Ikea, Lol, Stinky and Anus: what names are prohibited in different countries of the world

Choosing a name for the child is another task. If earlier our ancestors simply looked into the calendar and called the newborn by the “nearest” saint, now mothers begin to think about the name for the baby after a positive test for pregnancy. How much parental nerves will be spent on this basis, how many quarrels, family councils and consultations in social networks will be! And still there will be a person who will criticize your choice and say that such a name should not be given to a child.

In fact, in Ukraine there are no prohibitions and restrictions on choosing a name for a child. You can name your child as fantasy and common sense (or lack of it) will tell you. That is why the list the strangest names Archelia, Melodison, Council, Tsar and Empire have been leading in our country for the past year. Theoretically, you can even follow in the footsteps of Elon Musk and name the child a combination of signs and numbers (recall that Musk chose the name X Æ A-12 for his youngest son).

At the same time, in many countries of the world there are strict laws that regulate the choice of a name for a child. So, for example, in Iceland, Denmark and Portugal, parents can only name a child by the name that is on the “allowed” list. In Sweden, it is not allowed to name a child with one letter. In Saudi Arabia, names that refer to the monarchy are banned. True, all these prohibitions mainly concern the indigenous inhabitants of the country, and for foreigners they often make an exception. However, if you want to pick up your child international name, it is worth taking these rules into account.

Iceland

Iceland reveres the traditions of the Vikings, who named children the same name from generation to generation. This country has a list of allowed names (about 1800 for male and female), from which parents can choose. To name a baby not “on the list”, you need to get special permission. But keep in mind that you will be denied if the name is on another list - prohibited names. Those who want to give the child a name will be categorically refused Ariel, Lady, Zelda, Aryan, Ezra, Cesar, Lucifer, Duncan, Ludwig, Enrique, Harriet. It is also not allowed to use names that do not follow the rules of the Icelandic language (for example, with the letters C, Q, W and Z).

Denmark

Like Iceland, Denmark has its own “permitted” list. True, it is richer and consists of approximately 18,000 female and 15,000 male names. If you did not find anything suitable in it, you can offer your own version. But it must be approved by a special "naming committee". To increase the chances of approval, it is important to follow three rules: the name must indicate the gender of the child, match the spelling of the country and not carry offensive connotations. By the way, there are not so many explicitly prohibited names in Denmark: these are Monkey, Pluto, Anus, Ashley and Jacobp.

Portugal

Hot Portugal is not far from the Scandinavian countries. It also has a list of recommended names, but it also allows its own variations. The main thing is to prove that the name you choose has Portuguese roots, identifies the gender of the child and does not look like a nickname. If the parents are foreigners, they can give the baby a foreign name. But here you need to keep your finger on the pulse. The list of names banned in Portugal is updated periodically. Now in this country you can not call a child names William, Katherine, George, Charlotte, Tom, Michael, Emily, Bruce, Jenny, Nirvana, Rihanna, Jimmy and Viking.

Saudi Arabia

In this country there is a list of fifty names that are strictly forbidden to call newborn babies. These names are divided into three categories: those that offend religious feelings that are associated with the monarchical regime, and a whole range of foreign names. We will not give the entire list here, but know that the Saudis should not call their children Amir (prince), Sumuv (highness), Malik (king) and Malika (queen). Also banned are such names as Linda and Lauren, Angel (angel), Alice (or Alice), Elin, Maya and Prophet.

France

In France, the list of "acceptable" names was introduced by Napoleon Bonaparte. The law that established it was in force until 1993. Now "nominal" loyalty reigns in the country. You can name the child whatever you want, as long as the name is not a copy of the trademark or product name (for this reason, for example, it is forbidden to name children here Nutella, Strawberry, Manhattan (like a cocktail) and Mini Cooper). Another criterion is that the name should not become a reason for bullying the child. This is strictly monitored by employees who issue birth certificates. If it seems to them that the name you have chosen will cause problems for the baby in adulthood, they are required to report this to the local court.

Sweden

In Sweden, there are not so many restrictions on children's "naming". For example, here you cannot name a child with a name that consists of one letter or vice versa - from a meaningless combination of letters (for example, the Swedish Tax Agency refused to register a name Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116). In addition, under Swedish law, the name must not cause inconvenience or discomfort when used, and must also be "suitable". However, these criteria are rather vague. For example, at one time parents were forbidden to name children Ikea, Veranda, Superman, Allah and Elvis. But at the same time, such names as Metallica, Lego and Google were registered.

Switzerland

To name a child in Switzerland, it is tedious to obtain permission from the Citizens' Registry Office. Here they make sure that the name reflects the gender of the child (girls should not be given boyish names and vice versa), does not cause ridicule and does not sound offensive. In addition, biblical names should not be given to children if they belong to negative characters (Cain, Judas), geographical names (Brooklyn, Paris) or trademarks (Chanel, Mercedes).

Australia

The list of banned names in Australia mostly contains titles, ranks and trademarks. However, it also contains names that the Australian authorities considered ambiguous, offensive or contrary to common sense. For example, throughout the continent you can not name children Ikea, Virgin, Scrotum, Marijuana, Stinky, Lol, Satan, Spinach and Prime Minister.  But in the state of New South Wales, such names as Ned Kelly, Jesus Christ and Chief Maximus were banned.

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