For those looking to take on a new identity, the Institute for the Languages of Finland (Kotus) has just updated its official list of surname suggestions. The digital catalogue has over 7,000 new names to pick from now — 6,500 Finnish surnames and 700 Swedish ones.
The names are listed alphabetically, and you can search the catalogue using keywords. For instance, you can enter ‘lumi’ (Finnish word for snow) or ‘berg’ (Swedish word for hill or mountain) in the search box to find any names that begin or end with these components.
Naming laws dictate choices
By law, every Finn must have a surname. According to Kotus, the publication is intended to be a source of inspiration for those considering changing their surname.
Earlier this year, a First- and Last Name-Act came into force which refers to a new surname as one that is currently not in use by a surviving person. Sirkka Paikkala, a Kotus specialist who was a member of the working group that fashioned the new naming laws, had said that you are allowed to change your surname to one that is not in use, or to a name used by a surviving person if certain preconditions are met.
It should also be easier to use shared names and double-barrelled names that combine two parties’ surnames.
Once a surname listed in the catalogue has been registered as being in use, it won’t be possible for others to adopt this name unless certain conditions are met.
Names that are offensive or cause obvious harm to their owners will not be accepted as new surnames, according to the law. Names of well-known and historically significant domestic or foreign families may not be considered either. The new surname cannot be the same as that of a foundation, association or trademark.
Popular picks of the month
Finnish surnames are typically based on nature or geographical location. Many of Kotus's suggestions for new surnames are based on place names extracted from the National Land Survey of Finland registry.
The Local Register Offices of the applicant’s home municipality take the final decisions on all first and last name matters.
A list of new surnames that have been accepted recently has been published on the Local Register Offices' website — nearly 70 new surnames were registered since the end of November.
Some of the recently bagged surnames include Alaska, Atlantis, Kaamos, Kaunismieli, Arrest, Heart Path, Valolempi, Korteikko, Halkoluoto and Ukkosvaara.
