What can you legally not name your child?
Asked by: scraper | Last update: September 30, 2026Score: 0/5 (0 votes)
Baby naming laws vary significantly. In the United States, naming is generally relaxed but USA Birth Certificates notes that courts enforce a few strict national bans. Banned names include Adolf Hitler, Jesus Christ, Santa Claus, King, Queen, Majesty, Messiah, Nutella, III, the symbol @, and the number 1069.
Is there anything you can't legally name your child?
In the United States, naming laws vary by state, but generally, it is illegal to use numerals, emojis, special symbols, or obscenities. Courts and vital statistics departments also uniformly ban names that are sexually explicit, derogatory, or likely to cause confusion, as well as official titles (e.g., King, Queen).
What names can you legally not be named?
Derogatory or obscene names are banned in California. Only the 26 characters of the English alphabet are allowed, which rules out umlauts and others. Pictographs such as smiley faces or ideograms such as a “thumbs-up” sign are specifically banned.
What names are you not allowed to name a child?
While the U.S. generally allows parents creative freedom, names that use symbols, emojis, numerals, or obscenities are banned. Courts and registries nationwide officially forbid 11 primary banned names: King, Queen, Jesus Christ, III, Santa Claus, Majesty, Adolf Hitler, Messiah, @, Nutella, and 1069.
Can I call my kid Nutella?
But a family in France attempted to name their child Nutella. In 2015, a judge in Valenciennes in northern France refused to allow a child to be named after the spread. They expressed concerns over the use of a trademark, but ultimately decided the child couldn't be given that name because of the risk of humiliation.
Top 10 Illegal Baby Names
Can you name your kid cinnamon?
Baby is certainly going to add a little spice to your life, so Cinnamon is a superb choice. This feminine name has roots all over the world, from the Greek kinnamomon, the Latin cinnamum, the French cinnamone, and the Hebrew qinnamon.
Can I name my baby Jesus in Norway?
Religious names like "Jesus" are banned to avoid confusion or disrespect, while creative or pop culture names like "Gandalf" or "Lego" are allowed — as long as they don't harm the child's dignity or cause offense. What do you think about this law in Norway? Norway can be a bit of a strange place sometimes.
Can you name your baby Jesus?
In the United States, you can legally name your child "Jesus," but you cannot name them "Jesus Christ". However, the acceptability of this name varies heavily by culture, region, and language:
Is King banned as a name?
"King" is not banned in the United States, where it is a popular name with over 1,000 children receiving it in 2024. However, the name is officially banned in New Zealand, along with titles like Prince and Majesty, as they are considered titles of rank rather than forenames.
Can you name your child Ned Kelly?
This meant that truly bizarre names like #ROFL, Smelly, Medicare, Osama, Jesus Christ, IKEA and Ned Kelly were placed on this list in 2015. What do you think? Which is the strangest name on Victoria's banned name list for 2016?
What are the top 10 illegal names?
Examples of Illegal Baby Names in the US
- King.
- Queen.
- Jesus Christ.
- III.
- Santa Claus.
- Majesty.
- Adolf Hitler.
- Messiah.
Can a baby be nameless in the US?
It is fairly common for newborn babies not to have names, which can cause issues with medical record systems. In most cases a workaround is used, such as "Baby {{Lastname}}".
What is the #1 rarest name in the world?
and the most rare, the most uncommon name that anybody has is Rome. with only 208 babies with that name.
What are the banned names for children?
These banned names include King, Queen, Jesus Christ, III, Santa Claus, Majesty, Adolf Hitler, Nutella, Messiah, @, and 1069.
Is it illegal to name your kid princess?
It is generally not illegal to name your child Princess in the United States, as it is often considered a noun or nickname rather than a formal, restricted royal title. However, naming restrictions vary significantly by state, and certain official titles, obscenities, or numeric characters may be rejected by local registries.
Did a Florida couple name their kid 67?
A Florida couple went viral in early January 2026 after naming their newborn “Six Seven.” The name references a 2025 internet meme popular on TikTok and traces back to the song “Doot Doot” by rapper Skrilla. It also nods to the baby's birth date: 1/6–7.
Can you name your child Michael?
Michael is a gender-neutral name of Hebrew origin, meaning "who resembles God?" Emperors, kings, and saints have borne the name Michael over the centuries, giving it its celebrity status.
Can you call your child Duke in Australia?
The first big no-no when it comes to naming a child is using an official title or rank across royal, political, religious, military and judicial roles – so you won't meet any little Dukes, Prime Ministers, Gods or Commanders in Australia.
Can a guy be named Kelly?
Kelly is a unisex given name derived from an Anglicized version of the Irish masculine name Ceallach or a transferred use of the Irish surname O'Ceallaigh. O'Ceallaigh, which means "descendant of Ceallach", was Anglicized as Kelly or O'Kelly; the meaning of the personal name Ceallach is uncertain.
Can I name my kid Adolf in the USA?
In most US states, it is technically legal to name your child "Adolf". While several international jurisdictions ban the name outright, the US grants parents broad constitutional autonomy in naming.
What is the most controversial name?
Controversial names span everything from baby naming trends to corporate branding and historical figures. These monikers typically spark debate due to cultural appropriation, offensive slang meanings, or dark historical connotations.
Is naming your kid Jesus illegal?
No, naming your child Jesus is perfectly legal in the United States. However, there is a legal distinction regarding the full name.
Is saying "heck yeah" a sin?
Saying "heck yeah" is generally not considered a sin. It is a mild, good-natured slang phrase used to express enthusiastic agreement.
Is President Trump a Catholic?
President Trump is not Catholic; he identifies as a nondenominational Christian.
Why is 2033 important?
The year 2033 is primarily significant in Christian theology as the anticipated 2000th anniversary of the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. The Vatican recognizes 33 AD as the year of Christ's passion, making 2033 a focal point for massive global commemorations and a major Jubilee year.