When you adopt a child, you are able to make the decision to change a portion or all of their name. Some parents make the decision to keep a portion of their birth name so that there is still a connection to their past. Some keep the first name as the first while others choose to make their birth-given first name the child’s middle name. Others choose to change the entire name. If you are adopting a child old enough to understand, we recommend you involve them in the conversation so that they are comfortable with the end decision. Some families have shared that they changed the child’s name at the child’s desire to have a fresh start.

You are the parent and ultimately need to make the decision that is best for your child and your family.

Thank you for your great question! If you have questions, send them to #youaskedfa or Kim@fosteraz.com