"Poll" is an archaic legal term referring to documents with straight edges; these distinguished a deed binding only one person from one affecting more than a single person (an "indenture", so named during the time when such agreements would be written out repeatedly on a single sheet, then the copies separated by being irregularly torn or cut, i.e. "indented", so that each party had a document with corresponding tears, to discourage forgery).
Deeds poll are used for this purpose in countries and regions including in the United Kingdom (except in Scotland),[1] Ireland,[2] Hong Kong, and Singapore.
In some other jurisdictions, a person may simply start using a new name without any formal legal process.
The usual requirements are that the new name must be used exclusively and that the change must not be made with the intent to defraud.
In English law, a person must notify every creditor of a change of name by deed poll.