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Well, if you restrict people to a list of 65536 names, you can just use the index into the list to save space on representation ;)


Some countries have a list of "approved" names, and it's very hard to register a name not in it, for example in Argentina, every province has a list of approved names, and you have to write a letter with the etymology of the name for it to get approved:

http://www.planetamama.com.ar/nota/ley-nombres-como-registra...

Law:

http://www.sdh.gba.gov.ar/comunicacion/normativanacyprov/pue...


How do these countries handle immigrants from countries where there are no such regulations?


Usually, I think, by the simple expedient of allowing them to keep their names. However, ISTR that in Thailand there is a requirement for anyone who becomes a Thai citizen to adopt a new, unique Thai-style surname (only people who are actually related may share a surname).




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