Naming a Child is No Child’s Play
Iceland has strict regulations governing the names that are allowed, all to preserve the Icelandic language. Any names that have not been previously accepted must undergo approval by the Icelandic Naming Committee. Iceland’s Naming Committee maintains an official register of approved Icelandic names, and there are restrictions on names that do not conform to these laws.
Parents are encouraged to wait a few days or weeks to observe their child before selecting a name. In Iceland, it is common for individuals to be addressed by their first names, and even telephone directories adhere to this practice, reflecting the cultural importance of names and their significance in Icelandic society.
