Judgment of the Limburg District Court dated June 23, 2021

The petitioner was originally given the name Esmee* at birth, with the intention of her parents to give her only one first name; the petitioner’s parents wanted to break with the Christian tradition. Subsequently, the petitioner’s parents did not have any other children.

The petitioner regrets that she is not named after a family member; in this case, she wants to be named after her grandmothers. The petitioner’s grandmother on her mother’s side is named Elsia. This is also the first name of the petitioner’s mother and the third first name of the petitioner’s father. She would like to honor her grandmother by adopting the name Elsia. She has never met her grandmother, but according to family members, she resembles her in many ways (in terms of behavior, way of speaking, and other character traits).

Additionally, the petitioner wishes to take on the name Fransisca. This is the name of her grandmother on her father’s side. The petitioner has a special bond with her, and she cherishes many loving memories from her childhood. She played an important role in the petitioner’s care and upbringing. The petitioner also believes that the name Fransisca connects her to her Czech ancestors.

*Real first names are fictitious.