Judgment of the Gelderland District Court dated July 7, 2021

The applicant has family living abroad on the paternal side. Originally, a certain first name was frequently used within the applicant’s family. It was (or is) customary within the applicant’s family to pass on this name to the next generation, as a form of naming after.

However, the applicant’s parents consciously chose to give the applicant only one first name at birth registration, which made it impossible to pass on this ‘family name’ to the applicant. The applicant deeply regrets this, as he is the first in so many generations where the name does not return. The name is a part of his identity and his family; the applicant regrets that his parents broke with this traditional naming practice.

The applicant would like to continue the family tradition and carry the ‘family name’ as a second first name. He believes this is of particular importance because the name provides a connection to the older generations in his family, even though he did not actually know these individuals. Finally, it is important that the applicant’s parents did not realize the consequences of not passing on the name; they also regret it. The applicant has a good relationship with his grandfather, who also bears this name. In that context, the applicant considers it an honor to continue his name. By carrying the name, the applicant will feel like a ‘full’ part of the bloodline and the family on his father’s side, as the name now forms an essential part of the family bond.

The court, given the applicant’s motivation, judges that he has a sufficiently weighty interest in the request for a name change. Therefore, the court approves the request, in line with the applicant’s wishes.

After the formal three-month deadline for appeal has been completed, the applicant will be able to carry the desired family name.