Baby naming in Europe: rules and customs country by country
Europe has no single naming law. Some countries leave the choice almost entirely to parents, while others ask a registry to approve the name. This guide gives a short overview of what to expect; always check with your own local registry.
United Kingdom
Parents have wide freedom. A registrar may refuse a name that is obscene, contains numerals or symbols, or is impossible to pronounce. In England and Wales a birth is normally registered within 42 days. The latest ONS-based rankings reported Muhammad as the most popular boys’ name and Olivia for girls.
Ireland
Irish-language names are common, and the fada (accent) is accepted on names such as Rían and Éabha. The Central Statistics Office reported Rían and Lily as the most popular names in 2025, the first time either had reached number one since the series began in 1964.
Germany
Birth is registered at the local registry office (Standesamt). The name must not endanger the child’s wellbeing, and an office can ask you to change a name it considers unsuitable. Gender-neutral first names are allowed. Recent rankings reported by the German Society for the German Language show Noah and Sofia/Sophia near the top, with Theo and Leo rising.
France
Since 1993 parents have been free to choose, but a prosecutor can ask a judge to change a name that is contrary to the child’s interest. This has happened with names that were considered ridiculous or likely to cause mockery.
Spain
Names are registered at the Civil Registry. A name cannot be harmful to the child’s dignity or confuse their identity. The National Statistics Institute’s latest release, for 2024 births, shows Sofía and Mateo in first place.
Italy
Italian law does not allow a child to be given the name of a living father, mother or sibling, and names that are ridiculous or shameful are not accepted. Leonardo and Sofia have topped recent lists.
Denmark, Iceland and Sweden
Several northern countries are stricter than most. Denmark has a list of approved first names, and a name not on it needs permission. Iceland keeps a register of approved names and a committee can approve new ones that fit the language. Sweden does not allow names likely to cause offence or discomfort to the child. Surname customs also vary: Iceland uses patronymics rather than family names.
What this means for you
If you live in one of these countries, or plan to register there, check with the registry before you finalise the name. If you are choosing a name from another culture, the registry may ask how it is spelled and may expect it to be written in the local alphabet.