Spanish Duke Told to Shorten his Daughter’s 25-word Long Name

A Spanish Duke has been told he cannot name his daughter what he wants because her name is too long.

Fernando Fitz-James Stuart will need to significantly shorten his daughter’s name if he wants her legally registered.

The 17th Duke of Huescar, and his wife Sofia Palazuelo, recently baptized their second child Sofia Fernanda Dolores Cayetana Teresa Angela de la Cruz Micaela del Santisimo Sacramento del Perpetuo Socorro de la Santisima Trinidad y de Todos Los Santos.

[AHORA] Fernando Fitz-James Stuart, nieto de la duquesa de Alba, no pudo inscribir a su hija porque tiene un nombre de 25 palabras. pic.twitter.com/rUP4Lv4QHz

— ElCanciller.com (@elcancillercom) October 26, 2023

The aristocrat, a direct descendent of King James II of England, has been told the register rules state that the name given to a child must not exceed more than “one compound name” and “two simple ones”.

“In the registration, the name given to the child will be expressed, although no more than one compound name may be recorded, nor more than two simple ones,” according to the second article of the law on names and surnames and their order, collected in the Official State Gazette.

The Spanish Duke wanted the name to honor many anscestors

The name is reportedly a tribute to the deceased Duchess of Alba, other members of the family and religious devotions.

“The first name, Sofia, for example, was chosen in honor of her mother and grandmother, Sofia Barroso, and the second, Fernanda, as a tribute to her father, Duke of Huescar, as well as her great-uncle, Fernando Martínez of Irujo, Marquis of San Vicente del Barco,” El Pais reports.

The baptism was held in San Román in the historic center of Seville on 7 October, followed by a dinner in the gardens of the Duenas palace. This was where the Duke’s first daughter was also baptized in 2021.

The Duke is one of eight grandchildren of the late Duchess of Alba, known as Spain‘s richest woman.

The late Duchess, Maria del Rosario Cayetana Alfonsa Victoria Eugenia Francisca Fitz-James Stuart y de Silva, was the most titled person in the world, according to the Guinness World Records.

Aristocrats, throughout history, have often given their children long and elaborate names for a variety of reasons. Among them is tradition and status.

Aristocratic families often have long-standing traditions of naming that involve honoring ancestors, showcasing their lineage, and reinforcing their noble or royal status. Long names can be seen as a symbol of heritage and nobility.

Also, having a unique and lengthy name can help an aristocrat stand out in a society where many individuals may share common names. This can be particularly important for those who want to emphasize their distinction and identity.