Proper names, identity, and dignity

The right to hold a name and a surname(s) is closely linked with the right to dignity. Even though some recent legal developments have permitted a positive evolution as regards the recognition of this right, in our legal system there have been traditionally some situations where it has not been fully recognized. On the one hand, this article deals with the situation existing until 2011 for many children where they could not be granted a name if they died before meeting the former temporary requirement to be considered a 'person' for legal purposes under the Civil Code, i.e. if they died before 24 hours since birth. And on the other hand, another situation which also led to an unequal treatment for decades was granted legal recognition in 2007. This was the case of the appropriateness of the name to the gender identity of transgender people without previously requiring a sex change surgery. Adapted from the source document