This research project is being undertaken as part of the Master's Degree program in Portuguese as a Non-Mother Tongue at Universidade Aberta and is intended to serve as the subject of a Master's dissertation on the Portuguese onomastic norm. The research focuses on the body of legislation that governs the selection and assignment of first names in Portugal, analyzing the genesis of the 'anthroponymic' onomastic norm from the perspective of Language Policy and Linguistic Planning (hereinafter referred to as PLPL) and its intrinsic, symbiotic relationship with social dynamics and change.

The structure of the dissertation is as follows: it begins by elucidating the theoretical concepts that underpin the work, with particular attention given to Robert L. Cooper's theoretical model, an analytical framework adapted for this research project. Subsequently, a succinct overview of PLPL in Portugal is provided before delving into the legal framework governing the attribution of first names, tracing its origins to the present day.

In subsequent chapters, the research scrutinizes not only the legality of the aforementioned legislation but also its de facto application, which often diverges from prevailing legal norms. Furthermore, trends in the evolution of onomastic norms for the forthcoming years are forecasted, drawing upon all collected data. The interplay between PLPL and social change serves as the overarching theme of the work.