sérnafni

Sérnafni is an Icelandic word that translates to "given name" or "first name." In Iceland, given names are deeply rooted in tradition and follow specific naming conventions. The Icelandic Naming Committee, or Mannanafnanefnd, is responsible for approving or rejecting names that do not comply with established Icelandic grammar and tradition. This committee ensures that names are not offensive and can be correctly declined in Icelandic.

Children traditionally receive one given name, though sometimes two are allowed if they are culturally accepted. The second name is not typically considered a middle name in the Anglo-American sense but rather an additional given name. When a child is born, their parents must choose a name for them within a specific timeframe, and this name must be submitted to the Naming Committee for approval. If a name is rejected, parents must choose another.

The practice of patronymics and matronymics is still very common in Iceland, meaning a person's surname is derived from their father's or mother's given name, respectively, with the addition of "-son" for sons or "-dóttir" for daughters. For example, if a man named Jón has a son, the son's surname would be Jónsson. If he has a daughter, her surname would be Jónsdóttir. Therefore, sérnafni, or the given name, plays a crucial role in forming a person's full identity within the Icelandic naming system.