Share of the French who would change their surname if the law allowed it 2022, by age

On January 26, 2022, the French National Assembly adopted, in first reading and with modifications, a law proposal aimed at facilitating the steps of people who wish to bear the name of the parent which was not given to them at birth, whether it is the name of use (name of daily life) or the family name (the one registered on the civil status certificate). The text provides that from now on, people over 18 years old would be able to change their family name once in their life by deciding to take either their mother's name, their father's name, or both names, in the order they wish.

According to a survey conducted among French people at the beginning of January 2022, more than one out of five French people would want to change their name if it were made possible by the public authorities. This proportion varies significantly according to age: nearly half of 18-24 year olds would want to change their name, compared to 14 percent of those over 50.

In France, the majority of married women still bear their husband's name.