Dual names in Ireland

Lockstep

I was just wondering which exactly is an Irish persons name: the anglican or hibernian version.

As an example, I'm Cian Moran but I've been told that legally I'm also Cian O'Morain.


Anyone able to clariify this?
Would someone be able to write their hibernian name on an official document or anything like that?

seamus

I think it depends. Depending on the document, you may be required to show that you normally use that name in every day life.

For example, your passport shows that name that appears on your birth cert, but you can have it show a different name (e.g. the Irish translation) if you can provide evidence that you would normally use that name/spelling - bank statements and so forth. A note is then made in your passport that the name is not your birth name but it is your normal name.

To the best of my knowledge, if you wish to actually change your name, rather than alter the spelling or use a different translation, it needs to be legally recognised through a formal application.