Sometimes you hear things that just pass you by. Sometimes you hear things that you think, that’s interesting. Then very occasionally you hear something that stops you in your tracks and you cry out
‘I’m sorry, say that again…..’
Sat in the Departure Lounge at Geneva Airport, talking to a Swiss Couple also waiting for the same plane. Two couples, two pregnant couples. The subject randomly got onto prospective child names.
“If you want that name then you better have your child in Britain. You won’t be allowed to call your baby that in Switzerland. Swiss Authorities have to approve names and have strict rules…”
Officially stopped in tracks.….
Switzerland, yes the country has naming rules. Can’t use names that might have a negative impact on a child’s future. Can’t use place or brand names. Middle names frowned upon as no room on official forms for them. Double surnames frowned upon. Some names changed to reflect local Italian or German pronunciations.
To be fair the couple did say things had become a bit more relaxed over the last few years, but rules are still there. At one stage there was even a list of approved baby names that you had to pick from.
Switzerland is a stunning, amazing country, it’s also occasionally just a bit barking mad. Coming from Yorkshire, I like that.
A Dad trying to cope with the loss of his Partner and becoming a single parent. 
that is mad! I would hate those rules!
LikeLike
Carol Anne, you have no idea what “names” people would pick if they were allowed to. The tolerance is high in Switzerland but not unlimited when it comes to a child being laughed at later.
LikeLike
I was talking to a kid at school who had been named Beckham. He could t wait to change his name when he could. He was 10 I think. He hated the name and hated the comments he got.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s exactly the problem. It may work for the parents. But if you name your child after a celebrity that’s a risk anyway.
LikeLike
Having said that, I was named after a famous cowboy actor 😂😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha, I knew it 😂 I was named after a female skier… although my parents were anything but excited about skiing… lol
LikeLike
Not as mad as some our government is doing.
LikeLike
Oh, that’s perfectly ok that there are rules. People’s fantasy is insane. Still, people choose names for their kids that you won’t believe. Sometimes, I think they take a few letters, throw them on the floor and the way they arrange will make the baby’s name. However, there is nothing like a list, but you have to have a name for the baby, not a fantasy object.
LikeLike
When Our boy was born the surgeon shuck our hands to say our name was the first normal name he had come across all week. He was saying increasing numbers of the baby names were just nonsensical
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I hear you! And I can only confirm what the surgeon said. Some parents seem they want to win a contest in fantasy names.
LikeLike
Some of the names are just staggering
LikeLiked by 1 person
I still think Switzerland is quite possibly the most beautiful place on earth, and I would still very much love to live in a small village at the base of the Alps, but I have to admit that the rules about naming one’s child are … off-putting! Luckily, I’m beyond child-bearing age so it wouldn’t affect me, but it rather makes me wonder what other things might be regulated that would be unnerving! Love the pictures, Gary … made me smile.
LikeLike
It still seems to have ethics and principles in its systems. Sadly we are losing ours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ain’t that the truth! Sigh.
LikeLike
It’s got even worse here today. New low which is saying something
LikeLiked by 1 person
What’s happened now? I checked both The Guardian and BBC and the only major thing I found from today was that Labour is ditching their plan to invest in green energy … is there something I’ve missed?
LikeLike
Would this name be acceptable?
LikeLike
I think it’s rather smart 😂
LikeLike
I love the fact that I have learnt and can repeat this name far quicker, than I’ve been able to learn and repeat some languages.
LikeLike