The Danes more often change their traditional names

Danes in recent times are changing surnames, choosing a new, if possible, the original generic names.  Danes have not so many surnames - Jensen, Hansen, Nielsen and few others. Therefore, foreigners often say to Danish: "You are all relatives!"

 
The surnames in the modern sense - generic surnames passed on from generation to generation - have appeared in Denmark in the 15-16 centuries. This was due to the development of economic relations and, in particular - the need to resolve Institute of inheritance. In fact, the surnames were introduced in Denmark only in the 19th century. The majority of Danish surnames ending in-sen, which means "son". For example Hans Larsen etymologically means “Hans, son of Lars”.

Following the entry into force in 2006 the new law in Denmark, which simplify the procedure for changing the surnames, more than 320 thousand inhabitants of the country chose a new, more "interesting" generic names.
 
Doctor of Philology Catherine Kehlet Nerskov from Copenhagen University believes that in most cases the change of name means trying Dane brighter express your individuality and «stand out from the crowd».
 
"There is a tendency for you to be called as no longer call anyone else - she said. - If you do not call Hansen and Nielsen, you look a little bit special."

Regardless of the reasons mentioned tendency is clearly taking root. In the Danish Department of Family predict that this year 50 thousand Danes will change their names. Most take the names of their mates or relatives.

Katrina Kehlet Nerskov still does not believe that traditional surnames in Denmark threatened with extinction. "I do not think that among us will no longer Jensen and Hansen, - she says - although these names will become much more rare."

By the way, the tendency to change the names indicates the underlying processes in the traditionalist Danish society, where until recently prevailed so-called Jante Law. Under this law, society is more important than the individual, and anyone who considers himself smarter than others, should be put in place. In Russian essence of the law expressed by the words "do not stick out."

It went down in blood and flesh Danes rule was formulated in 1933 by the Danish writer Axel Sandemose. In his autobiographical novel, he described a provincial town Jante, in which all life is built on this unwritten law that requires strict obedience to public opinion. Although after the publication Sandemose moved to neighboring Norway.

According to many experts opinion, it is the Jante law ensure universal agreement and tranquility in Denmark. The Danish society is built on compromise, not contradictions, they say. Meanwhile, other experts notice more and more evidence of the fact that Denmark and the Danes gradually become more and more like other countries and peoples. Thus, the global law of globalization, obviously, takes precedence over the local Jante law.
 
The original text: "The North Caucasus" / Site SKNews.RU