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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle

Why are Norwegians so keen on using two first names?

Norway’s silver medallists Lars Helge Birkeland, Tarjei Boe, Johannes Thingnes Boe and Emil Hegle Svendsen on the Olympic podium ... why so many names?
Norway’s silver medallists Lars Helge Birkeland, Tarjei Boe, Johannes Thingnes Boe and Emil Hegle Svendsen on the Olympic podium ... why so many names? Photograph: Martin Bernetti/AFP/Getty Images

Recent viewing of the winter Olympics made me wonder about Norwegian names. Why do so many Norwegians have two first names which they use in full – eg Emil Hegle Svendsen, Ole Einar Bjørndalen and Johannes Thingnes Boe (but not his older brother Tarjei Boe)? And the women also – eg Ingvild Flugstad Østberg and Maiken Caspersen Falla? Also, do their families and friends shorten these names, as is the fashion in Britain?

Gillian Anne Reader

• Post your answers – and new questions – below or email them to nq@theguardian.com

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