31 Baby Names That Are Illegal in Different Parts of The World and the Funny Stories Behind Them

1. Baby Girl/Baby Boy

Attachment basic 15 — A curious baby girl and baby boy explore a colorful stack of books about global naming laws. | Image source: 943thepoint.com

In some U.S. states, such as Arkansas and New Mexico, the names ‘Baby Girl’ and ‘Baby Boy’ are prohibited. These generic placeholders, often used temporarily in hospitals, are banned because they lack individuality and can cause confusion in official records.
Authorities argue that such names could lead to identity issues and administrative mix-ups later in life. While the intention might be to keep options open until the perfect name is found, the law requires a more distinctive identity for each newborn. This regulation ensures that children don’t end up with names that are both amusingly generic and potentially problematic.

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2. Male/Female

baby in white shirt and black pants lying on brown carpet — Source: Photo by Lingchor on Unsplash

In New Mexico, naming a child ‘Male’ or ‘Female’ is not an option. These terms, typically used in medical and administrative contexts to indicate gender, are banned as legal names. The prohibition is designed to prevent confusion and ambiguity in official documentation and personal identification.
Authorities insist on more unique and personal identifiers for each individual, ensuring that legal names reflect the person rather than a generic label. By disallowing such names, the state aims to maintain clarity and prevent the potential bureaucratic headaches that could arise from such generic designations.

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3. Test/Void

In Arkansas, names such as ‘Test’ and ‘Void’ are not just quirky choices—they’re outright illegal. These names are seen as problematic due to their potential to disrupt data systems and databases.
Names like these can be interpreted as commands or errors within digital records, leading to administrative chaos. The ban ensures smooth operation of systems that handle personal information and prevents any unintended consequences. By outlawing such names, the state aims to maintain the integrity and functionality of its technological infrastructure, all while avoiding any unnecessary system headaches.

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4. @ Symbol

I 078 — A whimsical scene where the @ symbol is humorously personified amidst outdated naming law scrolls. | Image source: gutenberg.org

In many US states, incorporating symbols like the ‘@’ symbol into a child’s name is strictly forbidden. This ban stems from the need to maintain clarity and uniformity in legal and administrative documents.
Names with symbols could lead to confusion in databases and official records, complicating processes from ID creation to legal filings. Interestingly, this isn’t just a US phenomenon; similar restrictions exist worldwide. For example, in China, a couple attempted to name their child ‘@’, pronounced “ai-ta,” but the government swiftly rejected it, highlighting a global consensus against symbol-laden names.

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5. Santa Claus

In Ohio, a man’s attempt to legally change his name to ‘Santa Claus’ was met with a firm rejection. While the notion of having a name synonymous with holiday cheer might sound amusing, authorities deemed it inappropriate for legal use.
The humorous implications of being named after the jolly gift-giver are endless—imagine the confusion during the festive season! However, such whimsical names are discouraged to avoid potential issues in legal identification and societal interactions. By prohibiting this name, Ohio ensures individuals maintain a serious and practical identity in official records.

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6. Messiah

low angle view of cross with red garment — Source: Photo by Alicia Quan on Unsplash

The name ‘Messiah’ has stirred significant controversy in the US, particularly due to its religious connotations. In 2013, a Tennessee judge ruled against a couple naming their child Messiah, citing its divine implications as inappropriate for a child.
This decision sparked a legal battle, with the ruling eventually overturned on appeal, allowing the name to stand. This case highlighted the delicate balance between personal choice and societal norms. The episode underscores the complexities involved in name selection, where cultural and religious sensitivities can come into play, leading to heated debates and legal scrutiny.

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7. 1069

Gettyimages 960334174 — A quirky display of baby name books featuring “1069” prominently, highlighting unique numerical naming conventions and laws. | Image source: kicks99.com

The numerical name ‘1069’ faced legal challenges in several US states, including North Dakota, Minnesota, and California. Naming a child with a number rather than traditional letters was swiftly rejected, as it defies the norms of linguistic and cultural standards.
Authorities argued that using numbers in names could complicate legal documentation and everyday interactions, from school enrollments to government records. Despite the parents’ insistence on their unique choice, the courts maintained that names should consist of letters, ensuring clarity and preventing potential administrative headaches.

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8. Majesty

girl wearing red dress — Source: Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

The name ‘Majesty’ falls under the category of regal titles that are often banned in the US and other countries. Such names are viewed as inappropriate and potentially misleading, implying a status or rank that the individual does not possess.
The ban on ‘Majesty’ reflects a broader restriction on names that confer titles or noble status, such as ‘King’ or ‘Queen.’ These prohibitions aim to prevent confusion and ensure that names remain within the realm of personal identity, rather than suggesting societal hierarchy or official rank, which could lead to misunderstandings.

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9. Jesus Christ

religious concert performed by a band on stage — Source: Photo by Edward Cisneros on Unsplash

The name ‘Jesus Christ’ is prohibited in several US states due to its profound religious connotations. Naming a child after such a revered figure is considered disrespectful and potentially offensive within various communities.
The cultural sensitivities surrounding this name underscore the importance of maintaining respect for religious figures and concepts in personal naming conventions. By enforcing this ban, states aim to prevent any potential offense or misunderstanding that could arise from using a name with significant spiritual significance, ensuring that names chosen are both respectful and culturally appropriate.

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10. III

In California, the use of the Roman numeral ‘III’ as a name was rejected due to the prohibition on numbers and symbols in legal names. While Roman numerals can denote generational suffixes, using them as a standalone name defies the state’s naming conventions.
Authorities emphasize that names should consist of letters to maintain clarity and uniformity in records. The disallowance of ‘III’ as a name highlights the importance of adhering to linguistic norms, ensuring that names are both practical and easily integrated into official documentation, avoiding potential confusion and misinterpretation.

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11. Adolf

P01l98fv — A vintage document showcases a list of historical names affected by evolving naming laws, including Adolf. | Image source: bbc.co.uk

The name ‘Adolf’ is nearly universally banned due to its strong association with Adolf Hitler, the infamous dictator responsible for immense atrocities during World War II. This historical context has led to the name being perceived as deeply offensive and inappropriate across the globe.
Many countries have instituted bans to prevent the glorification or trivialization of such a contentious figure. By restricting this name, societies aim to honor the memory of those affected by past horrors and ensure that names chosen for children promote a more positive and respectful legacy.

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12. Aryan

651461146 h — A thoughtful parent browses a book of baby names, pondering options while considering the implications of naming laws. | Image source: parenting.firstcry.com

The name ‘Aryan’ carries controversial connotations in several countries due to its association with racial supremacy ideologies. Its historical misuse during the Nazi era has led to increased sensitivity and restrictions around its use.
Despite its original meaning rooted in Indo-Iranian languages as ‘noble’ or ‘honorable,’ the name’s adoption by extremist groups has tainted its perception. As a result, many parents seek alternatives that retain a similar sound or meaning. Names like ‘Arian’ or ‘Arjun’ are popular substitutes, offering a positive cultural significance without the problematic associations.

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13. Metallica

Fe lifestyle 5 1 — A vibrant display of Metallica merchandise in Sweden, where quirky laws govern band name choices for newborns. | Image source: financialexpress.com

In Sweden, the name ‘Metallica’ was banned, highlighting the cultural hesitance towards naming children after bands. Despite the popularity of the legendary rock group, authorities deemed the name unsuitable for official records.
Swedish naming laws emphasize that names should not cause discomfort or ridicule, aiming for choices that reflect personal identity over commercial or cultural entities. This case underscores a broader global trend where names derived from pop culture or brand associations are often scrutinized, ensuring that children are not burdened with names that might lead to unwanted attention or misunderstanding.

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14. Nutella

1 xhfopmuleeo0ofschnshiq — A jar of Nutella stands prominently amid a colorful array of brand names, highlighting its iconic status amidst strict French labeling laws. | Image source: medium.com

In France, the name ‘Nutella’ was rejected, much to the amusement of many. The court ruled that naming a child after the popular hazelnut spread could lead to ridicule and teasing.
The decision reflects France’s commitment to ensuring names promote a positive identity without commercial influences. In an unexpected twist, the judge humorously suggested shortening the name to ‘Ella’, which the parents accepted. This transformation maintains the essence of the original choice while aligning with societal norms, highlighting the balance between creativity and practicality in naming conventions.

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15. Monkey

Denmark’s stringent naming laws resulted in the rejection of the name ‘Monkey’, reflecting the country’s emphasis on maintaining dignity in personal identification. The Danish government maintains a list of approved names, ensuring that choices are respectful and culturally appropriate.
Names that resemble animals or objects are typically disallowed to prevent potential embarrassment or social stigma. By enforcing such regulations, Denmark aims to protect children’s identities from names that could be perceived as jokes, emphasizing the importance of fostering a positive and respectful societal image through considered naming practices.

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16. Venerdi/Friday

7 1024x683 — A curious Italian storefront sign reads “Venerdi,” showcasing the charm of Italy’s unique naming traditions. | Image source: learnitalianpod.com

In Italy, the name ‘Venerdi’, meaning ‘Friday’, was not approved, illustrating the country’s sensitivity to cultural naming conventions. Italian authorities argued that naming a child after a day of the week could lead to teasing and undermine the child’s dignity.
This rejection reflects a broader cultural trend in Italy, where names are expected to carry historical or familial significance. By discouraging names that might be deemed whimsical or trivial, Italy aims to uphold a tradition of meaningful and respectful naming practices, ensuring that names resonate with personal and cultural identity.

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17. Osama Bin Laden

white mosque under cloudy sky — Source: Photo by Kevin Olson on Unsplash

In Germany, the name ‘Osama Bin Laden’ is prohibited, reflecting deep historical sensitivities and the impact of global events. The association with the infamous terrorist leader responsible for the tragic 9/11 attacks makes this name highly inappropriate.
German authorities are vigilant about names that could incite hatred or discomfort, ensuring that personal identities do not glorify negative historical figures. Such restrictions highlight the importance placed on promoting peace and respect through naming conventions, avoiding any potential societal tensions that could arise from names linked to controversial or infamous individuals.

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18. Thor

2013 thor the dark world widescreen wallpapers — A majestic statue of Thor stands defiantly amidst a backdrop of Portugal’s ancient legal manuscripts. | Image source: heyuguys.com

In Portugal, the name ‘Thor’ is banned, reflecting the country’s preference for names that align with its cultural heritage. Although Thor is a popular figure in Norse mythology and modern pop culture, Portuguese authorities find it incongruous with local naming traditions.
The ban emphasizes the importance of cultural resonance in naming, ensuring that names reflect the linguistic and historical context of Portugal. By disallowing mythological names from foreign cultures, Portugal seeks to preserve its unique identity and heritage, fostering a sense of national pride and continuity in personal naming practices.

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19. Cyanide

In the UK, the name ‘Cyanide’ became the center of a legal battle when a mother attempted to name her child after the deadly poison. Authorities swiftly intervened, citing the potential psychological impact and societal implications of such a dark-themed name.
The court ruled against the mother, emphasizing that names should not be associated with harmful or negative connotations. This case underscores the importance of selecting names that contribute to a positive identity and well-being, ensuring that they reflect values conducive to healthy societal interactions and personal development.

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20. Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116

Image00003 scaled 800x600 — A playful illustration depicts a whimsical scene highlighting Sweden’s strict naming laws with the name Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116. | Image source: theliteracycompany.co.uk

In a notable case, Sweden rejected the name ‘Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116’, which parents proposed as a protest against the country’s naming regulations. This 43-character string of letters and numbers was deemed unpronounceable and nonsensical, reflecting a broader trend of challenging traditional naming conventions.
Swedish authorities insist on names that are easily recognizable and pronounceable, ensuring that individuals can engage comfortably in society. Such cases highlight the tension between creative expression and practical considerations, emphasizing the need for names that facilitate communication and integration.

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21. IKEA/Ikea

Received 1024752638632520 — A vibrant IKEA showroom showcases Swedish design ingenuity, cleverly labeling each piece in adherence to local branding laws. | Image source: imtnews.ph

In Sweden, the name ‘Ikea’ is banned for babies, despite its origin as a Swedish brand renowned worldwide for affordable furniture. The decision reflects a commitment to prevent commercial brand names from becoming personal identifiers.
Swedish naming laws prioritize the individual’s identity over corporate associations, aiming to protect children from potential teasing or unwanted attention linked to well-known brands. This prohibition ensures that names remain personal and detached from marketing influences, upholding a standard where children are not inadvertently turned into walking advertisements or subjected to commercial branding.

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22. Judas

11684 164198238.1200w.tn — A serene Swiss landscape contrasts with a child named Judas, highlighting the country’s unique naming laws. | Image source: crosswalk.com

Switzerland prohibits the name ‘Judas’ due to its negative biblical associations, as Judas Iscariot is infamous for betraying Jesus. This reflects a broader trend of banning names linked to biblical villains or historical traitors, ensuring they are not used for personal identification.
Such prohibitions aim to prevent potential stigma or discomfort associated with these names, promoting choices that align with positive values and historical figures. By disallowing ‘Judas,’ Switzerland underscores the importance of selecting names that offer a favorable legacy, encouraging parents to consider the broader implications of their naming choices.

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23. Akuma/Devil

Mt. Fuji — Source: Photo by Manuel Cosentino on Unsplash

Japan has banned the name ‘Akuma’, which translates to ‘Devil,’ highlighting the cultural significance of name meanings. Authorities argue that such a name could negatively influence the child’s life, associating them with malevolent forces.
This prohibition underscores the importance placed on names that convey positive or neutral attributes, reflecting societal values and cultural respect. By disallowing names with negative connotations, Japan ensures that individuals carry names that are harmonious and dignified, aligning with cultural traditions that prioritize auspicious and meaningful identities for children.

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24. Chow Tow/Smelly Head

Bldjp022005 22 wide — A playful illustration of a baby named Chow Tow, highlighting Malaysia’s unique naming laws with humor. | Image source: babycenter.com

In Malaysia, the name ‘Chow Tow’, meaning ‘Smelly Head’, was rejected due to its potential to cause embarrassment and ridicule. This decision highlights the cultural emphasis on selecting names that convey respect and positive attributes.
Malaysian authorities aim to protect children from names that might subject them to teasing or social stigma, ensuring that names reflect a positive identity. By enforcing guidelines that prioritize dignity and cultural sensitivity, Malaysia encourages parents to choose names that uphold familial honor and societal acceptance, fostering a nurturing environment for the child’s development.

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25. Sex Fruit

sliced Kiwi fruit — Source: Photo by Lesly Juarez on Unsplash

New Zealand has banned the name ‘Sex Fruit’, reflecting the country’s commitment to safeguarding children from names that could lead to ridicule or hardship. The government maintains a list of prohibited names to ensure that children are not burdened with monikers that might cause social discomfort.
Names like ‘Sex Fruit’ are seen as inappropriate due to their explicit content and potential to attract unwanted attention. By implementing these restrictions, New Zealand emphasizes the importance of names that promote dignity and respect, steering parents towards choices that provide a positive foundation for their child’s identity.

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26. Spinach

Spinach 1296x728 header — A vibrant bowl of fresh spinach, humorously labeled with playful names inspired by Australia’s quirky naming laws. | Image source: healthline.com

In Australia, the name ‘Spinach’ is off the table for newborns, illustrating the country’s stance on food-inspired names. While quirky and amusing, such names can be perceived as not taking the child’s identity seriously, potentially leading to teasing.
Australia’s naming regulations ensure that choices reflect a sense of dignity and practicality, encouraging parents to avoid names that could be seen as trivial or humorous in an unintended way. By disallowing ‘Spinach’ and similar names, the country promotes a thoughtful approach to naming, emphasizing the importance of enduring and respectful personal identifiers.

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27. Lucifer

1 rvzcspeqkh5jk68yvvup9a — A forbidden name is humorously displayed on a New Zealand sign, highlighting the country’s unique naming laws. | Image source: medium.com

New Zealand prohibits the name ‘Lucifer’, reflecting a cultural aversion to names associated with demonic figures. The name is synonymous with the devil in various religious contexts, which could subject a child to social stigma or discomfort.
The ban underscores the importance of selecting names that align with societal norms and moral values, steering clear of negative or controversial associations. By disallowing ‘Lucifer’, New Zealand aims to protect children from potential judgment or misunderstanding, encouraging parents to choose names that foster a positive identity and harmonious societal integration.

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28. Anus/Anal

139ab300db194d84ab6c241b1e4d7b35 — A perplexed official reviews a document amid a humorous debate over unconventional naming laws. | Image source: Photo by yahoo.com

Denmark and New Zealand have explicitly banned the names ‘Anus’ and ‘Anal’, emphasizing the need to avoid names that reference body parts. Such names, while potentially humorous, are deemed inappropriate due to their explicit nature and potential to cause embarrassment.
Both countries prioritize the protection of children from ridicule or discomfort that could arise from having a name associated with a body part. The bans reflect a broader understanding of the importance of names that promote dignity and respect, ensuring that personal identifiers do not attract negative attention or make social interactions awkward or challenging.

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29. Talula Does the Hula in Hawaii

Baby 1tnnw30 — A playful scene unfolds as Talula Does the Hula showcases her colorful outfit amidst New Zealand’s naming quirks. | Image source: blogs.ntu.edu.sg

In New Zealand, the name ‘Talula Does the Hula in Hawaii’ faced legal scrutiny due to its unwieldy length and whimsical nature. The court intervened, arguing that such a name could cause social disadvantages for the child, including ridicule and confusion.
New Zealand’s naming guidelines emphasize practicality and brevity, encouraging names that are easy to pronounce and fit standard documentation. This case highlights the country’s preference for shorter, more conventional names that ensure children can integrate smoothly into society without the burden of an excessively long or fanciful identifier.

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30. President

Confused baby — Australia’s President engages with lawmakers, surrounded by title documents that shape the nation’s legal future. | Image source: marciewrites.com

Australia has banned the name ‘President’, reflecting a broader policy against title-based names. Such names are considered misleading as they imply a level of authority or status that the individual does not possess.
The restriction is part of a larger effort to maintain clarity and truthfulness in personal identification, ensuring that names do not convey false positions or societal roles. By prohibiting names like ‘President’, Australia underscores the importance of names that accurately reflect an individual’s identity and avoid potential confusion or misinterpretation within social and official contexts.

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31. Robocop

In Mexico, the name ‘Robocop’ was banned, highlighting the country’s cautious approach to naming children after pop culture icons. Authorities argue that such names may not stand the test of time and could lead to teasing or identity issues.
While other regions might embrace pop culture names, Mexico maintains a focus on ensuring names are timeless and meaningful. The decision to ban ‘Robocop’ reflects a commitment to safeguarding children’s identities by promoting names that convey cultural significance and stability, rather than fleeting trends or entertainment references.

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Reflecting on Naming Freedom and Restrictions

baby, asleep, child, newborn, infant, sleeping baby, photography, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby — Source: Photo by bongbabyhousevn on Pixabay

The global landscape of naming laws is a tapestry of cultural sensitivities and legal frameworks seeking to balance personal freedom with societal norms. Each country navigates this complex territory differently, reflecting its values and historical contexts.
While some regions embrace unique and creative names, others set boundaries to protect children from potential ridicule or misinterpretation. These restrictions highlight the importance of names as a cornerstone of identity and cultural heritage. As you consider names for future generations, reflect on the stories and traditions they carry, ensuring they contribute positively to the individual’s journey through life.

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