Baby Names That Are Banned in the United States

A name meant to welcome a child into the world can just as easily become something society refuses to allow.

Every year, thousands of parents attempt to register unique names for their newborns. According to BBC Bitesize, in some countries, there are certain names that are outright banned for being embarrassing, offensive, or even unpatriotic.

These regulations balance parental freedom with the child’s best interests, safeguarding against potential ridicule or bureaucratic issues.

King

The name “King” is a frequent offender when it comes to rejected baby names. Title-based names can complicate legal documentation and lead to confusion, as they imply nobility rather than being a personal given name.

Queen

Just like “King,” the name “Queen” faces restrictions in multiple U.S. states. According to Momcozy, the name Queen, despite its regal connotations, has never ranked among the top names in the US, suggesting it remains a relatively uncommon choice for parents seeking distinctive names.

Jesus Christ

In the U.S., naming a child “Jesus Christ” is not only frowned upon but outright prohibited in several states. Such names are restricted to avoid disrespecting religious figures and preventing unnecessary tension in diverse communities.

Santa Claus

The name “Santa Claus” is officially banned. According to buylakewoodranch.com, Santa Claus is considered misleading and too closely tied to a mythical figure, leading to its use as a banned baby name. Names of famous or fictional figures can be deceptive, which is why they’re typically prohibited to prevent identity confusion or legal issues.

Also on MSN: The Hidden History Behind Santa Claus’s White Beard and Red Coat

III -Roman Numerals

Using Roman numerals like “III” as a first name is another common naming issue in the United States. Roman numerals do not comply with the state’s requirement for alphabetic characters..

Adolf Hitler

For obvious historical and ethical reasons, according to USA Today, “Adolf Hitler” is considered an illegal baby name in the United States. Names with ties to notorious figures like Hitler pose a risk to the child’s well-being and can foster discrimination or hate-based behavior.

Majesty

“Majesty” is another title-inspired name that is not allowed in the U.S. “Majesty” was denied due to its association with royal titles. Authorities say these types of names blur the line between personal identity and formal titles, potentially confusing legal or official settings.

Messiah

The name “Messiah” has faced legal battles over the years, with a landmark case in Tennessee. According to Freedom Forum, a Tennessee magistrate judge made this statement in 2013 to parents Jawaan McCullough and Jaleesa Martin, claiming the name Messiah was an “undue burden” and that the title was “held only by Jesus Christ. Since then, many states have codified a ban on the name. 

The ‘At’ Symbol

The use of symbols in names is strictly prohibited in the U.S. Most government systems cannot process non-alphabetic characters in names, leading to automatic rejection.

1069 -Numerals

Purely numeric names, like “1069,” also don’t cut in the U.S. According to TODAY.com, each U.S. state has its own guidelines, but numerals are generally forbidden because official forms and databases can’t process them.

Key takeaway

Baby name registrations were rejected across the U.S. due to naming laws designed to prevent confusion and safeguard children’s well-being. These regulations are in place to balance parental creativity with legal clarity and child protection.

Disclosure line:
This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.

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