You can change your child's forenames on the original birth entry if new forenames have been used within 12 months of the date of the birth registration, either by baptism or on a certificate of naming.
Note that this must be completed before any application to re-register the birth is made.
Baptism
If your child has been baptised in a Christian church within 12 months from the date of registration with forenames that differ from those in the original birth entry, a certificate of name given in baptism should be given to the vicar or minister of the church where the baptism took place for completion and signature.
You must then submit the certificate of name given in baptism form.
Certificate of naming
If your child has not been baptised, but you have used different forenames within 12 months of the date of registration, you should complete a certificate of name not given in baptism.
The relevant form must be completed by hand with original signatures and returned to the registry office that holds the birth record.
Where more than 12 months have elapsed since the date of registration, you will need to provide documentary evidence to prove the change occurred within the 12 months from the date of registration.
Amended birth registration
The change to the forenames will be entered into the birth register entry.
Although the names given to the child at the time of the original registration will still appear, the change will be entered onto the bottom of the register entry to show the new information.
Fee
A fee of £40 will be charged for this service.
Updated certificates
Once the name has been amended certified copies of the updated entry can be purchased for a fee.
Name changes after 12 months
Where it is not possible to change the forenames by either of the above methods, you could consider completing a 'deed poll' or a 'change of name deed'.
The new name cannot be added or included on the birth register entry, but it is a legal way to change a person's name.
Further information can be obtained from Gov.uk, the Citizens Advice Bureau or a solicitor.