At NYT, "His Friends Know Him as Petroswickonicovick."
Some countries, like Germany and Iceland, strictly regulate the names parents can choose. Officials in Portugal, Brazil’s former colonial ruler, provide a list of approved names requiring parents to stick to tradition, allowing a name like Neóteles but eliminating Neptuno.
But Brazil, unhindered by such hang-ups, ranks among nations where naming has evolved into something resembling a competitive sport. Neighboring Venezuela is also a contender, with its Stalins, Nixons, Hiroshimas, Tutankamens and Taj Mahals. Honduras has Llanta de Milagro (Miracle Tire). Zimbabwe has its Godknows, Lovemores and Learnmores.
Brazil is much less freewheeling, however, for the unfortunate souls stuck with names they do not like. Changing one’s name requires the approval of a judge who can rule whether it is ridiculous or offensive. But the process is often drawn out and laborious, as are many bureaucratic matters in Brazil, requiring a lawyer....
Then there is Petroswickonicovick Wandeckerkof da Silva Santos, a 12-year-old soccer prodigy who has begun training with Corinthians, one of Brazil’s leading teams. Even in a country flooded with amazing names, his 19-letter first name and 12-letter middle name have raised eyebrows.
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