Egypt could ban parents from giving babies foreign names like "Sam", "Mark" and "Linda"
“Using such Western names and abandoning Arabic ones will lead to an undesired and radical change in our society and culture,” says Mr Aziz.
‘Foreign’ names could become a far rarer sight in Egypt’s next generations with the proposal of a new ban that could saddle parents with hefty fines or jail terms.
An Egyptian parliamentary committee will meet on Tuesday to debate a law that would ban parents from using “western names.” Under the law, parents would face a fine of up to $270 (£212) or a jail sentence of up to six months.
Egyptian MP Bedier Abdel Aziz will propose the law to the Parliament’s complaints and suggestions committee and claims names such as Lara, Mark and Sam are difficult to pronounce for Arabic speakers.
“Using such Western names and abandoning Arabic ones will lead to an undesired and radical change in our society and culture,” he told The Egypt Independent.
“Our sons will no longer be connected to their true identity,” he added.
By contrast, many Egyptians on social media have strongly disagreed with Mr Aziz.
“I really can't believe that the parliament has nothing better to do. Add this to the growing list of weird things they want to discuss!” Anthea Gould commented.
Heidi Yanulis shared her sentiment commenting: “This is the stupidest waste of time I have ever heard of.”
Arwa Yasser also commented in disagreement saying that naming your child is a "personal freedom."
If the new law is passed, Egypt will not be the first country to ban certain names. In Saudi Arabia a list of 50 names including Alice, Linda and Elaine were banned in 2014 because they “contradicted” local culture or religion, according to Gulf News.
Denmark’s law on personal names also rejects ‘Pluto’ and ‘Monkey’ while in New Zealand, parents hoping to name new-borns ‘Stallion’, ‘Fish and Chips’ or ‘Satan’ will be disappointed.
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