A novel trend is sweeping through Norway, as an increasing number of Norwegians seek more distinctive names. Tired of blending in with the thousands of Hansens, Olsens, and Andersens,

they are legally changing their last names.

"It was very boring to be called 'Andersen,'" expressed Sten Morten Misund-Asphaug in an interview with newspaper Dagsavisen. This sentiment is shared by many who have chosen to rename themselves. Misund-Asphaug, for instance, adopted the name of his wife's family farm, finding "Misund-Asphaug" to be more special and even exotic. He is far from alone in taking this step to give himself a unique identity, both in name and legally.

"The common 'sen' names are declining rapidly," affirmed Ivar Utne, a language researcher at the University of Bergen and author of the book "Hva er et navn?" (What is a name?). According to Utne, only 14.5 percent of newborns in Norway now receive a name ending in "sen," a significant decrease from 30 percent among today's 90-year-olds. He further noted that in the early 1900s, at least half of all Norwegians in urban areas bore a "sen" name, while the percentage was even higher in Oslo, known as "Kristiania" at the time, at 60-70 percent.

Although some Norwegians have unique "sen" names, such as Enevoldsen or Barosen, particularly in Northern Norway, many young urban Johansens, Karlsens, and Jensens are reviving the rural tradition of adopting the name of the farm or village where their family has its roots. This change is motivated by the desire to escape anonymity among the 35,000 Andersens or Larsens in Norway and instead choose a special, distinctive name for their family. Since most women in Norway no longer adopt their husband's last name when they marry, it's not uncommon for couples and their children to bear different surnames.

In the case of Sten Morten Andersen, both he and his wife, along with their three children, now share the same surname, "Misund-Asphaug," making them the sole bearers of this name in the entire country. "Misund-Asphaug is a much more exciting name than 'Andersen,'" he shared with Dagsavisen. "So yes, I probably feel a bit fresher." Photo by Andrés Nieto Porras from Palma de Mallorca, España, Wikimedia commons.