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The Wildest Baby Names You Can’t Legally Give Your Child Around the World

From Nutella to BRFXXCCXXMNPCCCCLLLMMNPRXVCLMNCKSSQLBB11116: The craziest names parents tried and failed to register.

By Areeba UmairPublished about 23 hours ago 3 min read

Naming your baby is supposed to be exciting, right? Some parents spend hours flipping through baby name books, consulting astrological charts, or browsing online forums. Others… well, they just wing it sometimes with disastrous results. Around the world, governments have rules to make sure your kid won’t spend their life explaining or laughing at their name. Here’s a look at some of the craziest illegal names parents tried and why authorities said “no way.”

1. Nutella - A Sweet No-No in France

A French couple once tried to name their child Nutella because they loved the chocolate-hazelnut spread so much. Cute idea? Maybe. Practical? Not so much. The judge ruled that it could invite mockery for the rest of their lives, and the name was banned. Imagine being called “Nut” by every kid on the playground, tough break!

2. Akuma - Japan Says “Not Devil.”

In Japan, parents can’t name their child Akuma, which translates to “the devil.” While we rarely see someone actually wanting to name their kid Lucifer these days, the rule is in place to avoid negative associations and social stigma.

3. Geshar - Bridges Don’t Make Names in Norway

One Norwegian mother tried to name her child Geshar, meaning “bridge.” Sounds harmless, right? Wrong. Authorities fined her because the name wasn’t approved. Apparently, bridges aren’t considered suitable names, even if they symbolize connection or stability.

4. Talula Does the Hula - Creative but Illegal

Some parents really get creative. A couple in New Zealand tried to name their baby Talula Does the Hula from Hawaii. While fun, it’s a full sentence, not a name, which makes it practically impossible to use legally. Imagine filling out official forms with that one!

5. Osama Bin Laden - Germany Draws the Line

In Cologne, Germany, parents wanted to name their child Osama Bin Laden. Unsurprisingly, it was rejected. Certain names associated with infamy, like Hitler or Bin Laden, are automatically off-limits in many countries. Some names are just too controversial to allow.

6. RoboCop - Mexico Says No to Superhero Names

In Sonora, Mexico, parents tried to name their child RoboCop. While it might sound fun, the government stepped in to prevent potential ridicule and bullying. Pop culture-inspired names can be cute, but some cross the line.

7. Symbols and Numbers - China Gets Serious

In China, parents once tried to name their child using the “@” symbol. Nope. Not allowed. Even though it might look modern or “tech-savvy,” governments prioritize clarity and legality in official records. Similarly, in Australia, parents attempted names like 4Real, and New Zealand authorities had their reasons to reject it.

8. Smelly Names - Malaysia Bans “Chow Tow.”

A Malaysian parent tried naming their kid Chow Tow, but in Chinese, it translates to “smelly head.” Needless to say, the government said no. Some names are banned simply because they could embarrass the child.

9. Animal Names - Denmark Says “Monkey? Not Really”

In Denmark, naming a child Monkey is illegal. While pet names like this are sometimes used affectionately, authorities discourage using animal names as official first names.

10. Food-Inspired Names - Pie and Sauce?

Some parents are really passionate about food. In Australia, a couple tried naming their child Pie and Sauce. And in New Zealand, parents attempted 4Real. While funny, these names are considered inappropriate for legal registration.

11. The Keyboard Smash - Sweden’s BRFXXCCXXMNPCCCCLLLMMNPRXVCLMNCKSSQLBB11116

This one might be the craziest attempt ever. In 1982, a Swedish parent protested naming laws by trying to register their child as BRFXXCCXXMNPCCCCLLLMMNPRXVCLMNCKSSQLBB11116, pronounced Albin. Yes, you read that right. Sometimes, parents’ creativity just goes too far.

Why These Laws Exist

Across the globe, naming laws exist to protect children from ridicule, confusion, and negative associations. Some names might seem fun or unique to parents, but they can have lifelong consequences for a child’s social life, mental health, and official documentation.

Crazy Names You Can Actually Avoid

  • Nutella - France
  • Akuma (Devil) - Japan
  • Talula Does the Hula - New Zealand
  • Osama Bin Laden - Germany
  • RoboCop - Mexico
  • 4Real - New Zealand
  • Chow Tow (Smelly Head) - Malaysia
  • Monkey - Denmark
  • Pie and Sauce - Australia
  • BRFXXCCXXMNPCCCCLLLMMNPRXVCLMNCKSSQLBB11116 - Sweden

Final Thoughts:

Naming your baby is a special moment, but some ideas are best left on the playground. From food-inspired names to pop culture icons and keyboard mash-ups, go wild but stay legal!

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baby names, illegal baby names, crazy names, unusual baby names, naming laws, parenting tips. Engaging headings for easy reading, Bolded key words to catch attention, and improve scanability.

HumanityPop CultureHistorical

About the Creator

Areeba Umair

Writing stories that blend fiction and history, exploring the past with a touch of imagination.

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