What Baby Names Are Illegal In The UK?
Choosing a Name That Lasts a Lifetime
When Juliet mused in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” she downplayed the significance of names. However, when it comes to naming your child, the stakes are much higher. A name isn’t just a label—it’s a part of identity, woven into a person’s story and something they carry forever.
For parents in the UK, the process of naming a child is fairly flexible compared to other countries. But even here, some guidelines exist to ensure names are appropriate and practical.
Banned Baby Names Around the World
Around the globe, many governments enforce naming rules to protect children from embarrassment, discrimination, or worse. Here are some memorable examples:
• France: In 2015, a French couple tried to name their child Nutella. The court rejected it, citing potential humiliation, and the baby was renamed Ella.
• Sweden: In 1996, one family attempted to name their son Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116 (pronounced “Albin”). Unsurprisingly, it was rejected, as were their follow-up attempts.
• New Zealand: Titles like Justice and Saint are banned, alongside excessively long names. One infamous case involved a girl named Talula Does the Hula From Hawaii, who was allowed to change her name after a judge intervened.
• Japan: In 1994, parents who named their son Akuma (meaning "devil") sparked a national debate, with the name ultimately banned.
• Portugal: Here, names must conform to traditional Portuguese spellings. For instance, Tom is not allowed, but Tomás is perfectly fine.
These examples highlight the cultural and legal complexities of naming conventions worldwide.
Baby Naming in the UK
The UK has no comprehensive list of banned names. However, there are some restrictions:
❌ Offensive or obscene names are rejected.
❌ Names with numbers or symbols aren’t allowed (John3 or @Emily wouldn’t fly).
❌ Names that are misleading (such as Queen or Lord) or impossible to pronounce are also prohibited.
The Registering Officer has the final say when you register your child’s name, ensuring that it’s practical and appropriate.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Baby Name
Naming your baby can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to balance uniqueness with meaning. Here are some tips to guide you:
1. Start with Your Beliefs and Heritage
If you practice a religion, sacred names can be a meaningful choice. Biblical names like Noah, Eve, Mary, or Joseph carry deep significance and timeless appeal. Similarly, names rooted in cultural traditions can connect your child to their heritage.
2. Look Beyond Religion
If you’d prefer a secular name, consider these ideas:
• Names inspired by nature: Willow, River, Daisy, or Leo.
• Names with literary ties: Harper (from To Kill a Mockingbird), Atticus, Matilda, or Aurora.
• Names with meanings: Ethan (strong), Sophia (wisdom), or Aria (melody).
3. Think About Practicality
• Avoid names that are difficult to spell or pronounce.
• Consider how the name sounds with your surname.
4. Test It Out
Say the name out loud. Imagine your child introducing themselves in school or signing their name as an adult. If it feels right, you might have found the one!
Embracing Your Child’s Unique Identity
Naming your baby is a deeply personal decision, and there’s no right or wrong answer as long as you choose a name with care and consideration. Whether inspired by faith, culture, or personal meaning, a name is a gift you give to your child—a piece of their identity as they grow into the person they’re meant to be.
For more parenting tips and nursery essentials, visit My First Nursery. We’re here to support you every step of the way on your journey to parenthood.