What should I bear in mind when choosing a given name for my child?
Your child’s given name or names must not be inappropriate. You may not
choose offensive or embarrassing words or a name made up of several names. You
may not use an existing surname as a given name, unless this is generally
considered to be a given name too, e.g. the Dutch name Roos.
The Registrar of Births, Deaths, Marriages and Registered Partnerships can
refuse a given name.
Registrar refuses given name
If the Registrar of Births, Deaths, Marriages and Registered Partnerships refuses the chosen name you can think of a new name. If you do not, the registrar will choose your child’s given name for you. If you do not agree, you can request the courts to change the given name within six weeks. You will need a lawyer to arrange this for you.
Given name of a child with foreign or dual nationality
You can give your child a Dutch given name even if he or she has foreign or dual nationality. Please be aware that some countries will not accept a Dutch given name. For more information ask the consulate.
Law on names
The right to a name (in Dutch) is described in Book 1 of the Civil Code.
Documents
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Which surname can I choose for my child?
For your first child you can choose either the mother’s surname or the father’s surname. This surname will be given to all ...
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How do I have a spelling mistake on a birth certificate corrected?
You can have a spelling or typing error on a birth certificate corrected by the Registrar of Births, Deaths, Marriages and ...