Baby Names That are Banned By Different Governments

Did you know that, in some places, the government can actually interfere with the naming your baby? Some parents have gone to such an extent that the government had to impose bans on certain derogatory names. On the other hand, there are certain governments that anyway exercise strict guidelines in the naming of babies. AptParenting explores such examples of banned baby names around the world, and why the need may have arisen.

According to psychologists, the name of your child can impact its personality, and how others perceive him or her. Parents, if you’re thinking of giving a unique name to your baby, ensure that the name does not become a subject of ridicule when the kid grows up.

In an era where celebrities are giving weird names to their babies, to sound like their favorite characters, names of cities, fruits, animals and what not, it comes as a surprise that there are some governments in this world who regulate the names of babies. Though it may seem strange, a few governments do ban weird things.

Nevertheless, some countries do exercise their power in interfering with the parent’s right to naming their kid. While some of them might have sensible reasons for banning some names, some rules are actually pretty absurd to even understand. Though, not to forget, some parents are quite bizarre, and find equally ridiculous names for their kids. Such kids would indeed thank the government for saving them from future hassles. Lastly, in some countries, you have to name your baby only from a predetermined list.

In the United States there is almost complete freedom, other than a few restrictions on naming as per the rules of the states. There is no list citing banned baby names here. Moving out, the following are few instances of illegal names for babies, that are banned by their respective governments.

New Zealand

New Zealand bans baby names that are offensive, are too long (of unreasonable proportions), or refers to an official title.

The list of baby names that are banned include: Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii, Mafia No Fear, Lucifer, 4Real, Anal, 89, etc.

On the other hand, names that are banned since they refer to an official title include: King, Queen, Prince, Princess, Duke, Royal, Lady, Knight, etc.

Italy

The court ordered the parents of a baby to change its name when they chose the name ‘Venerdi’ for him. The court’s stand was that, the name would subject the boy to ridicule and mockery.

Sweden

In Sweden, first names are required to be reported to the Tax Agency. Also, there are certain regulations stipulated, wherein, they can interfere if the name is derogatory in any sense.

The court stepped in when parents decided to call their kid ‘Brfxxccxxmnpcccclll mmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116’ (Come on folks, it is not so difficult to pronounce it. It is pronounced as Albin). Nevertheless, they were obviously denied this name.

France

In France, a girl’s parents were banned from naming their daughter ‘Nutella‘, since it was a product name – a hazelnut spread. Also, the name ‘Fraise‘, which means ‘strawberry’ in French, was banned by the judge, stating that it may lead to insult because of the phrase ‘ramène ta fraise’, which means ‘get your ass over here’.

Japan

One of the banned names in Japan is Akuma, which means devil. In Japan too, there are certain prerequisites, and the government can interfere if the name seems inappropriate. Also, only the official ‘kanji’ can be used for naming babies.

China

In China, the government urges its citizens to choose names that are compatible with the computer scanners for the national identification cards. Characters that are not Chinese, and digits are not allowed in names. A couple who wanted to name their kid @, was denied permission. The symbol resembles a character in Chinese that is pronounced as ‘ai-ta’, meaning ‘love him’.

Norway

In Norway, a woman was arrested and kept in jail for two days for naming her child ‘Gesher‘, which means ‘bridge’.

Iceland

This country has an official list of 1,712 boy names, and 1,853 girl names that can be used. Anything other than these have to be approved by the government authorities. In 2013, a 15-year-old won a battle against the government authorities to use the name ‘Blaer‘, which means ‘light breeze’. The authorities had earlier denied it, stating that it was not an appropriate feminine name. Also, names which start with ‘c’ are not an option here, since the letter ‘c’ does not exist in Icelandic.

Northern Mexican State of Sonora

The state has banned a few names that can result children into getting bullied in their future. Names such as Hermione, Burger King, James Bond, Facebook, etc., are banned.

Germany

In Germany, you need to be gender-specific. The name should reflect the gender of the child. Also, the name should not spark anything outrageous or humiliating, in any manner. Names banned include ‘Adolf Hitler‘.

Malaysia

Even Malaysian authorities interfere if the names are absurd and derogatory. For example, the name ‘Chow Tow‘, which means ‘smelly head’, was banned by the government. Other than that, you cannot name your baby after animals, fruits, and vegetables.

When Shakespeare said ‘What’s in a name?’, he was pretty unaware of parents who would give such absurd names to their kids. Well, in some cases, the government has certainly come to the rescue of the poor toddlers who nearly fell victims of their parent’s fancies.