Can I give my child any name I want in Denmark?
Mostly — but the name must be approved, and there are some limits. The child must have a first name and a surname within 6 months of birth. The first name must be on the list of approved first names published by the Family Law House; if the name is new, it is assessed against three requirements — it must be a genuine first name, not unsuitable and not offensive. A boy cannot be given a girl's name, and a girl cannot be given a boy's name — only unisex names cross over. A surname held by more than 2,000 people is free; otherwise it is protected. If you do not give the child a first name in time, you can be fined.
📋 The rules
- The child must have a name within 6 months of birth
- The first name must be on the list of approved names
- New names must be genuine, not unsuitable and not offensive
- A boy cannot be given a girl's name or vice versa
- A surname with more than 2,000 bearers is free
🔓 Exceptions
- Only unisex names can be used across gender
- If you do not give the child a surname, it automatically takes the mother's surname
- In Sønderjylland children are named via the municipality, not by baptism
⚠️ Penalties & fines
If the child has no first name after 6 months, the parents can be fined. If a surname is missing, the child automatically takes the mother's surname.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Can I give my child any name I want?
Mostly, but the first name must be on the list of approved names, and the child must have a name within 6 months.
When must the child have a name?
Within 6 months of birth the child must have both a first name and a surname.
Can I give my son a girl's name?
No. A boy cannot be given a girl's name, and a girl cannot be given a boy's name. Only unisex names cross over.
What if the name is not approved?
A new name is assessed against three requirements: it must be a genuine first name, not unsuitable and not offensive.
What happens if I do not name in time?
If the child has no first name after 6 months, you can be fined, and the child automatically takes the mother's surname.
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