When you’re picking a name for your little one, you might think anything goes. But there are actually 10 ILLEGAL Baby Names In The USA! In some states, you cannot register certain words, symbols, or historic figures as a legal first name. If you’ve ever joked you want to name your child “King,” “Queen,” or even “@,” keep reading. This guide walks through each forbidden choice, explains why it’s banned under U.S. naming laws, and shows how to pick a legally safe name instead.
Understanding U.S. Baby Naming Rules
Every state has its own naming rules enforced by the vital records office. Most follow a few common principles:
• Only use the 26 letters of the English alphabet.
• No numbers, punctuation marks, or symbols.
• No offensive or obscene words.
• Field length limits (often 50 characters or less).
When you submit your birth certificate application, the registrar will reject any entry that breaks these rules. If you’re stuck on a unique name idea, you might end up with an error message—and a trip back to the drawing board. Knowing these 10 ILLEGAL Baby Names In The USA can save you time and avoid that extra paperwork.
List of 10 ILLEGAL Baby Names In The USA
Here are the specific names and why each one fails basic registration rules. We follow the exact order from the original script, so you see them just as they were named:
1.
King
Quote from the script: “You can’t name your baby King. No.”
Many states view “King” as an official title rather than a given name. Registering “King” as a first name can trigger a rejection because it reads like a royalty designation. Even if you tried “Kingston” or “Kings,” the abbreviation alone trips some vital record systems. To stay safe, pick a genuine name without reserved titles.
2.
Queen
“You can’t name somebody Queen.”
Much like “King,” the word “Queen” is a rank, not a name. The records office flags royal titles and refuses to treat them as valid personal names. Any baby called “Queen” would force staff to question whether it’s a name or a placeholder for a spouse of a king. Avoid the drama by choosing a name that reads like a name.
3.
Jesus Christ
“You can’t name somebody Jesus Christ.”
Combining the first and last name of a major religious figure crosses a line in many states. While “Jesus” alone is allowed, appending “Christ” makes the entire entry sound like a title or statement rather than a given name. Vital records systems will reject it to prevent confusion with the religious icon.
4.
III
“You can’t name your child III.”
Roman numerals and generational suffixes like “III” may be used after a valid name—but they cannot stand alone as the sole first name. If you registered “Elon III” you might sneak by, but just “III” triggers a format error. A legal name must start with letters, not numerals or symbols.
5.
Santa Claus
“You can’t name your kid Santa Claus. Religious reg illegal.”
This one trips two issues. First, “Santa” and “Claus” together ring a bell as a cultural figure, not a personal identity. Second, some states prohibit names that read as fictional or religious titles. The combination forces the registrar to ask if you’re playing a joke. They’ll reject it to keep records clean.
6.
Majesty
“You can’t name your kid Majesty.”
“Majesty” is another royal term reserved for official use. Registering it as a name fails the letter‐only rule and trips a semantic filter that spots titles. It’s too close to “Your Majesty” and causes confusion.
7.
Adolf Hitler
“You can’t name your kid Adolf Hitler.”
Most registrars refuse any name that’s widely recognized as hateful, violent, or associated with atrocities. Adolf Hitler sits at the top of that list. Vital records offices will reject it outright to avoid offense and protect the child.
8.
Messiah
“You can’t name your kid Messiah.”
Although “Messiah” is a religious term, some states block it under rules against titles or words that denote divinity. It’s seen as a descriptor, not a personal name. A healthy dose of caution keeps it off the registry.
9.
@
“You can’t name your kid the at symbol.”
Symbols and punctuation marks are a no‐go under nearly every state law. The @ sign isn’t a letter. It breaks the alphabet‐only rule, so registrars simply refuse to accept it. If you tried naming your baby “@,” the submission would fail every time.
10.
1069
“You can’t name somebody 1069 which is 1069.”
Numbers alone are illegal as names in the USA. They fail both the letter rule and the semantic rule. “1069” is digits only, so it’s rejected as soon as the system checks for non-alphabet characters.
Why These Names Are Banned
You might wonder why the list includes words like “Santa” or “Majesty,” or why symbols such as @ get flagged. Here are the main reasons:
- Character restrictions: States require names to use only letters A to Z. That rules out numbers, symbols, and accents.
- Length limits: Most forms store names in databases capped at around 50 characters. Names like “Brhadaranya kopanishadvi vekachudamani Erreh Munoz Castillo” would exceed those.
- Semantic filters: Registrars refuse any entry that looks like a title, honorific, or expletive. That includes words such as “King,” “Queen,” “Messiah,” and “Santa.”
- Obscenity and hate speech: Names with negative or hateful connotations, such as “Adolf Hitler,” are blocked to protect the child and public sensibilities.
Each state’s vital records office may apply these rules differently, but all share the same goal: keep birth certificates clear, consistent, and legally valid.
What To Do If Your Favorite Name Is Illegal
Finding out your dream name is on the ban list can be disappointing. Here is how to handle it:
- Check your state’s guideline: Visit your department of health or vital records website to read naming rules.
- Modify the name: Turn “King” into “Kingsley.” Swap “Queen” for “Queenie.” Change “III” to “Trinity” or another Roman numeral inspired word.
- Avoid symbols and numbers: Rule them out at first. If you want something unique, use letters only.
- Consider middle names: If “Jesus Christ” is your top pick, you could name your child “Jesus” with a different middle name.
- Get creative with spelling: Instead of “Messiah,” try “Mesiah” or “Mesia.” Keep it legal while preserving the vibe.
Conclusion
There you have it—10 ILLEGAL Baby Names In The USA! You now know which names will be rejected: from titles like “King” and “Queen,” to numbers and symbols like “1069” and “@.” Use this list before you fill out that birth certificate. For any other name ideas, remember to stick to A-Z letters only, avoid symbols or offensive references, and check your state’s rules online. That way you’ll breeze through the registration process and give your child a legal name that shines. Good luck picking your baby’s perfect legal name!