Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Reniec Says More Than 560 Peruvians Have Names Referencing Erling Haaland

Reniec's social-media post, illustrated with an AI image, omits age and timing details that would show whether entries are newborn registrations or later legal name changes.

Overview

  • Reniec published counts on its social channels showing 468 people listed as 'Haaland', 91 as 'Erling Haaland', and four as 'Erling Braut Haaland', a total above 560.
  • A Reniec spokesperson, Ivan Torres, told Panamericana Television that football stars inspire Peruvian name choices and joked 'Haaland is also Peruaner.'
  • The registry accompanied the figures with an AI-generated image of Haaland wearing a Peruvian chullo and holding a plush llama, drawing wide media attention.
  • Peruvian broadcaster RPP and other outlets reported higher local sales of Haaland-themed shirts and merchandise tied to his World Cup performances.
  • The published numbers leave a key gap because Reniec did not disclose ages or dates, so it remains unclear how many entries are recent newborn registrations versus later name changes; Peru has a history of footballer-inspired names, including thousands linked to Neymar and Messi.