Reader question – Cainã Chiarini Pena Motter, São Lourenço, MG
There are thousands that run away from the standard. Some officially registered examples:
– Hugolinda
– Enekelen
– Crizeimon
– Xemidonium
– Abelive
– Limdobim
– Jatchuca
– Velvet
– Phantnopy
– Riverside
– Katuiche
– Dionecrei
– Massafumo
– Yerkyleydy
– Zintaro
– Neurostar
– Ogrivalda
– Quelissandra
– Imprint
– Gladsomary
– Francisloi
– Thailand
– Buruthagas
– Walldas
Since we don’t have a list of authorized names, as in Germany, Sweden, Portugal and Japan, for example, Brazilian citizens have virtually endless alternatives when it comes to naming their children. As a result, we have very creative names in the country. In 2013, the consulting firm proScore carried out a survey of them, based on 165 million CPFs. He came up with a list of 1,169 names that have a single owner. But the number of different nomenclatures tends to decrease in the coming years. It’s just that, since 1998, the registry office can refuse very exotic names, even if the parents insist. In case of dispute, the pendenga goes to a judge.
Identity crisis
Names that baptize only one individual in the country and the three most common causes for these unusual baptisms
TRIBUTE
Famous people inspire names all the time. After the 1970 World Cup, for example, the names Gerson and Rivelino multiplied across the country. The problem is when the personality’s name is transcribed wrong due to the employee’s lack of knowledge, such as Marcongekson to honor Michael Jackson or Woltter to Voltaire
TYPOGRAPHY ERRORS
When the parents are illiterate and/or the notary public is poorly educated, the result may be different from what was imagined. A mother who dreamed of naming her daughter Stefany might end up with a birth certificate that reads Esthfanny. Gisele becomes Chizelle. And Jonathan can become Dhyonattam
WORD COMBINATIONS
The combination of terms is also common. A simple “Made in USA” label can give rise to Madeinusa. Together, three trademarks name Phebo Lux Rochester. Mari Rosane, for example, ends up becoming Marirosane. And Ailton Johnny gets the name of Ailtonjhony
HOW TO CHANGE NAME?
rules are complicated
Every Brazilian has the right to file a request for change, but it needs a favorable decision from a judge, who will assess whether the person is simply trying to escape justice or pay debts.
In some cases, the process is faster: if the reason is to correct an obvious typing error, if the person applies within 12 months of turning 18, or in exceptional cases, such as the applicant having witnessed a crime or sex change. But other than that, the “rebaptism” can take months.
TOP 10 BRAZIL
The most popular names in the country
1. Maria
2. Joseph
3. Antonio
4. John
5. Francisco
6. Ana
7. Luiz
8. Paulo
9. Carlos
10. Manuel
SOURCE proscore consultancy
CONSULTANCY Osny Machado Lopes, author of the book Prenomes, Nomes e Sobrenomes