ICELANDIC LAWS FOR GIVING NAMES

The following laws apply when naming children born in Iceland: Íslensk mannanafnalög (Icelandic naming laws) nr. 45, 17. May 1996.

1. Families in which both parents are foreign citizens are exempt from this law. These individuals are free to name their children according to their own customs.
2. Families in which one parent is Icelandic and the other parent is or has been a foreign citizen, certain rules must be followed.

• The name of the child must be registered within 6 months from birth.
• Either the child’s first name or middle name must be on the current list of Icelandic names or parents must be able to prove that the name has historical links to Iceland. Also, the name must comply with Icelandic grammar rules. Parents who choose one Icelandic name are allowed to select the second name from their respective language or culture. Parents are allowed a maximum of three names, i.e., two first names, and one middle name, or three first names. The child may have a foreign family name.
  

THE FOLLOWING LAWS APPLY WHEN BECOMING AN ICELANDIC CITIZEN

A foreign-born national who is granted Icelandic citizenship is not required to change his/her name. The same applies to his/her foreign-born children. However, foreign nationals may assume an Icelandic name as their first or middle name if they so desire.

THE FOLLOWING APPLIES WHEN AN ICELANDER MARRIES A FOREIGNER

As was mentioned earlier, foreign nationals do not have to change names when granted Icelandic citizenship. It is however permissible to take the family name of one’s spouse; one may either adopt the son or the daughter name. For instance, if Mary Smith marries Jon Jonsson she may be called, Mary Smith, Mary Jonsson or Mary Jonsdottir. If John Smith marries Maria Jonsdottir he may be called John Smith or John Jonsson.

TO REGISTER THE NAME

Priests legally give names during baptism in the state church or in any other legally registered religious organization. Names may also be registered at Þjóðskrá (National Registry). If there any problems with the choice of names, parents will be notified at the time of baptism by the priest or by the Þjóðskrá. Should there be any questions regarding the legitimacy of the name a ruling will be made by the Name Committee (Mannanafnanefnd), of the Ministry of Justice and Ecclesiastical Affairs (Dóms og Kirkjumálaráðuneytið).