California – Choosing a name for your baby is an exciting process, but before you get too creative, you should know that California has strict rules about what can and can’t go on a birth certificate. Some names are completely off-limits—so if you were thinking of naming your baby “King Majesty III” or something equally bold, think again!
Here’s a look at some names that are officially banned in California.
Names You Can’t Use in California
🚫 Santa Claus – While your little one might bring joy to the world, they won’t be delivering presents under this name.
🚫 King, Queen, or Majesty – No royal titles allowed! Your child may be your little prince or princess, but the government won’t recognize them as actual royalty.
🚫 Jesus Christ – This name holds deep religious significance, which is why it’s not allowed on birth certificates.
🚫 Adolf Hitler – For obvious reasons, this name is prohibited.
🚫 Numbers & Symbols – Want to name your baby “III” or “@”? Not happening. California law only allows letters in the English alphabet—no numbers or special characters.
Why Does California Ban Certain Names?
The state enforces these rules for a few key reasons:
✅ Avoiding System Errors – Government databases can’t process names with numbers, symbols, or emojis. If it doesn’t fit on a standard keyboard, it won’t work on official records.
✅ Preventing Future Problems – Some names could cause unnecessary hardship for a child, from teasing in school to difficulty with legal documents.
✅ Keeping Things Appropriate – Offensive, defamatory, or misleading names (like “Adolf Hitler” or “King Supreme Leader”) are blocked to maintain social standards.
Final Thoughts
While it’s fun to pick a unique name, it’s important to make sure it’s legal and practical. If you want to call your child “Majesty” at home, go for it—but on official documents, you’ll need to choose something that follows California’s naming laws.
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