What are the 10 banned names?

When a Name Crosses the Line: The Curious Case of Banned Baby Names

In most countries, parents enjoy the freedom to name their child almost anything they wish. But even in places with liberal naming laws, there are limits. While no official global list of banned names exists, several countries enforce rules to prevent names that are offensive, absurd, or potentially harmful to a child’s well-being. The names often cited as banned—like Adolf Hitler, Jesus Christ, and Messiah—have been rejected in various jurisdictions due to concerns over religious sensitivity, historical associations, or public order.

For instance, in New Zealand, a couple was famously denied the name 4Real for their child, while Germany banned King and Queen to prevent titles of nobility. Even Nutella made headlines when a French court blocked it as a first name, citing potential ridicule. Similarly, names like Santa Claus or Majesty have been turned down for being impractical or misleading.

Some restrictions go beyond words. Characters like @ or strings of numbers such as 1069.16 are typically disallowed because they violate naming conventions—names must be readable and usable in official documents. The suffix III (meaning "the third") is sometimes rejected if there’s no legitimate lineage, to prevent false claims of ancestry.

While the exact list varies by country, the reasoning is consistent: protecting children from embarrassment or legal complications. As one judge put it, “A name is a gift, but not every gift is appropriate.” In the end, the goal isn’t to stifle creativity, but to ensure a child can navigate life without their name becoming a burden.