Comments on: Italian Law and Naming Your Baby

By: Richard Davies

Richard Davies — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:06:51 +0000

Nicola is another name that’s female in English speaking countries but male in Italy.

I wonder is Darryl Hannah, Terry Farrell & Cameron Diaz had problems like this before becoming famous.

In my job I have to process new applications & it can be hard when someone hasn’t ticked a title box & has a first name that doesn’t give a clear indication of gender.

By: Michael

Michael — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:56:42 +0000

How about my name. It’s Michael. In italian, it’s spelled Michele. In English, Michele is a womens name! I hate that. If I moved her from Italy, I’d have to urgently make sure my certificate was changed.

By: Kim - Twin Strollers

Kim - Twin Strollers — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:52:23 +0000

Funny – My husband was born in Italy (On Aviano Airbase) to american citizens. His name is “Steven”, but they had originally wanted to spell it Stephan, and were advised against it.

I never thought that it could have been related to local influence… but your article makes sense as to why its Steven.

Kim

By: liv

liv — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:47:32 +0000

Me and my partner had a similar issue where they assumed she was male because her name is “Shannon” and I’m “Liv”…. Of course, we could never be in a same sex relationship…. so when she went to get her feminine examine they denied her medical insurance for her vaginal examine.

By: Pat McClay

Pat McClay — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:57:21 +0000

Your mention of the Italian pronunciation of the name Karen seemed totally right to me. My friend Karen is Scandanvian and that’s how they pronounce it in Norway -where it originated – and also how it’s pronounced in Scotland where I live. The American pronunciation ‘KAY-ren’ sounds odd to us.