Strange

Sweden relaxes stance on weird children's names

by Rob Peters | August 12, 2008 at 09:25 am

1102 views | 0 Recommendations | 5 comments

Sweden has relaxed its rules on naming children weird things like Heineken, Mouthpad and Dubble Bubble. The country once frowned on such lapses of judgment, but, according to one official, it's no longer considered 'negative' in this day and age to name children after corporations and other oddities. I completely disagree, but George Costanza and his future child, Seven, would be happy to hear the news.

My question is why was there even a need for the stricter version of this legislation in the first place? Is there a generation of Swedes out there named Dairy Queen?

In any case, in relaxing these policies, Sweden proves to be once again the first to adopt progressive legislation. The price is that there may soon be little Budweisers running around Swedish homes.

For the complete history of Swedish naming practices, check out this link.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden - Swedish authorities say parents can now name their newborns "Budweiser" or "Metallica" if they so wish.

For decades, Swedish tax authorities had banned parents from naming their children after fast food chains, rock bands or their favorite brand of beer.

But tax authority spokesman Lars Tegenfeldt says the guidelines have been relaxed. He says "there is nothing negative about a name like Coca-Cola or McDonald's today. In the 1970s, maybe it was."

Still, authorities are drawing the line at giving children swear words for names. And forget about naming your child God, Allah or Devil.

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World_Groove

at 09:33 on August 12th, 2008

I can see it now....... The kid a Burger King asking if you "want fries with that" is named McDonalds, the man driving the Coors delivery truck is Budweiser, the gynecologist is Trojans, and the proctologist is KY Jelly

BallyZACA

at 11:45 on August 12th, 2008

Don't knock what you don't know bout' Sweden, this is minor to some of the doctrine that has been created within the Riksdagen. All-in-all, its a wonderful country, as they all have their senior moments.

Curt Butler, an American ex-Patriot residing in Sweden

Easy Name Change (not verified)

at 02:58 on August 13th, 2008

Strange on in New Zealand! A girl won a court battle against her parents wishes. She was called 'Tallula does the Hulla from Hawaii'. The courts let her change it because they likened it to a cruel and unusual punishment as she would constantly be bullied. Maybe Sweeden is doing the right thing by protecting kids from tripped out parents.

Name Change Kit (not verified)

at 22:07 on October 29th, 2008

The Swedish, so sensible why did they change that law. I have a friend who was going to call their twins "Moonbeam" & "Sunshine". I talked her out of it.