What's In A Name?

   If you live in Iceland apparently, quite a bit. A 15 year old girl and her mom are suing the Icelandic government for the right to legally use the name her mother gave her. And it's nothing weird like Pilot Inspektor or Hashtag. In fact, her name is Blaer (pronounced Blair) Bjarkardottir. And she was baptized Blaer by the local priest. And while I think it's a nice name, meaning "Light Breeze" in Icelandic, but it's not on the official list of names approved by the government.
   That's right, the "Official List Of Approved Names". Such a thing does exist. There are 1853 approved girls names, and 1712 for boys. And the Personal Names Register has the power to approve and disapprove someones name. That's if a parent wants to chose a name not on the official list. The list, apparently, was started to ensure names that fit Icelandic grammar and pronunciation rules and to protect children from embarrassment.
   In Blaer's case, her Mom only realized her name was not on the official list AFTER the Christening. She also says she knew someone named Blaer, who's name was accepted. But in this case, the good folks at the name registry say the name is more masculine in tone.
   So, on her OFFICIAL documents, Blaer is known as "Stulka", which means "girl" in Icelandic. Mom says she'll go to that country's supreme court if the registry doesn't change the decision. And Iceland isn't the only country with such a registry. Germany and Denmark also have them.
   To me, Stulka is a lot uglier name than Blaer. But it'still better than Pilot Inspktor, Hashtag, Fifi Trixibelle or Moxy CrimeFighter. And I'm not making those up either.
   Good luck Blaer, may a light breeze blow victory your way!
   'Nuff said.