Recovering what Francoism erased: the campaign to reverse years of Castilianization of names and nicknames in the Balearic Islands

PalmThe Institute of Ibizan Studies has launched the campaign "And you, what's your name?" to help citizens easily standardize first and last names, house names, and nicknames. This initiative, supported by the University of the Balearic Islands, the Institute of Balearic Studies, and the Government of the Balearic Islands, offers guidance on adapting the spelling of first and last names to Catalan language norms and on officially registering nicknames (Toni, Fina, Pep, etc.). Since 2011, when the Civil Registry Law was amended, diminutives, shortened names, and popular forms of names can be legally registered.

Those interested can access the UIB website directly via the linkslg.uib.catYou can also call 971 172 717 for assistance. This support service allows you to request a free information sheet with your name, surnames, and nickname. You should then go to the Civil Registry of your municipality of residence—either online or in person—to complete the process, which will also be reflected in your next ID card or passport renewal.

It's worth remembering that throughout the Franco dictatorship and until 1977, it was forbidden to register babies with Catalan names in the Civil Registry. All names had to be in Spanish and, furthermore, had to appear in the calendar of saints. For this reason, everyone born in Ibiza and Formentera before that year was registered with Spanish names.

The Institute of Ibizan Studies has also found that many names of houses, properties, and foreclosures in Ibiza are currently misspelled or have been adapted to Castilian Spanish, and therefore encourages owners to correct them. In such cases, inquiries can be made directly to the Institute, the UIB's Office of Names, or the language normalization services of the Ibiza and Formentera councils.