Changing One's Name

Excerpts from What`s In A Name? :

- Some say that a name cannot be changed by ordinary people, but only by someone of special qualities. But this is only to change the first and principal name. But if a name is merely being added, anyone can do it.

- Some have the custom when changing a patient's name to open a Chumash; the patient is then given the first name of our ancestors that appears on the right hand side of the volume. But if the name that appears is the name of a rasha, the patient is not given the name. Others say that it not proper to open a Chumash as a means of casting lots.

- When changing a name, the added name becomes the first name.

- A sinner who returns and does teshuvah should have his name changed.