Ever met someone called Metallica, Facebook or Robocop? Probably not — and there’s a reason for that. Many countries have official rules about what parents can and can’t name their children, and over the years those rules have thrown up some genuinely surprising cases.
Some countries keep a master list of names that are simply off-limits — often because a name is considered offensive, confusing, or likely to cause a child embarrassment. Others have more specific regional rules, such as bans on names that mock public figures or reference well-known brands. A number of countries also restrict how easily you can change a name once it’s registered.
Here are 17 of the most unusual banned baby names from around the world, and the naming laws behind them.
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Banned Baby Names… Thankfully!
#1. @
A couple in China reportedly tried to name their child Wang @, hoping to use the “@” symbol because it’s pronounced “ai-ta” in Mandarin — close to 爱他, meaning “love him.” Chinese naming authorities didn’t allow it.
#2. Facebook
The Mexican state of Sonora introduced a banned names list that ruled out several technology brand names, including Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo and Email.
#3. Harry Potter
Harry Potter also made Sonora’s banned list, along with Hermione. Interestingly, Moaning Myrtle and Luna Lovegood weren’t included, so those were technically still fair game.
You may also enjoy: 50 Spellbinding Harry Potter Baby Names
#4. Princess Di
Another name on Sonora’s list. Diana on its own was fine — it was the “Princess” title in front of it that caused the problem.
#5. Terminator
There was a clear movie theme running through Sonora’s banned list, with Terminator joining Robocop and James Bond on the list of names ruled out.
#6. Harriet
Iceland has a Naming Committee that decides whether new given names can be officially registered, alongside a large list of pre-approved names for boys and girls.
In one well-known case, a British father and his Icelandic wife had to appeal a decision not to renew their daughter’s passport because her name, Harriet, wasn’t on Iceland’s approved list. Their son’s name wasn’t recognised either, and for years the two children travelled on passports simply listing them as “Girl Cardew” and “Boy Cardew.”
Names containing letters outside Iceland’s own alphabet are also not permitted — which rules out names like Caroline, Cole, Christine and Christopher, since they contain the letter C.
#7. Megane
Under French law, a name can be blocked if a court decides it isn’t in the interests of the child. In one case, a French family wasn’t allowed to name their daughter Megane Renaud, as it was considered too close to the Renault Mégane car.
#8. Linda
Saudi Arabia has previously published lists of banned names, ruling out certain Western names as well as titles associated with royalty. Names such as Linda, Elaine and Alice have appeared on these lists.
#9. Messiah
In a widely reported US case, a Tennessee judge ordered a child’s first name to be changed from Messiah to Martin, ruling that the name was reserved for one figure. The case drew significant public attention at the time.
#10. Rose
In Malaysia, names based on animals, fruits and vegetables are not permitted — so Rose, Violet, Fern, Bear and Apple would all be ruled out.
You may also enjoy: 75 Unique Nature Baby Names You Are Sure to Love
#11. Jackson
In Germany, first names generally can’t be surnames, product names, or object names, and every name must clearly indicate gender. That rules out names like Jackson, Taylor or Lesley as first names.
You may also enjoy: 60 Cool and Classic Unisex Baby Names to Fall in Love With
#12. Metallica
In Sweden, a couple named their daughter after the heavy metal band. Officials initially rejected the passport application, but it was later approved on appeal after it emerged another Swedish woman was already using Metallica as a middle name.
#13. Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116
Also in Sweden, one set of parents attempted to register this name (said to be pronounced “Albin”) as a protest against the country’s strict naming laws.
#14. Adolf Hitler
Before the Second World War, Adolf was a common given name in Germany. In a widely reported US case, a father named his children Adolf Hitler, JoyceLynn Aryan Nation and Honszlynn Hinler — a story that made international headlines.
#15. Sex Fruit
New Zealand’s naming authorities blocked a couple from registering their child’s name as Sex Fruit.
#16. Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii
In another well-known New Zealand case, a nine-year-old girl was placed under court guardianship specifically so her name could be legally changed — her parents had originally registered her as Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii.
#17. Tom
And finally: in Portugal, nicknames aren’t permitted on birth certificates. Tomás is fine — Tom on its own is not.
You may also enjoy: 100 Of the Most Unique Baby Names You Might Want to Know
FAQs About Banned Baby Names
Why do some countries ban certain baby names?
Most naming laws exist to protect the child — preventing names that could cause embarrassment, confusion, or offence. Some rules also protect brand names, public figures, or a country’s official alphabet and naming conventions.
Can parents appeal if a name is rejected?
In many countries, yes. Several of the cases above — including Iceland’s Harriet case and Sweden’s Metallica case — were only approved after parents formally appealed the initial decision.
Do naming laws apply the same way in every country?
No. Rules vary hugely — some countries maintain official approved-name lists, others simply block specific categories (like brand names, titles or nicknames), and enforcement differs from case to case.
Are these bans still in place today?
Naming laws and specific banned-name lists can be updated by individual countries over time, so always check current official guidance in the relevant country if you want up-to-date details.
What Do You Think?
Have you ever come across a truly unusual baby name, banned or otherwise? We’d love to hear about it — share your story in the comments below.
Related Reads
- 50 Spellbinding Harry Potter Baby Names
- 75 Unique Nature Baby Names You Are Sure to Love
- 60 Cool and Classic Unisex Baby Names to Fall in Love With
- 100 Of the Most Unique Baby Names You Might Want to Know
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