Naming Laws Around the World
In protest of the naming law in Sweden, a couple decided to name their child in a unique way that challenged the regulations.
But Sweden isn’t the only place with strict naming laws. In Denmark and Portugal, there are specific restrictions on names as well. The US has also seen debates over controversial names like Messiah or Adolf Hitler.
Unusual and Illegal Names
The weirdest kid name observed was Abcde, pronounced "Ab-si-dee". While parents should have freedom in naming, consideration for the child’s well-being is essential.
Legal Restrictions on Names
In many countries, names containing obscenity, numerals, or symbols are prohibited. For Muslims, naming a child Allah or God is not allowed. Germany allows the name Adolf, but in some jurisdictions, using numbers as names is forbidden due to potential confusion and complications.
In California, accent marks in names are illegal, and parents must register their child’s name within a specific timeframe.
Parental Rights and Name Changes
Both parents have the right to name their children, and changing a child’s name requires mutual agreement or court approval if one parent dissents. Offensive or inappropriate names are generally prohibited to prevent future embarrassment for the child.