List of Baby Names Banned Around the World

By darik on December 19, 2019
“The Child” (Shop Disney)

Nutella is banned in France

Apologies to all you chocolate-hazelnut lovers, but the name Nutella is banned in France. In 2015, the French courts banned parents from naming their child after the brand. So, they went with Ella instead.

 

There’s only one Ikea in Sweden

If you love shopping at Ikea, that’s great. But unfortunately, the company doesn’t love you enough to let you name your kid after them.

Akuma is (almost) off-limits in Japan

Sure, Akuma may sound cute, but it actually means “Devil” in Japanese. Though the name isn’t outrightly banned, the government does encourage parents to name their children something nicer.

Lucifer is off the table in New Zealand

Taking a cue from Japan, New Zealand has banned the name Lucifer (and a host of other potentially offensive names) as well.

There are no RoboCops in Mexico

This country banned the name RoboCop (along with the name Facebook) as they felt it could lead to bullying.

Sorry, no Toms allowed in Portugal

While you can name your child Tomás, he or she can’t go by Tom in Portugal. That’s because the country has banned the shortened versions of names as official names.

Apple won’t fly in Malaysia

Malaysia has rather strict rules for names. In 2006, the nation clamped down on a number of monikers, including children’s names that are also fruits or vegetables. Sorry, Gwenyth Paltrow, but your baby’s name is out in Malaysia.

Friday is only a day in Italy

When a man attempted to register his new baby as Venerdi, the Italian word for Friday, he was told no. According to reports, officials believed the name fell into the category of “ridiculous or shameful” names. Ouch.

No Guccis in Switzerland

The Swiss also have some rather strict rules on naming children. For example, you can’t name your kid after a pre-existing brand. Sorry Gucci, Mercedes, and Chanel, but you’re banned in Switzerland.

Linda is an absolute offense in Saudi Arabia

In 2015, the Saudi Arabian government banned a wide list of names that it found to be offensive, including the name Linda. The government found it “non-Arabic, non-Islamic or simply contradictory to Saudi Arabian culture.”

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