Newborns in Russia to be given names from a predetermined list.
In the heart of Eastern Europe, Russia's State Duma deputies are currently working on a bill that seeks to restrict the use of odd or non-standard names for children. The drafting of this bill occurred back in February, as reported by TASS on June 24.
The bill, not yet publicly available, not only proposes a ban on certain names like Nature, Avocado, Cosmos, and others, but also aims to limit the use of boy names for girls and vice versa. However, the bill does not specify what constitutes an odd or non-standard name in Russia, creating a challenge for the lawmakers.
The bill's development comes amidst a broader effort by Russian lawmakers to protect and regulate the use of the Russian language. A recent law signed by President Putin restricts the use of the Latin alphabet in naming new residential complexes, reflecting an official concern with foreign influences and aiming to preserve Russian language and identity.
However, the application of such regulations to personal names is a complex issue. Defining "standard" vs. "non-standard" names is inherently subjective and may provoke cultural, linguistic, or ethnic sensitivities. Russia is home to numerous ethnic groups with distinct naming traditions, and creating a single approved list could marginalize or erase these diverse practices.
Such measures could also face resistance domestically and attract criticism internationally as being overly restrictive or nationalist. Enforcing a ban on non-standard names would be administratively complex and could face resistance from parents and civil society.
In the Krasnodar region, mortality rates were 1.5 times higher than birth rates in 2024, highlighting the importance of addressing issues related to family and children. Yet, the challenges in defining and implementing a ban on non-standard names suggest that this is a complex issue that requires careful consideration.
As of now, the only concrete legal action regarding naming pertains to the use of the Latin alphabet in real estate, not in personal names. The final version of the bill, if presented for approval, remains uncertain. Tatyana Butskaya, Deputy Chair of the Committee for Family, Children, and Youth Affairs, has stated that they have not found suitable dictionaries for implementing the bill.
This proposed bill is a reflection of the ongoing debate about cultural and linguistic protection in Russia, a debate that is likely to continue as these challenges are addressed.
- The Russian bill, aiming to restrict certain names and limit the use of gender-opposing names, is part of a broader political agenda to protect and regulate the Russian language, including the recent law signed by President Putin restricting the use of the Latin alphabet in naming new residential complexes.
- The complexity in defining and implementing a ban on non-standard names, as seen in the ongoing debates and challenges faced by lawmakers in Russia, underscores the need for policy-and-legislation that reflects cultural diversity and avoids general-news-related controversies, especially in a country with numerous ethnic groups who have distinct naming traditions.
