A name forms a part of a child’s identity and personality. It also plays a crucial role in the child’s link to their family. Therefore, as a parent you have the right to freely choose your child’s name. The right to choose your child’s name is protected by the human right to a private and family life.
At the same time your child has a right to have a name which is also protected by their right to a private and family life.
You may choose to give your child a family name which is either yours or that of the other parent. Both parents must mutually agree on the child’s given name and family name.
Restrictions on choice of the name
A surname consisting of two names assigned to a parent upon marriage cannot be assigned to a child as a surname. If the surname of both parents consists of two names, the surname of one of the parents will be given to the child upon agreement between the parents.