While you're technically correct that the state does not pick the specific name you are given, in many cases they restrict which names you can register. Germany

While you're technically correct that the state does not pick the specific name you are given, in many cases they restrict which names you can register. Germany has restrictions on both given names and surnames. State-given name is a misnomer for the concept though, they should have said state-registered name. https://www.germany.info/us-en/service/04-FamilyMatters/name-declaration-child/950018 https://www.germany.info/us-en/service/04-FamilyMatters/name...