Illegal Baby Names in the US and Around the World: Bizarre Bans and Restrictions

By Cris Rizk •  Updated: 06/22/23
Illegal Baby Names in the US and Around the World: Bizarre Bans and Restrictions

When choosing a baby name, many parents put a lot of thought into finding the perfect one for their little bundle of joy. But in some cases, their choice might be deemed illegal by the government. That’s right – in the United States and various countries around the world, certain baby names are banned due to various reasons, ranging from cultural to political reasons, and everything in between.

While most of the US allows for a wide range of names, with few limitations, there are some restrictions. For example, certain symbols, punctuation, and numbers are generally not allowed in baby names. However, the landscape is even more complex on a global scale. In some countries, names that are deemed offensive, derogatory, or even just too common have been banned.

As I explore the world of illegal baby names, I’ll discuss the reasons behind these bans and provide a glimpse into the surprising and sometimes bizarre regulations that govern the naming of children. Prepare to be fascinated by the unique rules that different nations have in place to monitor and restrict the names parents can bestow upon their newborns.

The Concept of Illegal Baby Names

Choosing the name of your baby can be a difficult decision. It goes beyond just picking a name that you and your partner like the sound of. You’ll need to find a name that doesn’t get your child bullied at school and that won’t make them resent you forever. However, it seems that some parents didn’t get the memo. With instances of grown adults trying to call their children “Adolf Hitler” or “Nutella”, it’s clear that not everyone knows what kind of name is appropriate to put on a birth certificate.

We aren’t really sure why or how these parents came up with these choices. Either way, to save more children from suffering a similar fate, we’ve compiled a list of illegal baby names from the USA and around the world. Let’s check them out!

US Naming Laws

While the United States of America has somewhat lax naming laws there are still some names that you aren’t allowed to use for a child. While these differ from state to state, having a numeral in your name is mostly not allowed. This means that a name such as “Mon1ka” wouldn’t be permissible as your chosen moniker (pun absolutely intended). Unfortunately, it also means you’ll have to refrain from calling your child R2-D2 or C-3PO. If that discourages you from having a child in the first place, we don’t blame you.

Some states also limit the number of characters that can be used, as well as the inclusion of pictograms, obscenity, foreign characters, symbols, emojis, or any offensive language. Certain states also forbid the use of accents and/or non-English letters, which is oftentimes due to the inability of their information systems to process vital records including these characters.

California is one of the states that don’t allow the use of accents, but they do permit the inclusion of hyphens and apostrophes. This explains why Elon Musk and Grimes were able to charmingly name their child “X AE A-XII”.

Examples of Illegal Baby Names in the US

Very few specific names are actually banned in the United States. These liberal naming laws are partly due to the fact that many courts have interpreted specific parts of the US Constitution as supporting a parent’s right to choose their children’s names. While certain states have stricter naming laws, a few states, such as Kentucky, have none in place. Regardless of these relatively lenient naming regulations, there are still a handful of names that were ruled illegal by courts within the US. Some of these are listed below:

Illegal Baby Names From Across the World

While the US has relatively lax naming regulations, many other countries have much stricter naming laws. In certain parts of the world, governments require parents to choose from a pre-approved list of names, and to include new names on the list, citizens may make an official petition.

Some countries also have laws banning names that could be ridiculous or cause children problems in social interactions. Below is a list of names that are illegal across the world, alongside where exactly they aren’t allowed:

Why Some Names Are Banned in the US

Choosing a baby’s name can be a difficult decision, it goes beyond picking a name that you and your partner like the sound of. You need to find a name that doesn’t get your child bullied at school and that won’t make them resent you forever. It seems that some parents didn’t get the memo, with instances of grown adults trying to call their children “Adolf Hitler” or “Nutella”. It’s clear that not everyone knows what kind of name is appropriate for a birth certificate. To save more children from suffering a similar fate, I’ve compiled information on illegal baby names in the US.

While the United States has somewhat lax naming laws, there are still some names you aren’t allowed to use for a child. These differ from state to state, having a numeral in the name is mostly not allowed. This means a name like “Mon1ka” wouldn’t be permissible. Unfortunately, it also means you’ll have to refrain from calling your child R2-D2 or C-3PO. If that discourages you from having a child in the first place, I don’t blame you.

Some states also limit the number of characters that can be used, as well as the inclusion of pictograms, obscenity, foreign characters, symbols, emojis, or any offensive language. Certain states forbid the use of accents and/or non-English letters, which is often due to the inability of their information systems to process vital records, including these characters.

California is one of the states that doesn’t allow the use of accents but permits the inclusion of hyphens and apostrophes. This explains why Elon Musk and Grimes were able to name their child “X AE A-XII”.

Very few specific names are banned in the United States. These liberal naming laws are partly due to the fact that many courts have interpreted specific parts of the US Constitution as supporting a parent’s right to choose their children’s names. While certain states have stricter naming laws, a few states like Kentucky have none in place. Regardless of these relatively lenient naming regulations, there are still a handful of names that were ruled illegal by courts within the US. Some of these are listed below:

While the US has relatively lax naming regulations, many other countries have much stricter naming laws. In certain parts of the world, governments require parents to choose from a pre-approved list of names, and to include new names on the list, citizens may make an official petition. Some countries also have laws banning names that could be ridiculous or cause children problems in social interactions.

Bizarre Cases of Prohibited Names in the US

Choosing the name of your baby can be a difficult decision. It goes beyond just picking a name that you and your partner like the sound of. You’ll need to find a name that doesn’t get your child bullied at school and that won’t make them resent you forever. However, it seems that some parents didn’t get the memo. With instances of grown adults trying to call their children “Adolf Hitler” or “Nutella”, it’s clear that not everyone knows what kind of name is appropriate to put on a birth certificate. We aren’t really sure why or how these parents came up with these choices. Either way, to save more children from suffering a similar fate, we’ve compiled a list of illegal baby names from the USA and around the world. Let’s check them out!

US Naming Laws

While the United States of America has somewhat lax naming laws, there are still some names that you aren’t allowed to use for a child. While these differ from state to state, having a numeral in your name is mostly not allowed. This means that a name such as “Mon1ka” wouldn’t be permissible as your chosen moniker (pun absolutely intended). Unfortunately, it also means you’ll have to refrain from calling your child R2-D2 or C-3PO. If that discourages you from having a child in the first place, we don’t blame you.

Some states also limit the number of characters that can be used as well as the inclusion of pictograms, obscenity, foreign characters, symbols, emojis, or any offensive language. Certain states also forbid the use of accents and/or non-English letters which is oftentimes due to the inability of their information systems to process vital records including these characters.

California is one of the states that don’t allow the use of accents but they do permit the inclusion of hyphens and apostrophes. This explains why Elon Musk and Grimes were able to charmingly name their child “X AE A-XII”.

Examples of Illegal Baby Names in the US

Very few specific names are actually banned in the United States. These liberal naming laws are partly due to the fact that many courts have interpreted specific parts of the US Constitution as supporting a parent’s right to choose their children’s names. While certain states have stricter naming laws, a few states such as Kentucky have none in place. Regardless of these relatively lenient naming regulations, there are still a handful of names that were ruled illegal by courts within the US. Some of these are listed below:

Illegal Baby Names From Across the World

While the US has relatively lax naming regulations, many other countries have much stricter naming laws. In certain parts of the world, governments require parents to choose from a pre-approved list of names and to include new names on the list, citizens may make an official petition. Some countries also have laws banning names that could be ridiculous or cause children problems in social interactions. Below is a list of names that are illegal across the world, alongside where exactly they aren’t allowed:

Illegal Baby Names Around Europe

Choosing the perfect name for a baby can be quite a challenge. It’s not just about picking a name that sounds good; you also need to consider the potential for teasing or lifelong resentment from your child. Shockingly, some parents think it’s a good idea to name their kids things like “Adolf Hitler” or “Nutella.” Perhaps to protect children from such a fate, there are several illegal baby names in Europe and around the world. Let’s explore some of these forbidden monikers!

Europe has an interesting mix of naming regulations that vary from country to country. Some nations have strict guidelines in place, while others are more lenient. Often, these laws revolve around cultural identity, morality, or simply common sense.

In many European countries, there’s a list of pre-approved names from which parents must choose. If a name is not on the list, parents might need to submit a request to have it added. This process ensures that children receive names that are socially and culturally appropriate. In general, names that denigrate religious or political figures or that sound like titles or ranks are frowned upon.

Here’s a glimpse of some illegal baby names across various European nations:

These naming rules typically aim to protect children from future bullying and embarrassment. Parents, after all, should try to choose names that help their child grow into a well-adjusted adult.

But, as with anything in life, there are exceptions. In 2020, a couple in France made headlines when they attempted to name their child “Griezmann Mbappé” after two soccer stars. The name was ultimately rejected, as French law prevents names that could be “detrimental to the child’s interests.”

Generally speaking, Europe offers parents plenty of freedom when it comes to choosing baby names. However, that freedom doesn’t mean they can choose just any name. As we’ve just seen, some names are simply off-limits – and for good reason!

Asia’s Strangest Banned Baby Names

Selecting a name for your baby can be a daunting task. It’s not just about picking one that you and your partner like, but also a name that won’t invite bullying or resentment from your child. Regrettably, some parents miss the mark and come up with bizarre names like “Adolf Hitler” or “Nutella.” So, to help save future children from such embarrassment, I’ve put together a list of illegal baby names from Asia and other regions.

Asian naming laws can be quite strict in certain countries and can serve as a reflection of their rich cultural heritage. For instance, in Japan, baby names must use Kanji (Japanese characters) and may not evoke inappropriate meanings. Similarly, in China, names that contradict social morality or have political implications are generally not allowed.

Here’s a look at some illegal baby names found in Asian countries:

Illegal Baby Names Table

NameCountry
“@”China
Chow TowMalaysia
4RealNew Zealand
Osama bin LadenIndia
Uma ThurmanSouth Korea
Bruce LeeSouth Korea

In summary, though Asia’s strict naming regulations might seem odd, they are in place to maintain their unique cultural values and ensure children lead dignified lives. Families are encouraged to consider these regulations when choosing suitable names for their offspring.

Challenging Naming Laws in Middle Eastern Countries

Naming your child can be a crucial decision, and I’m aware it requires much thought and consideration. We might know cases where grown adults tried to name their children “Adolf Hitler” or “Nutella”, which raises questions about their reasoning. Parents worldwide have to keep in mind the importance of choosing appropriate names for their children, and this is especially true in Middle Eastern countries, where naming laws can be quite strict.

Countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have guidelines in place to ensure that names are in line with religious, cultural, and moral values. These countries usually prohibit names that are affiliated with a political organization, deemed blasphemous, or considered offensive. They also disallow names that could imply a rank or royalty.

To illustrate the differences, let’s examine Saudi Arabia and its challenging naming laws. Saudi authorities have specific rules on what constitutes an acceptable name, and they published a list of 50 forbidden names. This list includes:

This list is by no means definitive, as authorities can reject names if they don’t comply with their regulations. Contravening these laws can lead to penalties – including fines and imprisonment for parents who insist on using banned names.

In neighboring countries like the UAE, similar restrictions apply. Emirati authorities ban names that conflict with religion, traditions, and cultural values. Parents must ensure that they adhere to these guidelines when selecting a name for their child.

In Iran, on the contrary, parents have greater freedom in choosing names despite the country’s Islamic nature. Classic Persian names such as, Darya, Kourosh, and Farhad, as well as names from other languages like Mona, are acceptable. However, giving Western names like Michael or Jennifer is generally frowned upon yet not illegal.

As you can see, naming laws vary significantly throughout the Middle Eastern region. Each country enforces its distinct regulations regarding names, reflecting their unique cultures, values, and religious beliefs. Parents must carefully consider the implications of their child’s name in these countries, as they could face significant consequences if their chosen name falls afoul of the local laws.

African Nations and Their Naming Regulations

When it comes to naming regulations in various African countries, you’ll find that they can be quite varied in terms of restrictions and rules. Some nations have strict laws that limit the names parents can choose, while others are more relaxed. Here, I’ll discuss a few nations and their naming regulations.

In Morocco, names must adhere to the religious and cultural traditions of the country. Parents are required to choose names that have a clear and positive meaning, and identify with the Islamic faith. There are certain names, like Sarah and Linda that are prohibited, mainly to protect the child’s religious identity.

Similarly, in Egypt, names must be in line with the nation’s cultural and religious beliefs, aligning with Islam. Names that are offensive, mocking, or unacceptable in society are strictly prohibited. Additionally, names that resemble titles, like King or Queen, are also not allowed.

However, such naming restrictions are not as strict in every African country. Kenya is more flexible with its naming regulations. While there are no strict laws concerning the choice of names, parents might still encounter issues when attempting to register a name that is deemed offensive, inappropriate, or an obvious mockery.

South Africa is known for its cultural diversity, which is reflected in their naming practices. Even though there are no specific laws restricting particular names, some reports have indicated that parents can still encounter problems with some names. For example, a challenge might arise if a name is considered to be offensive, possibly leading to a registrar’s refusal to register the child under that name.

Nigeria, a country with strong ethnic and cultural diversity, also lacks strict naming regulations. However, a common thread here is the emphasis on names with significant meaning, often drawing from the various ethnic groups within the country.

To sum it up, naming regulations in African countries show a range of flexibility, often reflecting the cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity of these nations. It is essential for parents to be cognizant of the norms and expectations of the society they live in when choosing a name for their child. Though some countries may not have explicit laws, it’s still important to select a name that is culturally appropriate and meaningful for the child’s upbringing.

The Impact of Illegal Names on Children

Choosing the name of your baby can be a difficult decision. It goes beyond just picking a name that you and your partner like the sound of. You’ll need to find a name that doesn’t get your child bullied at school and that won’t make them resent you forever. However, it seems that some parents didn’t get the memo. With instances of grown adults trying to call their children “Adolf Hitler” or “Nutella”, it’s clear that not everyone knows what kind of name is appropriate to put on a birth certificate.

We aren’t really sure why or how these parents came up with these choices. Either way, to save more children from suffering a similar fate, we’ve compiled a list of illegal baby names from the USA and around the world.

US Naming Laws

While the United States of America has somewhat lax naming laws, there are still some names that you aren’t allowed to use for a child. While these differ from state to state, having a numeral in your name is mostly not allowed. This means that a name such as “Mon1ka” wouldn’t be permissible as your chosen moniker (pun absolutely intended). Unfortunately, it also means you’ll have to refrain from calling your child R2-D2 or C-3PO. If that discourages you from having a child in the first place, we don’t blame you.

Some states also limit the number of characters that can be used as well as the inclusion of pictograms, obscenity, foreign characters, symbols, emojis, or any offensive language. Certain states also forbid the use of accents and/or non-English letters, which is oftentimes due to the inability of their information systems to process vital records including these characters.

California is one of the states that don’t allow the use of accents, but they do permit the inclusion of hyphens and apostrophes. This explains why Elon Musk and Grimes were able to charmingly name their child “X AE A-XII”.

Examples of Illegal Baby Names in the US

Very few specific names are actually banned in the United States. These liberal naming laws are partly due to the fact that many courts have interpreted specific parts of the US Constitution as supporting a parent’s right to choose their children’s names. While certain states have stricter naming laws, a few states, such as Kentucky, have none in place. Regardless of these relatively lenient naming regulations, there are still a handful of names that were ruled illegal by courts within the US. Some of these are listed below:

Illegal Baby Names From Across the World

While the US has relatively lax naming regulations, many other countries have much stricter naming laws. In certain parts of the world, governments require parents to choose from a pre-approved list of names, and to include new names on the list, citizens may make an official petition.

Some countries also have laws banning names that could be ridiculous or cause children problems in social interactions. Below is a list of names that are illegal across the world, alongside where exactly they aren’t allowed:

Changing an Illegal Baby Name: The Process

At times parents may find out that their chosen baby name is deemed illegal, either due to local laws or official regulations. Changing an illegal baby name involves going through a process, and it’s essential to know what steps to follow.

First, you’ll need to determine if a name is illegal in your jurisdiction. You can do this by referring to local laws, checking with your nation’s birth registry authorities, or consulting a legal expert. It’s important to note that regulations might vary based on your location, so make sure you’re aware of the specific rules where you reside.

If you discover that a baby name is illegal, it’s time to start the process of changing the name. Below are the typical steps involved:

  1. Select a new name: Choose a new name for your child, ensuring it complies with the relevant naming regulations and guidelines in your area.
  2. Complete the necessary forms: Obtain the relevant forms for name change from your local government’s office or online website. Fill out these forms accurately, providing all required information.
  3. Submit the forms: Submit the completed forms, along with any additional required documentation, to your local government’s office. This might be the Vital Records office, Registrar of Births, or a similar agency, depending on your location.
  4. Pay the fees: Pay the applicable fees for the name change process. The fee amount may vary based on where you live.
  5. Receive the amended birth certificate: After the name change request has been processed and approved, you’ll receive an updated birth certificate with the new name.

It’s important to keep in mind that the timeline for this process can vary, so it’s best to start as soon as possible to avoid any complications or delays.

Furthermore, some countries require parents to submit a court order for name changes. This might happen if there’s a dispute over the legality of the name, or if parents disagree about a name change. In this scenario, you may need to consult with a legal expert, get advice, or go through the legal process to change a name.

In summary, changing an illegal baby name involves researching and adhering to relevant local laws, selecting a new name, completing and submitting the required forms, and paying applicable fees. The process may differ between jurisdictions, so it’s essential to be well-informed about your local naming regulations.

In Conclusion: Respecting Cultural Norms and Laws

Choosing your baby’s name may be challenging; several factors need to be considered, such as how the name sounds and the potential for teasing. Some parents, however, seem to overlook the importance of choosing an appropriate name, evident in cases like naming children “Adolf Hitler” or “Nutella.” This article was created to prevent more children from facing these ill-advised naming choices, highlighting illegal baby names in the US and worldwide.

The US has relatively flexible naming laws, but some boundaries still exist. Typically, names with numbers or special characters are not allowed, and states like California only allow hyphens and apostrophes. While there aren’t many banned names in the US, Kentucky offers complete freedom when choosing a child’s name. However, a few exceptions exist and include prohibited names such as “Adolf Hitler,” “Messiah,” and “@.”

Outside of the US, numerous countries apply stricter naming laws. Some governments have prepared lists of approved names and even accept petitions to add new ones. Certain names are prohibited because they’re deemed potentially harmful to the child, including “Robocop” in Mexico, “Blue” in Italy, and “Cyanide” in the United Kingdom.

The importance of respecting cultural norms and laws cannot be overstated when choosing your child’s name. This global overview of illegal names highlights the need for increased awareness and consideration in order to protect children and support their integration into society. Remember to select your baby’s name responsibly and with its long-term impact in mind.

Cris Rizk

Hey there! I'm Cris, a proud mom who recently went through the rollercoaster of finding the perfect name for my newborn. It was such a challenging experience that I decided to create onlinebabynames.com!