Interests, Reactions, and Perspectives on Naming Practices in Europe; Germany, France, and the Netherlands

This paper explores the multifaceted landscape of naming conventions across these three European nations, highlighting the interplay between cultural heritage, legal frameworks, and individual agency in name selection. It delves into the varied approaches to name regulation, examining how national and cultural features influence naming practices and individual identity (Saparniyazova & Sabirova, 2023). The analysis further considers the dynamic nature of names, acknowledging that individual identities and societal norms can lead to name changes beyond birth, encompassing shifts due to partnerships, adoption, or gender transitions (Gautam et al., 2024). This paper aims to conceptualize the challenges inherent in name regulation by demonstrating diverse national approaches and proposing potential cross-border regulatory frameworks to benefit both individuals and involved countries (Shakargy, 2020). It further examines the divergence in naming acceptance between supporters and players in France and Germany, and the accentuation of the habituation effect regarding naming (Gautier et al., 2023). Finally, this paper considers the implications of evolving societal views on gender and identity for naming practices, particularly in the context of non-binary recognition within European fundamental rights law (Osella, 2022). This includes a critical examination of how legal systems, particularly in Germany, have adapted to allow greater flexibility in gender-specific naming, moving away from stringent binary classifications (Sandst & Syrjälä, 2020). This evolution is particularly evident in the growing acceptance of gender-neutral names and the legal provisions enabling individuals to select names aligning with their self-identified gender, often contrasting with historical legislative rigidity, such as France's 1803 law which, while initially focused on preventing surnames as first names, was later applied to protect children from potentially harmful appellations (Willingham-McLain, 1997).