Sünninimetuna

Sünninimetuna is an Estonian term that translates to "given name at birth" or "birth name." It refers to the name a person is officially registered with at the time of their birth. This is the name that will appear on official documents such as birth certificates, passports, and identification cards. In Estonian culture, like in many others, the given name is typically chosen by the parents and often holds familial or cultural significance. It is the primary identifier for an individual. The term distinguishes this name from a surname, which is inherited or adopted, and also from any nicknames or chosen names that an individual might acquire later in life. Understanding sünninimetuna is key to comprehending Estonian naming conventions and administrative processes related to personal identification. It is the foundational name upon which an individual's identity is legally built.