Pre-approved Lists Of Baby Names Exist In Some Countries
BABY NAMES – In this article, you will know why there are pre-approved lists of infant names in some nations.
Selecting a name for your child is an important and highly personal choice. Keep in mind that the name you choose should have a special significance for you and your family.
While it might resemble a policy found in the handbook of an oppressive regime, certain generally tolerant countries require parents to select names for their babies from a government-approved list. Iceland, Denmark, Portugal, and Hungary are a few such nations, although parents with a strong inclination for unique names can request special permission.
In contrast, other countries do not have predefined lists but adhere to guidelines defining what is considered acceptable. For instance, in New Zealand, the Office of the Registrar-General will reject names that imply an official title or contain non-alphabetic characters. Germany’s Standesamt disallows names that refer to inanimate objects or common surnames. Saudi Arabia’s interior ministry has banned names conflicting with the nation’s cultural norms or deemed excessively “foreign,” like “Linda.” Similarly, numerous other countries, including Mexico, Australia, France, and Italy, intervene to prohibit names that might offend or harm a child emotionally.
Even the United States isn’t exempt from such regulations on family matters, as various states have their own naming restrictions. Several states prohibit indecent or offensive names, while others forbid the use of numbers, symbols, or accented letters in names. Some states also impose limits on the number of characters allowed in each part of the full name. Nonetheless, the United States generally maintains its reputation as a land of freedom, especially concerning the naming of babies.
In a previous article, we featured seven (7) foods with odd names and their history.