Swedish tax authorities have informed a couple in Stockholm that they may not keep the name Elvis for their five-month old daughter. The girl’s parents have appealed the decision, Metro reports.

“We talked about lots of names and then Elvis popped up. We thought it was a name that was both pretty and gender-neutral. We’re not Elvis Presley fans at all,” the infant’s mother, Linda, told the newspaper. The most important factor for the couple, who do not own any of The King’s records, was for the name to be “gender-neutral”. But not everyone agreed with their assessment that Elvis fit the bill. In its ruling, the tax board wrote:

“It is the National Tax Board’s view that Elvis is a first name of a masculine type and as such may, in light of standard practice, be considered clearly inappropriate as a first name for a woman.” The girl’s mother however believes that her appeal will be successful and has vowed to continue calling her daughter Elvis whatever the eventual outcome. The family can also take heart from the experience last year of the Tomaro family, whose daughter was eventually allowed to keep the name Metallica after a protracted battle with the authorities.

I wonder how they would feel about Dweezil? And why would they care anyway?




  1. Calin says:

    While I don’t like the idea of a girl named Elvis, I’m offended that the government has the power to disallow it…based on the fact that it’s a “boys” name. I thought Sweden was this bastion of liberty we were supposed to emulate.

  2. Sea Lawyer says:

    Must make you feel warm inside to know that the government had a vote in what your name is. Too bad THX 1138 was already taken.

  3. Kim Helliwell says:

    I’m a male with the name of Kim. Would Sweden make me change my name if I emigrated there?

    So silly…

  4. edwinrogers says:

    At school in the 70’s, I knew an Elvis and a Ringo.

  5. bugmenot says:

    Moonunit is a much better name.

    Or, didn’t Penn Jillete name his girl “Moxy Crimefighter”?

  6. MoparPower says:

    #3 No, Kim is gender-neutral even in Sweden. But the state here like to tell parents how to raise their kids. I think they are keeping us from becoming Florida(A good thing). Elvis is a boys name and I know boys/men named both Elvis and Kim. Do people in the states name their girls Elvis?

  7. JimD says:

    #3 – Kim, In Sweeden you could have a sex-change operation like Christine Keeler !!!

    And as far as Elvis goes, girls named Elvira grow up to big boobs, don’t they ?

  8. Jägermeister says:

    #6 – bugmenot

    Not to forget Dweezil, Ahmet Emuukha Rodan and Diva Thin Muffin Pigeen… 😉

  9. mcgovernmatt says:

    Yeah, the parents might think it’s a good name… but in 12 years well… kids can be creul.


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