New Post
Search
Help
ArchivesRe: So many bad name sites out there (a little warning)
in reply to a message by Caprice
As for the surname thing --
Part of that is simply the difference in customs and laws about using surnames as given names in English-speaking countries vs. Sweden. Because there is no restriction on turning surnames into given names in English-speaking countries, most people in those countries (especially the USA and Canada) often think of given names and surnames as being about the same thing. Since in the USA there is no problem with giving a child, especially a boy, a name like Beck, Blix, or Lang as a given name, it wouldn't occur to most Americans making a list of "Swedish names" that there would be anything wrong with including them, since they do have a Swedish origin.
Part of that is simply the difference in customs and laws about using surnames as given names in English-speaking countries vs. Sweden. Because there is no restriction on turning surnames into given names in English-speaking countries, most people in those countries (especially the USA and Canada) often think of given names and surnames as being about the same thing. Since in the USA there is no problem with giving a child, especially a boy, a name like Beck, Blix, or Lang as a given name, it wouldn't occur to most Americans making a list of "Swedish names" that there would be anything wrong with including them, since they do have a Swedish origin.
1
Replies
I know, but then they shouldn't be listed as "Swedish names". In Sweden we have very restricted laws about not using surnames as first names (no, I don't know why). You are allowed to use first names like Pebbles, Passionfruit, Star, Summercloud, Twilight, etc, but not Nilsson, Lindgren or Strindberg.
1
LOLOL
I'd rather be Nillson than Summercloud.
I'd rather be Nillson than Summercloud.
1