Overview

• A new German surname law, effective May 1, 2025, allows spouses and children to adopt double surnames, a change previously prohibited under older regulations.
• Jenny Elvers has publicly urged her 24-year-old son Paul to change his surname to Elvers-Elbertzhagen, reflecting both sides of his parentage.
• Paul was born as Elvers but adopted the surname Elbertzhagen after Elvers married Goetz Elbertzhagen in 2003; the couple divorced in 2014.
• Elvers has described the proposed name change as the ideal gift for her 53rd birthday on May 11, which coincides with Mother’s Day this year.
• It remains unclear whether Paul will comply with his mother’s request, as no decision has been announced.