Changing Names Becomes a Trend in Kazakhstan: Which Regions Lead

Kazakh citizens are increasingly changing their first names, patronymics, or surnames. In the first three quarters of 2025, 14,000 people used this service, reports Tengri Life via the Telegram channel.

The most active regions are:

• Almaty — 2,981 people

• Astana — 2,459 people

• Karaganda Region — 849 people

• Aktobe Region — 741 people

• East Kazakhstan Region — 673 people

To change their name, citizens can apply to any registration authority or submit an application online through the “Government for Citizens” portal. After changing a name, an ID card and passport must be updated within a month.

Reasons for changing names include:

• Difficulty in pronouncing or unpleasant-sounding names or surnames

• Restoring a pre-marriage surname

• Using a shared surname with children or a spouse

• Choosing a name based on one parent’s nationality or national tradition

• Changing the first name, patronymic, or surname after gender reassignment surgery

Interestingly, one family in Kostanay named their daughter after a character from the popular video game Dota 2. In Kazakhstan, 28 people are registered with the name “Kazakhstan,” including one resident of Karaganda who works in law enforcement.