Parents have plenty of freedom when naming their children, but some names can still be rejected
Certain baby names would not be accepted in the UK(Image: GettyImages)
Choosing a name for a baby is one of the first big decisions parents make, with many taking inspiration from family traditions, favourite celebrities or the latest trending topic. While most mums and dads are free to choose almost any name they like, there are some that could be rejected under UK rules.
Unlike countries such as France and New Zealand, the UK does not have an official list of banned baby names. However, that doesn’t mean parents can choose absolutely anything. Instead, baby names in the UK are assessed on case by case basis and reviewed if any concerns are raised.
In Scotland, parents must register their baby’s birth within 21 days. The registration can be completed at any registration office across the country, but the name chosen must meet certain standards if it is to be accepted on official records.
According to the UK Deed Poll Office, a name may be rejected if it includes offence language or obscenity, contains symbols, numbers or punctuation marks, is excessively long or different to pronounce and is considered inappropriate or against public policy.
Additionally names such a King or Doctor can also be rejected as they are normally titles given to people, and could mislead others.
There have already been several high-profile cases where proposed baby names have been rejected in the UK.
Among them is Cyanide, which was banned because of its direct association with the deadly poison. Martian was also rejected over concerns the child could face ridicule, while King and Princess were turned down because they could be mistaken for official titles.
One of the UK’s most talked about baby name controversies in recent years was Cyanide. It involved a mother from Wales, who wanted to call her newborn twins Cyanide and Preacher, back in 2016.
While the courts allowed her to name her son Preacher they blocked the naming of Cyanide. The UK Deed Poll Office said the decision was based on the fact that Cynanide is known as a deadly posion, making it an inappropriate and harmful name.
Although the UK remains one of the more relaxed countries when it comes to naming children, experts say there are still limits.
The UK Deed Poll Office explains: “While we don’t have an official list of banned names, we assess applications on a case-by-case basis, and names that could cause a child harm or confusion will likely be rejected.”
Parents hoping to give their baby a unique name are encouraged to ensure it complies with the guidance before registering the birth to avoid any complications.
The guidance is designed to prevent children being given names that could expose them to ridicule, cause confusion or create problems with official documents later in life.
To help parents avoid any issues when it comes to naming their new born baby, the UK Deed Poll Office has some official advice.
They advise parents to not choose names that contain offensive language, symbols or numbers, are reasonably short and easy to spell and to completely avoid using official titles such as Lord or Sir.
The UK Deed Poll Office says the rules are intended to protect children rather than restrict parents’ choices, while also ensuring official records remain clear and accurate.
