Why is III an illegal baby name in the USA?

Asked by: Fabiola Wiza  |  Last update: April 23, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (6 votes)

III (illegal in California): The Roman numeral for three was rejected as a name by a California court since it is both a symbol and a number, which aren't allowed.

Why can't you name your kid III?

Adding Arabic numerals (like 3 or 5) to a child's name is not allowed in Texas and New Jersey, but Roman numerals are usually OK (as in John Smith III). Numerals that are spelled out (like “ten”) are not prohibited anywhere.

Why is 1069 an illegal baby name?

1069 is considered an illegal baby name in some U.S. states because it's a number, and many jurisdictions prohibit numerals, symbols, or names that could cause administrative confusion or ridicule, stemming from court cases in states like North Dakota and Minnesota that denied requests for purely numerical names. Courts ruled that numbers aren't suitable for legal identification and can create issues with forms and databases, although the specific number 1069 gained notoriety from a man's failed attempt to legally change his name to it in the 1970s. 

Who decides if a name is illegal?

Key Takeaways. Both parents usually have equal rights to name or change their child's name, but if they disagree, state laws and courts may decide. Naming laws differ by state, with some states having restrictions on certain types of names, like those with symbols or too many characters.

Can I name my kid the third?

Technically, you'd be a II and a Sr, and he'd be a Jr. But there's no concrete rules about it, you can name him something completely different still use III if you choose.

26 Banned Baby Names | Mental Floss

18 related questions found

What is the 3 3 3 rule for children?

The 3-3-3 rule for kids is a simple mindfulness grounding technique to manage anxiety by refocusing their senses: name 3 things you see, name 3 sounds you hear, and move 3 parts of your body (like wiggling fingers, toes, or shrugging shoulders) to interrupt anxious thoughts and regain a sense of calm and control. It helps kids shift from overwhelming feelings to the present moment and can be made into a fun "game" to practice.
 

Can I name my kid Skibidi?

You can technically name a child "Skibidi" in many places, but it's strongly discouraged by naming experts and even governments (like Malaysia's) due to the name's origin in a viral, nonsensical meme, making it highly likely to cause teasing, confusion, and potential distress for the child, potentially leading to bullying or social difficulties. 

Why is Nutella an illegal name?

He said in his ruling that the name Nutella was the trade name of a spread that is commonplace in Gallic homes. "And it is contrary to the child's interest to have a name that can only lead to teasing or disparaging thoughts," he pronounced.

Why are some baby names illegal?

While rules vary by state, many ban names with numbers, symbols, obscenities or royal titles. Arizona plays it fairly chill — the state doesn't have a list of banned baby names but names must use standard characters and fit on legal forms.

Is naming your kid Jesus illegal?

Naming a child "Jesus" (or "Jesus Christ") is illegal in some U.S. states, like New Jersey and others, due to potential blasphemy or confusion with the religious figure, while it's a common, accepted name in many Spanish-speaking cultures and countries; laws vary significantly by location, with some places banning religiously significant names like "Messiah," titles (King, Queen), or offensive terms, but court decisions can overturn these bans, as seen in cases challenging religious restrictions. 

What's the rarest girl name ever?

Rare Baby Girl Names

  • Perach.
  • Phanie.
  • Salomi.
  • Megara.
  • Caliste.
  • Lune.
  • Zixuan.
  • Darana.

Who is named Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116?

Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116, ostensibly pronounced [ˈǎlːbɪn] ("Albin"), was a name intended for a Swedish child born in 1991. Parents Elisabeth Hallin and Lasse Diding gave their child this name to protest a fine, imposed in accordance with the naming law in Sweden.

Is Lucifer's name banned?

Yes, the name Lucifer is banned or rejected in some countries like Germany and New Zealand due to its strong negative religious connotations, though it's often allowed in the United States. Bans usually stem from concerns that the name could be harmful, offensive, or misleading for a child, often falling under rules against names resembling titles or being overly demonic.
 

Why can't I name my son Adolf?

Adolf (illegal in Germany and several other countries): Once a popular name throughout Europe, this name's association with the German leader responsible for the slaughter of millions has led to the nearly universal ban on using it.

What happens to unnamed babies?

Babies that are found safely after they've been abandoned or surrendered to a safe haven location typically become a ward of the state, like baby India, until they can be adopted. There are also instances in which the Department of Child and Family Services will contact a private adoption agency directly.

What 11 names are banned in the US?

Here is the list of 11 the banned baby names:

  • King.
  • Queen.
  • Jesus Christ.
  • III.
  • Santa Claus.
  • Majesty.
  • Adolf Hitler.
  • Nutella.

What are some surprisingly illegal names?

Examples of banned baby names in different countries

  • King, Queen, Prince, Princess (New Zealand, US)
  • Adolf Hitler (Germany, US)
  • Messiah (US)
  • Nutella (US)
  • @, 1069 (US)
  • Sex Fruit (New Zealand)
  • Robocop (Mexico)
  • Metallica (Sweden)

Why is the name Tom banned in Portugal?

Portugal: No Toms allowed

This is not because of a hatred of Spider-Man or Forrest Gump – but because names in Portugal are required to take traditional Portuguese spellings. The government has a list of pre-approved names that all new parents must choose from. So while Tom is out, Tomás is allowed.

What is the rarest U.S. name?

Unique Baby Names by State

Some of the rarer names identified include Wylder in Vermont, Naim in Delaware, Mazikeen in Wyoming, Babyboy in New Hampshire, and Jahziel in Rhode Island. These names were given to only five babies within their respective states over the past 23 years.

What names can you legally not use?

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.

Can Muslims have Nutella?

Is Nutella halal? Yes, Nutella is halal but the commercial one, and as far as I know Nutella does not contain any haram ingredient. Although, in every packaging, the permissible percentage of alcohol content should be labeled and certified.

What does chow tow mean?

Chow Tow: Malaysia and Victoria, Australia

- Name meaning: Smelly head.

Why is my son saying Skibidi?

Kids say "skibidi" because it's a nonsensical term from the viral YouTube series Skibidi Toilet, used as a filler, an adjective meaning good/bad/weird, or simply a reference to the absurd internet culture that kids find funny. The phrase comes from a sped-up song used in the videos featuring human heads popping out of toilets, and its meaning changes with context, making it a versatile, meaningless, yet popular slang word.
 

Can I name my kid Robocop?

Robocop, Terminator, Rambo, and James Bond

Officials there feel so strongly against parents naming children after these fictional characters that they have made them illegal.

Why is 1069 banned as a name?

1069 is considered an illegal baby name in some U.S. states because it's a number, and many jurisdictions prohibit numerals, symbols, or names that could cause administrative confusion or ridicule, stemming from court cases in states like North Dakota and Minnesota that denied requests for purely numerical names. Courts ruled that numbers aren't suitable for legal identification and can create issues with forms and databases, although the specific number 1069 gained notoriety from a man's failed attempt to legally change his name to it in the 1970s.