Legal name is spelled /ˈliːɡəl neɪm/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word "legal" is pronounced with a long "e" sound (/liːɡəl/), followed by a short "a" sound (/n/). "Name" is pronounced with a long "a" sound (/neɪm/). The correct spelling of a person's legal name is important for legal documents and identification purposes. It is the name that appears on a person's birth certificate, identification card, and other official documents. It is also the name they use in legal proceedings.
The legal name refers to the name that a person carries on formal, legal documents, such as identification, official records, and legal proceedings. It is the name that is recognized and accepted by the legal system and is used to identify and distinguish individuals for various legal purposes.
A person's legal name typically consists of their given name(s) and surname, which are officially registered and recognized by government authorities. It is the name that appears on their birth certificate, passport, driver's license, and other official documents. In many cases, a legal name also includes any middle names or initials that a person may have.
The legal name is important as it helps establish a person's legal identity and serves as a key means of identification. It is used to verify a person's identity in official transactions, legal matters, employment records, and signing contracts. Additionally, it can be the basis for determining legal rights and obligations, such as property ownership, inheritance, and entitlement to various benefits or privileges.
In some cases, individuals may choose to change their legal name due to personal preferences, marriage, divorce, or other reasons. Such changes usually require legal procedures, such as filing a name change application, obtaining court orders, or following relevant legal requirements, to ensure that the new name is legally recognized and can be used for official purposes.
The word "legal" comes from the Latin word "legalis", which is derived from "lex" meaning "law". It pertains to something that is in accordance with the laws established by a particular society or governing body.
The word "name" originated from the Old English word "nama", which has Germanic roots. Its earliest usage can be traced back to Proto-Germanic, where it shared similar forms in various Germanic languages. The meaning of "name" is generally understood as a word or term used to identify a specific individual or thing.
When these two words are combined to form "legal name", it refers to the name that is recognized and accepted by law, distinguishing an individual from others. It is the name that is used for legal and official purposes, such as identification, contracts, and other legal documents.