The most ridiculous baby names banned around the world

What's in a name? In many countries around the world, naming your child couldn't be more important.

But in many nations, there are strict rules around what you can and cannot call your precious newborn.

In 2011, the Pope warned parents against naming their babies after celebrities, fruit and popular sports cars.

But the religious isn't the only who have banned particular names, others around the world have wielded the axe against names that lack taste, decency or are just plain stupid.

Ridiculous names banned:

Prince William (France)
Osama bin Laden (Germany)
Adolf Hitler (Germany)
Elvis (Sweden)
Metallica (Sweden)
Rambo (Mexico)
Batman (Mexico)
Sexual Intercourse (Malaysia)
Smelly head (Malaysia)

Names of religious figures have also been banned in a number of countries - apparently to protect a child from harm or offence.

In New Zealand, the name Lucifer was banned, while Switzerland and Saudi Arabia have also banned some religious-based names.

Religious figure names banned:

Judas (Switzerland)
Lucifer (Switzerland, New Zealand)
Malak/Angel (Saudi Arabia)

Brand names banned from around the globe:

Facebook (Mexico)
Ikea (Sweden)
Mercedes (Switzerland)
Nutella (France)
Mini Cooper (France)
Chanel (Switzerland)

In Malaysia, naming a child after an animal is considered offensive. The names Snake and Bear are banned, while in Denmark and Germany there are rules against gender-neutral names.

Taylor, Ashley, Morgan and Jordan are banned in both Denmark and Germany, while parents from Denmark can only choose from an approved list of 7000.

Baby names banned in New Zealand:

New Zealand's Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages states that acceptable names must not cause offense to a reasonable person, not be unreasonably long and should not resemble an official title and rank.

Justice
Justus
Justyce
Juztice
King
Princess
Prince
Prynce
Royal
Duke
Dukey
Sargent
Major
Corporal
Bishop
Majesty
Lucifer
using brackets around middle names
/ (back slash)
Knight
Lady
using back slash between names
Judge
Royale
Messiah
T
I
Queen
II
Sir
Special Constable
Sex Fruit
Jr
E
V
J
Master
Constable
Queen Victoria1
Regal
Royal-Rule
Emperor
Christ
3rd
C J
G
09
Roman numerals III
General
Saint
Lord
. (full stop)
89
Eminence
M
VI
V8
Mafia No Fear
2nd
Majesti
Rogue
4real
* (star symbol)
5th
S P
C
Honour
D
Minister
MJ
Chief
Mr
V8
President
MC
A.J
Baron
L B
H-Q
Queen V

​
Other banned names from around the world:

Miatt
Ovnis
@
Gesher AKA 'Bridge'
Cyanide
Daemon
Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii
Akuma AKA 'Devil'
Chow Tow
Jihad
Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116

This article was first published on NZ Herald and is republished here with permission.