Sir Michael Caine CBE previously Maurice Joseph Micklewhite

Question

How do we address a change of first names?

Specially if the subject is a living notable.

Answer 1

If he has officially changed his first name to Michael, the the proper place to put his original first name of Maurice is in the biography.  Michael was originally born as Maurice Joseph, or so on.

This statement can still be made if he didn't officially change is name.  Another option, if he didn't, is to make Maurice is proper first name and Michael as his preferred first name.

Since he is known as Michael Caine, I would opt to make the statement in his biography that he was born as Maurice J. Micklewhite, but his stage name has been Michael J. Caine since ....

Answer 2

It's not a change of names, it's a stage name. His real name is still Maurice Joseph Micklewhite. "In a tribute to his background, he stated: 'I was named after my father and I was knighted in his name because I love my father. I always kept my real name - I'm a very private and family-orientated person.'" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Caine

Comments

According to Wikipedia he has now changed his name by deed poll. I am uncertain as to how to express this in wikitree.