Namnsregler

Namnsregler, or name rules, refer to the set of legal and administrative standards that govern personal names within a jurisdiction. These rules define which names may be used for individuals, how many given names can be registered, how surnames are chosen or combined, and how names can be changed after birth. The purpose is to ensure that names are manageable within official records, protect individuals from confusion or disadvantage, and support clear identification in civil registries.

In many countries namnsregler are codified in a dedicated naming law or embedded in broader civil or family law. Typical features include prohibitions on names that are offensive, misleading, or could create practical problems in official contexts; restrictions on using surnames as given names; rules about the allowed characters and spellings; and guidelines on the number of given names that may be registered. Some systems distinguish between an official givennamn and a commonly used tilltalsnamn, the latter not always part of the legal registry.

Registration and changes generally proceed through a national civil registry or tax authority. At birth, a child is registered with one or more givennamn and a surname. Changing a name later usually requires a formal application, justification, and administrative approval; in some cases changes involve fees or periodic reassessment. The authority that oversees namnsregler maintains the official name in all identity documents and public records. Names approved under the rules become the person’s legal identity, while rejected proposals must be adjusted to conform with the regulations.