You have the right to have a name, which your parents can freely choose. Your name has to be officially registered by the State.
Your right and your parents’ choice
Your name is a very important part of your identity and plays a part in shaping your personality. It can also be a link to your family. Therefore, you have the right to have a name.
Your name is usually chosen by your parents. Apart from some minor requirements, they have the right to freely choose your name. Your name has to be officially recognized by the State and, therefore, your parents have the right to register it with the administrative unit.
Requirements for a name
Your parents can choose your name freely, but they must keep your best interests in mind when choosing your name. Therefore, your parents must follow some rules when choosing your name:
- you need to be given a personal name and a surname, which may consist of one word or several words. These words must consist of letters set out in a regulation
- a personal name cannot breach public safety, morals or rights and freedoms of others
- your parents should also consider whether the chosen name could have a negative effect on your development, personality and relationship with others. A name which is offensive, eccentric or excessively whimsical is likely to harm your interests
Registration of a name
Your name and surname are registered by the administrative unit of the municipality where you were born. The administrative unit may refuse to register your name if it does not conform to the requirements for a name and is not in your best interests.
The refusal to register your name must be lawful. Read more about aspects that have to be taken into account when deciding whether to register your name.