Over 700 Minskers want to change their names

More people in Minsk want to change their first, middle and last names. State registrar offices have received 705 applications in the first six months of 2008. There were almost 1500 applicants in 2007.
Minsk-News agency reports that the changes of names or last names should by justified. Religious people often wish to have their name in the passport match the name given during baptism in church.

There are reported cases when Abdurahman wanted to become Roman; Akakiy - Alexander and Alena - Andriana.