In G.L. Ch. 210, Section 12, it allows for a petition to change a name of a person and that can be heard by Probate Court in the county where the person resides. The change of name shall be granted unless it is inconsistent with public interest. It is the idea that it is a well settled law and that a common law if someone can change their name at will and provided that it is done for an honest purpose.
There are case laws including the petition of two minors for change of name 65 Mass. APP. Court 850, Section 206, which describes allowing or denying a change of name for children in a divorce.
