Upon conversion to Judaism does one have to take a Jewish name? Do you have to legally change your name?

Also can someone give support from the Tanakh if one is suppossed to take a Jewish name upon conversion. Not trying to start a debate but trying to learn.

Upon conversion to Judaism does one have to take a Jewish name? Do you have to legally change your name?
There is no requirement to take a new name, however it is a common practice, especially amongst converts whose everyday names have religious connotations (such as Christopher etc).





What is required is that the person choose a hebrew name which will be used for religious purposes. This is in the form of x ben (son of) Avraham or x bat (daughter of) Sarah. x can be anything, but is often a Hebrew form of an English name (thus one convert I know whose name is Kevin chose Akiva for his Hebrew name).
Reply:There's nothing in the Tanakh about how to convert--as I recall, the only convert was Ruth.





Almost everyone takes a Hebrew name, which is only used within the synagogue; you don't have to legally change your name.
Reply:It's a common practice but I don't know if it is required. I don't think it is. Having a Hebrew name doesn't require changing identity records but that is obviously an option.

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