diff --git a/gramps/plugins/lib/libgedcom.py b/gramps/plugins/lib/libgedcom.py
index 3856af636..cfdde921d 100755
--- a/gramps/plugins/lib/libgedcom.py
+++ b/gramps/plugins/lib/libgedcom.py
@@ -4344,6 +4344,8 @@ class GedcomParser(UpdateCallback):
             attr.set_type(AttributeType.NICKNAME)
             attr.set_value(line.data)
             state.person.add_attribute(attr)
+        elif name_len == 0:
+            return
         else:
             name = Name()
             surname = Surname()