EIRP Proceedings, Vol 4 (2009)

Abstract

In the Roman law, changing the name was possible except for the case in which this change would have been fraudulent. This possibility was kept also in the Middle Age but with some restrictions: the handicraftsmen were not allowed to change their name when it served as a factory brand, the notary could not change his name without having an authorization, and neither could he change his normal signature. Gradually, the monarchy increased its control in this matter, tending to transform a social institution into a police one.