Can I give my child any name I want in Norway?
Mostly yes — you have fairly free choice, but the Names Act sets some limits. The child must have a first name and a surname, and you must report the name to the population register before the child turns 6 months. If you do not, something happens automatically: the child takes the mother's surname, and is listed as "boy" or "girl" until a first name is reported. Protected surnames — those held by 200 or fewer people — you may usually only take with the consent of everyone who bears the name, while surnames held by more than 200 are free for anyone. A name can be refused if it is a serious disadvantage to the child or clearly offensive. A middle name is optional.
📋 The rules
- The child must have a first name and a surname
- Report the name before the child turns 6 months
- Not reported: the child takes the mother's surname
- Protected surname (200 or fewer): needs consent
- A name can be refused if it is a serious disadvantage to the child
🔓 Exceptions
- You can take a protected surname if you have a genealogical or family connection
- Step-relationships and marriage give a right to certain surnames
- New surnames can be accepted if they are not already a protected name
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There is no fine here — the sanction is a different one, and it is automatic. If you do not report the name before the child turns 6 months, the child takes the mother's surname without anyone asking you, and until a first name is reported the child is listed as "boy" or "girl" in the population register. Fixing it afterwards is not the same as reporting on time: you then have to apply for a change of name, and that is handled as a separate case. Choose a protected surname without the consent of those who bear it and the name will not be approved — the same goes for a name that is clearly offensive or a serious disadvantage to the child.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
How long do I have to name the child?
You must report the name to the population register before the child turns 6 months. Letting the deadline pass triggers an automatic outcome: if you do not report, the child takes the mother's surname with no further process.
What happens if I do not report the name in time?
The child automatically takes the mother's surname, and is listed as "boy" or "girl" until a first name is reported. Changing it later requires a separate change-of-name application — it is not just a late submission.
Can I use any surname I want?
Surnames held by more than 200 people are free and can be taken by anyone. Protected names with 200 or fewer bearers usually need the consent of all who bear them, unless you have a genealogical or family connection.
Can a name be refused?
Yes, if it is a serious disadvantage to the child or clearly offensive. The threshold is high and the starting point is that you choose freely — but a name that will obviously harm the child can be rejected.
Must the child have a middle name?
No, a middle name is entirely optional. The only requirement is at least one first name and one surname, and those are what you must report to the population register before the child turns 6 months.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I name my child anything norway”
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- “middle name optional”