
A significant portion of these applications are concluded through administrative procedures or court decisions. Authorities reported that the following surnames, in particular, are among the most frequently changed due to their connotations:
MOST FREQUENTLY CHANGED SURNAMES
- Top
- Koyun
- Satılmış
- Coşkun
- Çakal
- Delikarabaş
- Çürük
- Çıplak
- Kör
On the other hand, requests are not limited to surname changes.
Applications for name changes due to spelling errors, mispronunciations, or past mistakes in civil registry records are also notable. The most common examples in these applications are listed as follows:
MOST FREQUENTLY CORRECTED NAMES
- Keziban › Kezban
- Firdess › Firdevs
- Ümüt › Ümit
- Hava › Havva
- Memet › Mehmet
- Rabiye › Rabiya
- Sümeyya › Sümeyye
- Yunis › Yunus