West Virginia Code § 2-1-1 provides:
The common law of England, so far as it is not repugnant to the principles of the constitution of this state, shall continue in force within the same, except in those respects wherein it was altered by the general assembly of Virginia before the twentieth day of June, eighteen hundred and sixty-three, or has been, or shall be, altered by the Legislature of this state.

PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME OF HARRIS, 236 SE 2d 426 - W Va: Supreme Court of Appeals 1977 states:
The common-law rule was that a person could change his or her name without legal proceedings provided there was no fraudulent purpose in doing so.

Affidavit