The Icelandic Naming Committee has approved nine new names for inclusion in the national register. However, not all submissions passed.
As reported by RÚV, Icelanders are now permitted to legally go by the names, Einsa, Deimos, Beth, Frey, Gúníta, Dawn, Árey, Dania, and Haukrún.
The committee rejected the names Bölmóður and Hel, citing concerns over their meanings and potential impact on name bearers.
“The first part of the name is Böl-,” the committee noted, “but the noun böl means unhappiness or misfortune. Then the noun bölmóður means a state of mind, pessimism and hopelessness. The committee believes that the name Bölmóður has a very negative meaning.”
As for Hel, the committee pointed to previous decisions, stating that the name had already been rejected twice on similar grounds. No further justification was provided, other than referencing the rulings already on record.
The Naming Committee, which evaluates names based on criteria including Icelandic grammar, tradition, and potential social impact, continues to play a key role in shaping the country’s unique naming culture.
