Choosing a child title is likely one of the first massive selections you make as a mother or father—it’s the opening act of your little one’s life story. Whether or not you’re honouring your nan, channelling your inside hipster, or simply making an attempt to win the “most original title at daycare” prize, the chances appear countless. However earlier than you go scribbling ‘Captain Thunderbolt’ or ‘Princess Consuela Banana-Hammock’ on the delivery certificates, maintain up. There’s a listing of banned child names and why you may’t use them!
In true Aussie style, there are guidelines—and sure, they’re enforced. Australia’s Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages has an official checklist of 89 banned names, and making an attempt to sneak one previous them may see your utility chucked straight into the bin. These names aren’t simply frowned upon—they’re unlawful. So, if you happen to’re pondering of naming your bub one thing controversial, royal, impolite, or straight-up ridiculous, put together for some severe side-eye from the state.
Titles, Taboos, and Complete No-Go Zones!
Go away the Titles on the Door
Considering of naming your baby “King,” “Queen,” or “Captain“? Assume once more. Any title that resembles an official title or rank is a no-no. That features “Admiral,” “Baron,” “Duke,” and even “Prime Minister.” The federal government isn’t eager on pint-sized the Aristocracy working round.
Offensive? That’s Offensive!
Child names which can be thought of obscene or offensive are additionally banned. So, if you happen to’re considering names like “S**thead” or “Dickhead,” it’s finest to rethink. The identical goes for names like “Cyanide,” “Devil,” and “Satan.” The purpose is to stop kids from bearing names that might topic them to ridicule or hurt.
Pop Tradition and Model Names? Not So Quick
Whilst you is perhaps a die-hard fan of “Harry Potter” or have a penchant for “Nutella,” naming your little one after them is off the desk. Different banned child names embrace “Fb,” “Robocop,” “Ikea,” and “iMac.” The authorities are eager to maintain the registry free from model names and popular culture references.
The Full Bogan to Bonkers Spectrum
Want examples? Strap in.
You can’t title your child:
- Admiral, Baron, Brigadier, Captain, Commander, Main, Marshal, Sergeant, Corporal or Lieutenant – your little one just isn’t a navy unit.
- Princess, Prince, Queen, King, Majesty, Dame, Lord, or Woman – this isn’t a royal court docket, it’s a daycare.
- Physician, Professor, Justice, Honour, Constable, Inspector, Commissioner, or Minister – until your child’s popping out with a PhD, settle down.
- Jesus Christ, God, Messiah, Goddess, Saint, Christ, Father, Dalai Lama, or Pope – we love non secular vibes, however it is a bit a lot.
And sure, somebody tried to call their child Adolf Hitler. Additionally banned? Osama Bin Laden, Devil, and Terrorist. What. The. Precise.
Why are these child names banned?
Every Australian state and territory has its personal Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act, however all of them share widespread pointers. Names are prohibited in the event that they:
- Are obscene or offensive
- Resemble official titles or ranks
- Are too lengthy or comprise symbols, numbers, or punctuation marks
- Might be thought of deceptive
The purpose is to make sure that names are in one of the best curiosity of the kid and the group.
Not-So-Enjoyable & Freaky: The WTF Record
Nonetheless not satisfied individuals are wild. Listed here are extra actual names mother and father have tried to register in Australia:
- Nutella, Ikea, Fb, iMac – tech-savvy, however no.
- Monkey, Bomb, Snort, Thong, Smelly, Virgin, Cyanide, Chow Tow (a Cantonese slur), and Ranga – all rejected for apparent causes.
- Passport, Medicare, and Australia – bureaucratically cursed.
- Seaman, G-Bang, Panties, and Bonghead – are you making an attempt to destroy your little one’s life?
One poor bub almost received landed with Socceroos. True blue, however actually bonkers.
What Occurs If You Strive Anyway?
When you attempt to sneak one in all these names previous the Registry, your utility can be rejected, and also you’ll be requested to choose one thing else. You possibly can’t enchantment by saying “nevertheless it’s significant to us” if that which means is Messiah Bonghead the Third.
Every Aussie state and territory follows comparable naming guidelines to guard youngsters from embarrassment and preserve official information clear. Nobody desires a Medicare card for “Decide Devil G-Bang”.
Banned child names in Australia:
- Admiral
- Adolf Hitler
- Anzac
- Australia
- Baron
- Bishop
- Brigadier
- Bomb
- Bonghead
- Brother
- Cadet
- Captain
- Chief
- Christ
- Chow Tow
- Colonel
- Commander
- Commissioner
- Commodore
- Constable
- Corporal
- Cyanide
- Dalai Lama
- Dame
- Satan
- Dickhead
- Physician
- Duke
- Emperor
- Fb
- Father
- G-Bang
- Basic
- God
- Goddess
- Harry Potter
- Honour
- Ikea
- iMac
- Inspector
- Jesus Christ
- Decide
- Justice
- King
- Woman
- Lieutenant
- Lord
- Madam
- Mafia
- Majesty
- Main
- Marijuana
- Marshal
- Medicare
- Messiah
- Minister
- Mister
- Monkey
- Nazi
- Ned Kelly
- Nutella
- Officer
- Osama Bin Laden
- Panties
- Passport
- Pope
- Premier
- President
- Prime Minister
- Prince
- Princess
- Professor
- Queen
- Ranga
- Robocop
- Saint
- Devil
- Scrotum
- Seaman
- Sergeant
- S**thead
- Sir
- Sister
- Smelly
- Snort
- Socceroos
- Terrorist
- Thong
- Virgin
There’s a tremendous line between distinctive and yikes. Certain, you need your child to face out—however not as a result of they’re the one Robocop Fb Jesus Hitler Panties at kindy. So be inventive, be considerate, and perhaps preserve your title brainstorm simply this facet of sane.
Need to double-check your title selection earlier than printing it on a cake? You possibly can at all times seek the advice of your state’s registry web site. Or higher but, ask your self: Would I be okay shouting this title throughout Woolies?
What to learn subsequent:
