Choosing a name for your newborn is one of the most significant decisions new parents make. While modern trends have moved beyond traditional choices, the freedom to pick any name is not absolute in the United Kingdom. Strict regulations govern what you can legally call your child, with some surprising names being outright forbidden.
What are the UK's rules on baby names?
Contrary to popular belief, the UK does not have an official list of banned names. However, the UK Deed Poll Office outlines clear guidelines that registrars use to reject inappropriate submissions. Names that are considered racist, offensive, or potentially harmful to the child's welfare can be deemed illegal and banned in parts of the UK.
Beyond this, several other specific rules must be followed. Authorities will not accept names that are impossible to pronounce or that include numbers, symbols, or punctuation marks—with the exception of hyphens and apostrophes. Blasphemous, vulgar, or offensive names are also prohibited.
A crucial rule concerns fraudulent implications. Names that falsely suggest the child holds a rank, title, or inherited honour, such as 'King' or 'Princess', are typically rejected to prevent potential fraud. Furthermore, every registration must include at least one first name and one surname; submissions lacking this will not be processed.
Can you change your baby's name?
Feeling pressure to decide, some parents later regret their initial choice. Fortunately, there is a legal mechanism for change if acted upon swiftly. According to the UK Deed Poll Office, parents can alter a first name if the birth was registered within the last 12 months. Changing a surname requires the birth to be re-registered.
In both scenarios, every person with parental responsibility must consent to the change. The original birth certificate remains unaltered but is linked to the new deed poll document as evidence of the change. If a mistake was made on the original entry, an application to correct it can be submitted. While the original information stays on the register, an approved correction will be noted in the margin, and new certificates will reflect this update.
Banned and rejected names in the UK and beyond
Although no formal UK list exists, several names have been reported as rejected by registrars. These include 'Cyanide', due to its association with poison, and 'Martian', over concerns the child could be mocked. The potential for fraud has seen names like 'King' and 'Princess' turned down.
Globally, naming rules can be far more restrictive. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Iceland provide parents with pre-approved lists, and adding a new name requires a special application with no guarantee of success. Some notable names banned around the world include:
- Linda (Saudi Arabia)
- Nutella and Prince William (France)
- Talula Does the Hula from Hawaii and Anal (New Zealand)
- Robocop and Circumcision (Mexico)
- BRFXXCCXXMNPCCCCLLLMMNPRXVCLMNCKSSQLBB11116 (Sweden)
- Islam and Quran (China)
- Harriet and Camilla (Iceland)
This international perspective highlights the wide cultural and legal variations in what is considered an acceptable name, underscoring the importance of understanding local regulations before making a final decision for your child.
