Judgment of the Rotterdam District Court of July 29, 2020

The petitioners are the parents of a daughter who is a few weeks old. At the time of her birth registration, they chose the name Emily* for her.

After the birth of their daughter, it became apparent that the mother of the petitioner is seriously deteriorating in health. Reflecting on the name choice, the petitioner realizes he did not adequately consider the significant role his mother has played in his life and that of their daughter. Given the poor health of the petitioner’s mother, it is expected that she will not live much longer, despite all treatments.

Additionally, a few years ago, the petitioners had another daughter whom they named after the mother of the petitioner’s spouse. She had passed away before their daughter was born. Thus, both minors will (almost) not know their grandmothers. The petitioners regret this and wish through this request to acknowledge the significant role played by the petitioner’s mother in his life, and to provide their younger daughter with some form of connection to her grandmother. They wish to rename their daughter in her honor, considering it important for both their daughter and the grandmother. The name will provide a connection between the granddaughter and her grandmother.

Considering the petitioners’ motivation, the court believes that the law does not oppose the request and approves the application.

• The actual first name has been fictionalized.