Scope and Content: St 1851, c 256 granted probate judges the authority to hear and determine all applications for changing names of persons residing in their counties and directed them to make annual returns of name changes to the office of the state secretary.  Prior to this time name changes were granted directly by the legislature.  Returns were filed with the secretary until 1976, when new legislation directed that they be filed with the commissioner of public health (St 1976, c 486, s 25).
Arrangement: Arranged chronologically by year, thereunder by county, and then chronologically by date of decree
Restrictions: Returns of names changed for reason of adoption restricted by statutory provision MGLA c 120, s 5D
Notes: Returns for 1857-1860 and 1866-1869 missing
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