Personennamen und Recht in Russland (aus rechtswissenschaftlicher Sicht)

Abstract

The investigation of the Russian name law shows that it has a marked continental European approach. Acquisition and name changes of a natural person are governed by strict regulations, nevertheless, the legislation grants a limited freedom of choice. Names for natural persons in Russia continue to fullfill important identification and individualization functions. A name gives linguistic recognition to a person, through which they are distinguished from other people. It makes the name-bearer clearly responsible, and socially and legally tangible. The identification function serves both the interests of the state and the general public. The legal name is entered into the register of births, upon the birth certificate and subsequent personal papers. Furthermore, the name is personally legally valid, so that it serves the individualization function for the name-bearer, who has an interest in being able to be so distinguished by name from others.