One of the most thrilling aspects of getting ready for a new baby is picking a name. However, did you realize that not every name is recognized by US law?
Yes, some names are surprisingly restricted or prohibited because they prove troublesome for administrative, cultural, or legal reasons. States have different regulations, but generally speaking, the intention is to shield kids from names that can be harmful, confusing, or embarrassing.
Let’s examine some of the most unexpected baby names that are prohibited in the US, the reasons for the prohibition, and some alternatives that parents might want to think about.
- @ and Additional Symbols
Numerous states prohibit the use of symbols, numerals, or emojis like @, #, or $. in names. These characters are invalid on birth certificates because they cannot be recorded into government databases.
For instance:
. @
. +
. $
. #
They are prohibited because state computers will not accept them.
- Too Long Names
Due to technical constraints in government systems, several governments restrict names to a specific number of characters.
Therefore, very long names may be rejected, especially if they contain spaces, special characters, or more than one word.
Problematic names include, for example:
. PneumonoultramicroscopiCsilicovolcanoconiosis
. This name is far too long to fit on a birth certificate.
Fun? Perhaps. Is it legal? Usually not.
- Profane or Offensive Names
Names that are obviously unpleasant, vulgar, or disparaging are prohibited in many places. The goal is to shield kids from names that can cause discrimination or mockery.
Examples (that could be or have been rejected):
. Profanity-filled names
. Racial epithets
. Negative language
Officials may reject these upon registration, but they aren’t usually made public.
- Names That Suggest Ranks or Titles
Names that mimic official titles are prohibited in some states, including:
. King
. Queen
. Prince
. Sergeant
. Doctor
While not all states prohibit these, some have limitations because titles may appear to be self-promotional or confuse legal records.
- Names Made Up of Only Letters or Numbers
It can be difficult to give a kid a name that consists solely of letters or numbers, particularly if the spelling is unconventional.
For instance:
. AAAAAAA
. 111111
. X ¾ A-12 (famously troublesome until significantly modified)
The fact that these names frequently go against official naming conventions is the problem, not their inventiveness.
- Names That Appear to Be False Words
Sometimes names that resemble slogans, jokes, or phrases are rejected. They might not be accepted as names by registrars.
Examples consist of:
. No Name
. Baby Boy
. Happy birthday!
They are undoubtedly distinctive, but they are frequently regarded as names that might be confusing.
Why These Names Are Prohibited
In the US, some names are rejected for the following reasons:
➤ Government Database Restrictions
Certain systems are unable to handle symbols, excessive character counts, or unconventional forms.
➤ Safeguarding the Child
Names that can cause shame, bullying, or legal confusion are frequently prohibited.
➤ Consistency in Law
States desire names that are unproblematic to use on identification documents, passports, school records, and court documents.
Concluding Remarks
In the US, prohibited baby names are frequently motivated by protection and practicality rather than censorship. Even though imaginative naming is fantastic, it’s important to be aware of what is permitted by law.
Choose names that are easy for computers to read, meaningful, and pronounceable if you want rock star creativity without problems!