Yes, Some Baby Names Are Actually Illegal

On July 22, influencer Trisha Paytas announced the birth of her third child, Aquaman Moses. Her son joins sisters Malibu Barbie, born in 2022, and Elvis. While Paytas’s picks have drawn attention for their originality, not all parents worldwide have such freedom. Many countries enforce strict baby name laws that limit or ban certain names altogether.

Why do these rules exist? If you scoffed at naming a child after a superhero played by Jason Momoa, this likely isn't something you're wondering. But if your baby name ideas skew more creative, this might be useful information.

Around the globe, governments establish naming laws for different reasons. Sometimes, it’s to protect children from bullying or social harm, while in other cases, the aim is to preserve cultural traditions or ensure that certain titles aren't misused.

Whatever the reason, knowing the rules where you live is key—they can shape what’s possible for your child’s name, sometimes in surprising ways. Below, we’ll take a closer look at how baby naming laws vary from country to country (including Canada), and what you might want to consider as you decide on the perfect name for your little one.

Why some baby names are banned around the world

Kaomi Taylor, founder of the Museum of Names, an initiative dedicated to exploring the deep personal and cultural meanings behind names, explains that many governments around the world place certain limits on baby names, and for a variety of reasons.

“Often, these rules are there to protect children from names that could be seen as derogatory or make life more difficult for them,” she observes. "In some countries, naming laws also serve as a way of preserving cherished cultural traditions and heritage."

Titles, ranks, and names that cross the line

Names that look like titles or ranks, such as 'King' or 'Queen,' are also often off-limits. “Most often, titles are banned because they’re ranks that are earned or bestowed,” Taylor notes. “They don’t want people to be confused for those who have earned that rank, as in the military, or who hold a title by birthright or authority.”

Taylor adds that baby name restrictions are also put in place to help shield children from social challenges, since a name can be so closely tied to a child’s sense of identity. “If someone makes fun of a child’s name or laughs at it, that experience can linger and affect their self-confidence,” she says.

Controversial figures and offensive names on the no-go list

Then, there are rules about names associated with controversial historical or political figures—think Adolf Hitler or Osama bin Laden. “Again, this is to protect the child,” Taylor concludes. “Because you never know what’s going to happen to the reputation of a historical or political figure.”

Why numbers, symbols, and long names get rejected

Additionally, Taylor points out that some countries restrict names with symbols, numbers, or excessive length. “As governments have moved to computerized systems, names now have to fit software data standards,” she explains. “That means names can’t contain symbols or numbers, and often need to stay within a set character limit.”

Baby naming laws in the United States vs. other countries

It may come as a surprise, but every country in the world takes a unique approach to baby naming rules.

For instance, Nameberry’s Editor-in-Chief and baby name expert Sophie Kihm notes that, unlike some countries that ban specific names outright, naming rules in the United States differ from state to state, rather than being enforced on a federal level. Meanwhile, in places like New Zealand, she explains, parents face a more clear-cut system, with authorities releasing an annual list of baby names that are strictly off-limits.

How Japan, Germany, France, and Iceland handle baby names

Japan, too, imposes specific naming guidelines. Emma Alves, a senior lawyer and the owner of Alves Law, a firm based in Oakville, Ontario, specializing in family law, says, "Japan permits only names written in accepted kanji, hiragana, or katakana, and prohibits names with dark or violent meanings, even if their pronunciation is otherwise acceptable."

In parts of Europe, such as Germany and France, Alves points out that the naming process is seen less as a personal choice and more as a social responsibility. "In Germany, local registry offices can reject names that don’t indicate gender or that may expose the child to ridicule or harm," she says. "Similarly, France intervenes if a proposed name could socially or psychologically burden a child."

Even countries renowned for strict naming conventions, such as Iceland, are beginning to modernize their rules. Traditionally, Iceland only permitted names that conformed to the Icelandic alphabet and matched the child’s sex. However, as Kihm notes, recent legal battles—including the well-known 2013 case involving a girl seeking legal recognition for the name Blaer—have prompted authorities to reconsider and gradually ease these restrictions.

