🇨🇭 Switzerland
761
Total names
396
Male names
365
Female names
Naming Rules
Cantonal civil registrars decide
Each canton's Zivilstandsamt reviews names. Rules are applied at the federal level but administered locally.
Must not harm the child's interests
Names that are offensive, ridiculous, or could cause harm to the child are rejected.
Must be recognizable as a first name
Surnames, brand names, and titles cannot be used as first names.
Multilingual considerations
Given Switzerland's four official languages, names from German, French, Italian, and Romansh traditions are all accepted.
Legal basis: Zivilgesetzbuch (Civil Code, ZGB) Article 301 and Zivilstandsverordnung (Civil Status Ordinance).
Authority: Zivilstandsamt (civil registry office)
Popular Names in Switzerland
Top 15 Boy Names
1.Noah
2.Liam
3.Matteo
4.Leon
5.Elias
6.Luca
7.Gabriel
8.Louis
9.David
10.Samuel
11.Julian
12.Ben
13.Leo
14.Finn
15.Jonas
Top 15 Girl Names
1.Mia
2.Emma
3.Emilia
4.Lina
5.Elena
6.Lea
7.Lara
8.Anna
9.Sofia
10.Laura
11.Mila
12.Alina
13.Ella
14.Nora
15.Valentina
Registering a baby name in Switzerland
Deadline
3 days after birth
Processing
1-7 days
Fee
CHF 75-150 (varies by canton)
Appeal to
Cantonal supervisory authority
Rules are federal but applied cantonally. A name refused in one canton may be accepted in another, though this does not override the federal framework — the cantonal registrar has real discretion.
Traditional Swiss names
Switzerland has four official languages and naming traditions vary by canton. German-speaking cantons favour names like Hans, Peter and Urs; French-speaking cantons Jean, Pierre and Marie; Italian-speaking Ticino Gianluca, Maria and Giuseppe; Romansh areas preserve unique forms like Duri and Gion.
Examples of names refused or restricted
While Switzerland accepts most well-known names, the Zivilstandsamt / État civil / Ufficio dello stato civile has refused or restricted the following types:
- Brand or commercial names — rejected as not recognised personal names
- Names that could harm the child — refused under ZGB Art. 30
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to register a baby name in Switzerland?
Parents must declare the name at the Zivilstandsamt / État civil / Ufficio dello stato civile within 3 days after birth. Processing typically takes 1-7 days. The standard fee is CHF 75-150 (varies by canton).
What names are rejected in Switzerland?
Refusals are rare but not unknown. Examples include: Brand or commercial names (rejected as not recognised personal names); Names that could harm the child (refused under ZGB Art. 30). The core principle is that no name may harm or humiliate the child.
Can foreign parents use a non-Swiss name?
Yes. Foreign-origin names are generally accepted in Switzerland, provided they can be written in the local alphabet and do not conflict with the rules above. Parents from abroad may be asked to show their own passport or the child's prior documents as supporting evidence.
What can I do if the registrar refuses my chosen name?
You can appeal the decision before the Cantonal supervisory authority. In practice, submitting evidence of historical use (saints, writers, previous bearers of the name) or a minor adaptation of spelling usually resolves the case.
Check a name in Switzerland
Search 761 names in our Switzerland database — plus 24 more European countries.
Check a Name →Last updated: April 2026. For informational purposes only. Always consult your local Zivilstandsamt for definitive answers.