In the realm of celebrity culture, the trend of choosing distinctive baby names is thriving. From Molly-Mae’s daughter Bambi to Kourtney Kardashian’s son Rocky, and even Gwyneth Paltrow’s famously unique choice of Apple, the quest for uncommon names is not just a Hollywood phenomenon—it has permeated some British households as well.
Statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal a decline in the popularity of several traditional British baby names. Names such as Freda, Bessie, Cecil, and Percy were recorded 150 times or fewer in 2024, representing a mere 0.02 percent or less of the babies born that year. This signals a potential extinction for these once-common monikers as parents increasingly opt for more modern or distinctive choices.
While some parents are steering clear of classics like Emma and Oliver, there are certain names that are simply not allowed in various parts of the world due to legal restrictions. These rules are often put in place to safeguard children from potential harm associated with certain names.
In Japan, for example, names with negative or violent connotations are prohibited. Similarly, in Sweden, a court intervened when a couple attempted to name their child after a popular chocolate and hazelnut spread, deeming it inappropriate. Although the UK does not enforce specific bans on names, other countries take a more protective stance to ensure the well-being and dignity of the child.
Japan, for instance, refuses names with dark or violent meanings, while a Swedish court once ordered two new parents to rename their child after they attempted to use the title of a well-known chocolate and hazelnut spread.
In Denmark, primates are banned from name use, while a Welsh court previously blocked a mother’s attempt to register her daughter under the name of Cyanide, a lethal substance.
In the US, Santa Claus was denied, while Jesus Christ has also seen numerous court rejections on the grounds of possible blasphemy.
Read on to discover which niche baby names expecting parents should avoid, and which nations have a surprising number of restrictions on new parents’ choices…
Reality star Molly-Mae Hague and boxer Tommy Fury with their daughter Bambi on holiday
Europe
Despite the influx of unlikely names sweeping across European nations, there are a number of restrictions placed on welcoming parents looking for less common monikers.
While UK restrictions are few and far between, in 2016 a mother in Powys, Wales, was legally banned by the Court of Appeal from using the name Cyanide for her daughter.
While she insisted it was a ‘lovely, pretty name’, the poisonous substance, which was taken by Adolf Hitler, was deemed too ‘extreme’ for the child.
In 2015, a French judge banned parents from naming their daughter Nutella – because it is the trademarked name of a chocolate spread – and renamed her Ella instead.
After a newborn baby in Valenciennes was named after the spread, the judge ruled the parents’ decision was not in the interest of the child.
In Denmark a request by parents to name their new child Monkey was rejected due to the country’s strict Law on Personal Names which requires parents to choose names from a pre-approved list of around 7,000 options.
In Germany the name Adolf Hitler is banned, with the first name being incredibly rare and widely discouraged. Osama Bin Laden was also rejected as a name choice.
And while Sweden may be the home of the popular Ikea brand, the country prohibits parents from using it as a possible name for a child.
Likewise, for those hoping to name their child after their favourite band or music artist, Swedish parents are forced to think otherwise due to an 1982 ‘Naming Law’.
The law states that first names will not be approved if they can cause offense or cause discomfort for the one using it, or are unsuitable.
As a result, both Metallica and Elvis have been rejected, alongside Superman and Veranda.
In 1991 the 43-character name Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116 (which they pronounced ‘Albin’) was, unsurprisingly, refused.
Under Swiss law, a child’s name is prohibited from being ‘harmful or infringing the rights of others’, while biblical or historical villain names are disallowed.
Despite the influx of unlikely names sweeping across European nations, there are a number of restrictions placed on welcoming parents looking for less common monikers
The US
While numerous celebrities have embraced untraditional names, a number of unique names have been scrutinised by courts across the US due to concerns for the child’s welfare and public perception.
Different states hold their own respective restrictions, however, most prohibit names that feature numerals, emojis or symbols, alongside obscenities.
As a result, Elon Musk was forced to change the name of his child from X Æ A-12 to X Æ A-XII as California law declares that numbers cannot be included in names.
In Arkansas and New Mexico, Baby Girl and Baby Boy are off the cards, while New Mexico also disobeys the use of Male or Female as a name.
In March 2000, a 53-year-old man’s request to change his legal name to Santa Robert Claus was denied by a judge, who argued that the use of a ‘Santa Obituary’ when he passed away could leave children confused and heartbroken.
Meanwhile, various state courts and officials have also rejected the name ‘Jesus Christ’ in a bid to avoid causing any religious offence.
Australia and New Zealand
Down Under, unique baby names have not been quite as well received by officials, who have prohibited the use of names such as President, Emperor and Lieutenant. Duke is also considered a royal title and therefore disallowed.
New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs routinely rejects the name Lucifer, a name for the devil, while a judge perceived the names Fish and Chips for twins as likely to cause distress.
Names must not be any longer than 100 characters, while other bizarre proposals rejected by Australian officials include brother and sister, smelly and spinach.
In 2008, a nine-year-old girl from New Zealand with the name Talula Does the Hula from Hawaii had her name changed by a Family Court judge who deemed it a ‘social disability and handicap, unnecessarily’.
Asia
In Japan, kirakira (shiny or glittery) names for babies have been restricted in a bid to prevent parents naming their children after famous characters or music stars.
This means that those who have selected names that deviate from convention must now explain their decision in writing, while also providing a suitable alternative.
Meanwhile, in China the government prohibits names that ‘exaggerate religious fervor’ or are perceived as ‘too extreme’.
Foreign languages, alphabets, numbers or special characters are also restricted from being included in names.
