In Estonia, some people have changed their name multiple times. For example, one man has had four names. He committed a financial crime. Now his name is Ilya Dalberg. Previously, he was Ilja Morozov and Ilya Birev.
Another man is Hando Hanschmidt. He has also changed his name. Previously, he was Palm and Mäesalu. He committed a major tax fraud.
Usually, a name can be changed once. If the reason is good, it can be done multiple times. If someone gets married or divorced, the name can be changed.
If a person commits a very serious crime, they cannot change their name. For example, murder or drug offenses. Then the state prohibits the name change.
A name can be changed if the old name is too complicated or bad. Or if a person wants to carry their grandparents' name. A crime is not a reason for a name change.
The Ministry of the Interior does not know who has changed their name the most times in Estonia. There are many reasons for changing a name.