AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, July 16 (UPI)

The Dutch Language Union has invented a new word that translates to “birthname” to accommodate married gay men who feel awkward listing their “maiden” names.

The word, geboortenaam, was invented by the union after a civil servant approached the group and explained that it could be “embarrassing” for married gay men to have to list a maiden name on forms, Radio Netherlands reported Wednesday.

“The word was needed because men who entered into a gay marriage had to fill in their ‘maiden name’ on official forms when they wanted to take on their spouse’s surname,” the language union said in its announcement.

© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.