A name forms a part of a child’s identity and personality. It also plays a crucial role in the child’s link to their family.
Parent’s choice and the child’s right
As a parent you have the right to freely choose your child’s name. The right to choose your child’s name is protected by the human right to a private and family life.
At the same time your child has a right to have a name which is also protected by their right to a private and family life.
You may choose to give your child a family name which is either yours or that of the other parent. Both parents must mutually agree on the child’s given name and family name.
Restrictions on choice of the name
The choice of the name is subject to certain requirements and can be restricted in the interests of your child.
Language requirements
In Latvia, the registration of your child’s name may be refused if it does not comply with the rules of literary Latvian language. These rules are set out in Cabinet Regulations.
Impact of the name
While choosing the name for a child, you should consider whether the particular name could have a negative effect on the child’s development, personality and relationship with others.
If the General Registry Office believes that the name you have chosen may have such a negative effect, it has the right to contact the Orphan’s Court. If necessary, the Orphan’s Court may evaluate whether the name you have chosen is offensive, eccentric or excessively whimsical and therefore likely to harm the child’s interests. In such case, you may be contacted by the Orphan’s Court.
Disagreements
In Latvia, if both parents cannot agree on a child’s name, it will be chosen by the Orphan’s Court.