Examples of banned baby names in different countries

While banned baby names evolve, here’s a quick look at names that are prohibited in various 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)
  • Cyanide (UK)
  • 007 (Malaysia)
  • BRFXXCCXXMNPCCCCLLLMMNPRXVCLMNCKSSQLBB11116 (Sweden)
  • Prince William (France)
  • Quran (China)
  • Judas (Switzerland)
  • Devil (Japan)
  • Blue (Italy)
  • Kirakira ("shiny" names like Pikachu, Nike - Japan)
  • Elvis (Sweden)

Canada’s baby name rules: what parents should know

Alves explains that Canada has its own set of rules for baby names, guided more by practicality than by opinion. Although each province or territory sets its own regulations, she points out that there is a general trend toward minimal interference across the country.

“As long as a name works with digital systems, identity documents, and legal requirements, it’s usually accepted—there’s no screening for personal taste or cultural fit,” Alves says. “Authorities only step in if a name could cause confusion, administrative problems, or fall into a legal gray area. The goal isn’t to limit creativity, but simply to make sure children can get documents like health cards or passports without any issues.”

Names that are not permitted

There are names, however, that aren’t allowed in Canada. According to Alves, these include names with numbers or special characters, such as # or @. She continues, “Names that are also similar to job titles or professional ranks—like Officer, Duke, or Reverend—are also often rejected.”

Provincial differences in Canadian naming laws

Alves states that naming rules vary from one Canadian province to another. "Quebec has a prescriptive naming model, requiring names to conform to French language rules and values—for example, rejecting Spatule (‘spatula’) as absurd and potentially embarrassing," she explains.

In contrast, Alves suggests that Alberta is more liberal, allowing accents and diacritics, while multicultural British Columbia accepts several non-Latin alphabets, such as Punjabi, Mandarin, and Arabic.

Additionally, she notes that Saskatchewan’s regulations focus on what can be accommodated by digital systems and official forms, rather than on cultural considerations.

How to register a baby's name in Canada

“In most parts of Canada, birth registration is completed online or in hospitals within 30 days,” she says. “You must provide the baby’s name, date of birth, and information for both parents. Once approved, the birth certificate can be used as the foundation for future identification.”

What to do if your baby name is rejected in Canada

Alves suggests that if a name fails to meet legal or system requirements, parents are contacted by the registrar for corrections.

She explains, "Registrars may simply ask for clarification or fully reject a name. Usually, parents can change or correct the name. If they insist on keeping an unregistrable name, the issue can be escalated."

However, there are differences in how this is handled across provinces. "In Quebec, the registrar can refuse the name, temporarily recording the child as ‘fille’ or ‘garçon’, along with just the surname, until the issue is resolved," Alves explains. "In Ontario, a rejected name is replaced with a generic placeholder, which becomes permanent if parents do not amend it—unless changed legally at a later time."

Tips for choosing a name that works legally and socially

As you consider baby names, Kihm recommends that parents take the time to carefully research naming laws in their area. "This is a great way to understand more about your region's culture," she says. "Generally, the more homogenous a country is, the more likely it is to have strict naming laws—especially those related to language or gender. On the other hand, more diverse countries may have fewer naming restrictions, partly to avoid discrimination."

It’s also important to think about how your child might feel about their name. "I always encourage parents to put themselves in their child’s shoes and imagine having the names on their shortlist," Kihm explains. "Saoirse, for example, is a beautiful name—but how would you feel about having to spell it out every time you introduce yourself? Some people don’t mind, while others find it inconvenient. Of course, you can’t know for sure how your child will feel, but your own reaction is usually the best clue!"

The bottom line

Choosing the right name for your child is an act filled with love, intention, and meaning. However, there are naming laws—whether they exist to preserve tradition, protect children, or meet practical requirements—that parents should be mindful of.

If there is a name that you're leaning towards and you aren't sure if it will be approved, Taylor suggests checking your country’s naming rules before making a final decision.

Beyond that, she advises keeping in mind that if a name is rejected, that's not a reflection on you or your child. "And if it happens, parents can ask themselves, ‘What story am I trying to tell with this name, and how can I find another way to honour it?’" she says.

Experts

• Sophie Kihm is a baby name expert and Nameberry’s Editor-in-Chief.
• Kaomi Taylor is the founder of the Museum of Names, an initiative dedicated to exploring the deep personal and cultural meanings behind names.
• Emma Alves is a senior lawyer and the owner of Alves Law, a firm based in Oakville, Ontario, specializing in family law.