Turkey: Common names and surnames requested for change

Citizens in Turkey are increasingly seeking to change their names and surnames through courts and population directorates. Common reasons for these requests include pronunciation difficulties, spelling errors, and negative connotations or religious sensitivities.

Reported frequently changed names include Yunis, Memet, Hava, and Perişan. Some names are avoided due to religious reasons, such as those attributed to divine attributes or specific religious titles. Others are changed due to perceived negative etymological meanings.

Regarding surnames, reports based on data from the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs indicate that Top, Koyun, and Satılmış are among the most frequently changed. Other surnames appearing in change requests include Coşkun, Çakal, Deli, Karabaş, Çürük, Çıplak, and Kör. These changes are often driven by social experiences in school or work environments where certain surnames may lead to misunderstandings or unwanted associations.