What's the Reason Behind Denmark’s Strict Baby Name Approval Process?

Denmark, known for its unique cultural and social measures, has a distinctive requirement that may seem unusual to parents from other countries: naming a child requires formal approval from the government. This practice is aimed at protecting children from potentially inappropriate or unconventional names. In this article, we will explore why Denmark has such stringent laws and the implications of these regulations.

Stricter Law on Personal Names: A Shield or a Restricted Choice?

The need for naming approval in Denmark stems from a strict law on personal names enacted to ensure that children are not given names that may be harmful, offensive, or inappropriate. This law is designed to protect children from names that might limit their future social and professional lives. The government maintains a list of approximately 7000 pre-approved names, specifically categorized for girls and boys, which parents must adhere to when naming their children.

Rejection and Acceptance of Names: A Statistical Overview

Of the roughly 1100 names submitted for review annually, only a handful (15-20 names) are rejected. These refusals are for names that are deemed too unusual, creative spellings of common names, or names that lack gender indications. Here are a few examples of rejected and approved names to illustrate the point:

Rejected Names

Anus Pluto Mongo

Approved Names

Benji Jiminico Molli Fee

WithName the law encourages parents to choose names from the approved list, which not only helps in ensuring uniformity but also avoids giving children names that might be considered offensive or inappropriate. Deviations from this list are rare and require special permission, often through the local church and governmental review.

Protecting Against Unusual and Offensive Names

Denmark’s approach to name approval is not just about ensuring compliance with common names. It also aims to safeguard children from receiving names that might be associated with negative connotations or inappropriate spellings. For instance, even common names like Christopher have multiple variations, such as Christoffer, Kristoffer, and Kristopher. However, the spelling Christophpher is rejected as it is considered incorrect.

Example of Legal Naming Practice

Take the case of Christopher. If a parent decides to spell it as Christophpher, it may be rejected, but the parent can still keep the name, ensuring no other child can use it. This measure is in place to prevent children from being given names that are:

Stupid or inappropriate Silly or whimsical Unusual or unconventional

This is particularly important for names that might be associated with negative stereotypes, such as North, which was chosen for Kanye West’s daughter. The name might cause social ridicule or bullying, making the future of the child challenging.

Protecting Rare Danish Last Names

A significant aspect of Denmark's personal names law is the protection of rare and unique Danish last names. This ensures that these names are preserved and passed down through generations, contributing to the cultural heritage of the country. By maintaining a list of approved names, the government ensures that these identities are maintained.

Conclusion: An Oxymoron or a Necessity

The requirement for naming approval in Denmark may seem like an oxymoron to those unfamiliar with the culture. However, it is a necessity in ensuring that children are given names that do not hinder their social and professional development. By adhering to the pre-approved list of names, parents contribute to a harmonious society where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.

References: Politiken. (2021). Godkendelse af personalnavne i Danmark. Available from: