Iceland will now allow parents to name their daughters Angelina -- just like one very famous American actress -- a name which like many others has been prohibited until now in the name of linguistic cohesion. Iceland has a limited list of authorised given names, managed by the official Names Committee which regularly adds monikers to the list at parents' request.
The committee's role is to look out for the child's best interests, and ensure that names are compatible with Icelandic traditions and language. However, many Icelanders, especially younger ones, consider the rules archaic. In addition, in a country welcoming an increasing number of immigrants thorny situations can arise.
The days of the Names Committee appear to be numbered. In June the government presented a bill that would eliminate the need for the committee, by giving people a freer hand.
