deed poll

American  

[pohl] / poʊl /

noun

Law.

plural

deeds poll

1. a deed signed and executed only by the grantor.

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deed poll British  

noun

1. law a deed made by one party only, esp one by which a person changes his name

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Etymology

Origin of deed poll

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

An inquest into Mr Lawrence's death, which opened at Wakefield Coroner's Court on Monday, was told the suspect was born Owen Lawrence Eames, before changing his name by deed poll.

From BBC • May 12, 2025

He changed his real name by deed poll before he was officially charged so he could protect his privacy.

From BBC • May 7, 2022

A smiley care worker from Liverpool, Benson recently changed his middle name by deed poll to I Love Spam.

From The Guardian • Jul. 22, 2017

Mr Fishfinger, a rival candidate who changed his name by deed poll, stood directly behind Farron and pulled faces during his speech.

From Time • Jun. 9, 2017

I'd have to change my name by deed poll, but Dad’d never let me.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell