nimekäänete

nimekäänete is a Finnish word that translates to "name change" or "changing of names." It refers to the formal or informal process of altering one's given name or surname. This can occur for various reasons, including personal preference, marital status changes, adoption, or sometimes for cultural or religious reasons.

In Finland, the legal process for changing a name is regulated by law. Individuals wishing to change their name must typically apply to the local Digital and Population Data Services Agency (Digi- ja väestötietovirasto). The application process involves submitting specific documentation and stating the reason for the desired change. There are certain restrictions on name changes, such as not being able to choose names that are offensive, too similar to existing names, or that could cause confusion.

Historically, name changes might have been more common due to social mobility or to adopt a more Finnish-sounding name. Today, while legal name changes are still possible and are processed through official channels, informal alterations or nicknames are also part of the broader concept of "nimekäänete" in everyday Finnish language. The term itself is a compound word, with "nimi" meaning "name" and "käänete" being the partitive plural of "käänne," meaning "turn" or "change." Therefore, it literally suggests a "turning" or "changing" of names.