Iceland Rejects Baby Names to Protect Culture
draw the line: to set a clear limit on what you think is acceptable or allowed
In Iceland, you can’t name your child whatever you like. The government Naming Committee rejects names that might embarrass the child or don’t follow Icelandic language rules. In one case, they banned the name Lucifer because it’s linked to the devil. They don’t just draw the line at taboo names—parents must pick from a list of 1,700 approved names for boys and 1,800 for girls.
Icelanders also follow a unique tradition for family names. They don’t use last names in the same way that many other countries do. Instead, a boy adds “son” to his father’s first name, while a girl adds “dottir.” For example, if a father’s first name is Karl, his son’s last name would be Karlson, and his daughter’s last name would be Karldottir.
This system helps keep Iceland’s naming traditions alive. Some people think these rules are too strict, but the committee says they are important for Icelandic culture.
Sample sentences
I don’t mind working late sometimes, but I draw the line at working on weekends.
She allows her children to watch TV, but she draws the line at violent shows.
They let their dog sleep in their bed but they draw the line at eating off the table.
Origin
The phrase “draw the line” comes from the idea of drawing a boundary that should not be crossed.
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Iceland stands by Lucifer name ban