Sorry, LaSharquishia. In Some Countries the Government Gets a Vote on Your Baby’s Name

Most American parents can name their child just about anything they want, provided it doesn’t violate a handful of state restrictions. But in several countries, naming a baby is not simply a matter of parental preference. It can require government approval.

In parts of Europe and elsewhere, officials maintain approved-name lists, review unusual submissions and occasionally tell new parents, “No, you can’t name your child that.”

The reasoning varies from country to country, but authorities generally say the rules exist to protect children from names that could cause embarrassment, confusion or administrative problems later in life.

Iceland: The Naming Committee Has the Final Word

Iceland is perhaps the world’s most famous example of government-regulated baby names.

The country maintains an official register of approved names. If parents want a name that is not already on the list, they must apply to Iceland’s Personal Names Committee for approval. The committee evaluates whether the proposed name fits Icelandic grammar, spelling conventions and linguistic traditions, and whether it could cause embarrassment to the child.

Names must generally be adaptable to Icelandic grammar and use letters found in the Icelandic alphabet. If a proposed name is rejected, it cannot be legally registered.

As of recent years, Iceland’s official registry contained thousands of approved names, but unusual choices still require review by the committee.

Denmark: Pick From the List…Or Ask Permission

Denmark also regulates first names, though the system is somewhat more flexible.

Parents can choose from thousands of government-approved names. If they want a name that does not appear on the approved list, they can submit an application seeking approval.

Danish rules generally require that names not be harmful to the child and that they function as legitimate first names. Some names have been rejected because officials determined they could subject a child to ridicule. Examples frequently cited include “Anus” and various words that are not traditionally used as names.

Parents have several months after birth to officially register a child’s name.

Germany: No Official List, But Plenty of Rules

Germany does not publish an official approved-name list. Instead, each proposed name is reviewed by the local civil registry office.

Officials may reject names that are clearly objects, brands, geographic locations or surnames rather than given names. They can also deny names judged likely to harm a child’s welfare.

Examples reportedly rejected over the years include Adolf Hitler, Osama bin Laden, Kohl and several other unconventional choices.

If a name is rejected, parents can appeal or provide evidence that the name is recognized as a legitimate given name elsewhere in the world.

New Zealand: The Land Where “King” Is Not King

New Zealand doesn’t maintain an approved-name list, but it has become famous for publicly releasing annual lists of baby names that were rejected.

The country’s rules prohibit names that resemble official titles or ranks, are offensive, excessively long or contain numbers and symbols. Proposed names are reviewed by government officials before they are registered.

The name “King” has repeatedly topped New Zealand’s list of rejected names. Other declined names have included Prince, Princess, Queen, Emperor, Duke, Messiah, Lucifer, Justice and Sovereign. Creative spellings such as Kyng, Kingz and Pryncess have also been turned down.

When a name is rejected, officials contact the parents and request a different choice. Parents can appeal the decision through the courts.

What Happens if Your Dream Name Gets Rejected?

Contrary to what some might imagine, government officials don’t simply seize naming rights from the parents.

In most countries with naming restrictions, parents are notified that the proposed name has been denied and are asked to choose another one. Appeals processes are often available, particularly when parents can demonstrate cultural, religious or family significance behind the name.

Sometimes a slightly modified spelling is accepted. Other times, parents must select a completely different name before the birth registration can be completed.

Why Do These Countries Care So Much?

Supporters argue that the rules protect children from being saddled with names that could invite bullying or create problems throughout their lives.

Critics, meanwhile, view the restrictions as unnecessary government interference in family decisions.

Yet even countries with strict naming laws often provide appeal processes, allowing unusual names to be approved if parents can demonstrate cultural, family or linguistic justification.

America: Almost Anything Goes

Compared with many countries, the United States offers extraordinary freedom in baby naming.

Some states prohibit obscenities, numbers, symbols or names that cannot be entered into official databases. But for the most part, American parents are free to be creative.

Which may explain why American classrooms contain children named everything from William and Emma to Maverick, Legend, Princess, King and just about anything else a parent can dream up.

In other parts of the world, however, that dream name may first have to survive a government review board.