Sweden relaxes rules on giving kids unusual names

[August 13, 2008]  STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) -- Swedish authorities say parents can now name their newborns Budweiser or Metallica if they so wish.

For decades, Swedish tax authorities had banned parents from naming their children after fast food chains, rock bands or their favorite brand of beer.

But tax authority spokesman Lars Tegenfeldt says the guidelines have been relaxed. He says "there is nothing negative about a name like Coca-Cola or McDonald's today. In the 1970s, maybe it was."

Still, authorities are drawing the line at giving children swear words for names. And forget about naming your child God, Allah or Devil.

[Associated Press]

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