That's normal in other parts of the world: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_name#Forenames http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_name#Forenames > In Germany,

That's normal in other parts of the world: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_name#Forenames http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_name#Forenames > In Germany, the chosen name must be approved by the local Standesamt (civil registry office or Office of Vital Statistics). The name must indicate the gender of the child and not negatively affect the well being of the child. Last names or the names of objects and products are not acceptable. For example, "Matti" was rejected for a boy's name because it did not indicate gender.[3][4] However, these types of names are permissible if combined with a second name which clears up the gender, for example: "Matti Oliver" or "Matti Julia". The decision of the Standesamt may be appealed after submitting of a fee. The Standesamt refers to a book that translates to "the international manual of first names".