Decision of the Rotterdam District Court on February 17, 2021

Petitioners have had a daughter for a number of years. They both experience “inconvenience” with their daughter’s first name, as they were unable to think carefully about the name choice during the birth registration of their daughter. Petitioners had to deal with many (unexpected) issues around the time of their daughter’s birth, and there was a (very) uncertain period regarding their relationship.

During the period around the mother’s pregnancy, petitioners could not be there for each other. It was a difficult time. The fragile foundation of their relationship meant that petitioners came to a compromise in choosing their daughter’s name, more or less out of necessity. Later, it turned out that they had done this because they were afraid their relationship would come to an end.

For the mother, the period around the pregnancy was a difficult time, and she wanted verzoeker to stay with her. Only in the last few weeks before the birth did petitioners grow closer to each other. They have overcome the difficult time around the pregnancy and lovingly care for their children. The mother, in particular, would like their daughter’s names to be changed because she is constantly reminded of the very impactful period around the pregnancy due to the single name. They had already wanted to change the minor’s first name before, but feelings of shame prevented them from pursuing it further. The desire was there all along.

Petitioners believe they have a sufficiently compelling reason for the request for a first name change because they regret the name.

The court rules that petitioners do indeed have a sufficient reason for the request. It grants the application (in writing). There is still a three-month appeal period, after which the court will send the decision to the municipality with an instruction to register the decision.