The Surname in Western Europe Liberty, Equality and Paternity in Legal Systems in the Twenty-First Century.

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  • Author(s): Feschet, Valérie
  • Source:
    L'Homme: Zeitschrift für Feministische Geschichtswissenschaft; 2009, Vol. 20 Issue 1, p63-73, 11p
  • Additional Information
    • Abstract:
      The article presents information about the history of surname legislation in 21st century Europe. Descriptions are given of efforts to improve and maintain gender equality in legal naming procedure. Comparisons are drawn between naming transmission practices in Germany, Denmark, and Norway. Various cultures' perspectives on the transmission of double surnames to children are examined. Further comments are given concerning the religious aspects of name transmission choices, and it is shown that countries with a strong Roman Catholic presence allow for the transmission of double family names to children, in contrast to Protestant-leaning countries' legislative decisions.