Girl wins right to use her name

In this December 30, 2012 photo, Blaer Bjarkardottir, 15, left, and her mother, Bjork Eidsdottir, are photographed outside a court building in Reykjavik.

In this December 30, 2012 photo, Blaer Bjarkardottir, 15, left, and her mother, Bjork Eidsdottir, are photographed outside a court building in Reykjavik.

Published Jan 31, 2013

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Reykjavik, Iceland - A 15-year-old Icelandic girl has been granted the right to legally use the name given to her by her mother, despite the opposition of authorities.

A court ruled Thursday that the name “Blaer” can be used. It means “gentle breeze.”

The decision overturns an earlier rejection by Icelandic authorities who declared it was not a proper feminine name. Until now, Blaer Bjarkardottir had been identified simply as “Girl” in communications with officials.

Like a handful of other countries, including Germany and Denmark, Iceland has official rules about what a baby can be named. Names are supposed to fit Icelandic grammar and pronunciation rules.

Her mother, Bjork Eidsdottir, had fought for the right for the name to be recognized. Blaer told the court she had no problems with her name. - Sapa-AP

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