Judgment of the Amsterdam District Court dated July 7, 2021

The applicant grew up in a Catholic family and was given Catholic names at birth. However, since the age of 14, he has had no affinity with any religion. Therefore, he finds it unpleasant that his name connects him to the Catholic faith.

During his youth, the applicant experienced limited inconvenience due to his first names (at that time, there was no requirement for official identification). However, nowadays he is increasingly confronted with his (baptismal) names. It bothers him more and more. Because he has been given many baptismal names, their usage often leads to discomfort. He also receives many questions about them. Furthermore, the names are so clearly associated with the Catholic faith that it gives others the impression that the applicant is Catholic. The applicant wants to get rid of this association. He had previously wished to change his first names, but he didn’t know how to do it. Moreover, out of respect for his parents, he didn’t want to take such a step, even though they once admitted to the applicant that it was not wise to give him so many baptismal names.

To support the request for a name change, he further argues that he has developed a habit in the past of using only specific initials. For practical reasons, he wishes to retain his second and third initials.

The court, based on the applicant’s motivation, approves the request for a name change.