For most of us, the quality of a baby’s name is subjective and a matter of taste. However, some appellations have been outright banned and categorized as illegal in Texas. Further, there are some strange laws on the books that new parents must follow. While you might not like baby names like Apple (Thanks, Gwyneth Paltrow) or Blanket (Thanks, Michael Jackson), they are still legal in the state, despite being offbeat.
We decided to take a closer look at illegal baby names in Texas and the state’s rules surrounding child naming. Many will make you ask, “how did this come up in the first place?” While you can name a baby Fax Machine or Dumpster Fire, plenty of appellations are illegal in the Lone Star State. Take a look to find out the weirder side of Texas law.
No Names with @
Using the @ symbol alone or in the spelling of a baby name in Texas is illegal. So, no N@alies or N@hens.
The Name Adolf Hitler Is Outlawed
No, you can’t go about naming your son or daughter Adolf Hitler. We have no idea why on earth a person would want to saddle their child with this infamous appellation.
Jesus Christ Is a No
It’s not only historic villains that have caused names to be outlawed in Texas. Jesus Christ is also illegal, and you won’t find it on any birth certificates in the state.
Also, Messiah
As with JC, Messiah is also illegal in Texas. This is shocking, considering the name has become popular nationwide. In fact, last year, the appellation was the 172nd most popular baby name for boys in the US.
No Names Longer Than 100 Characters
The first, middle, and last names can’t be more than 100 letters combined in Texas. That still seems like many letters, but we suppose it concerns those with hyphenated last names.
1069 Is an Illegal Name in Texas
Why would anyone want to choose the name 1069 for their child, and why is it illegal? Our best guess is that the number is significant for those interested in numerology. While we don’t find the name offensive, it would be a choice.
Texas Says ‘No’ to Majesty
While you might believe your child to be noble, you cannot choose the name Majesty for your child if they’re born in Texas.
RELATED:25 Banned Baby Names from Around the World That Are Truly Criminal
Same with King
Texas doesn’t want parents having any fun whatsoever with titles of nobility for children. As with Majesty, King is also illegal. This is rather shocking as the name is a mildly popular option for baby boys in other states. Last year, the name ranked as the 185th most popular name for boys nationwide.
Same with Queen
What a bummer! Texans can’t choose the name Queen for their daughters, either.
Numbers Are Illegal
No, you can’t choose the name of your favorite killer robot, M3gan, for your baby. You can’t use any number, for that matter (it’s not just 3). Roman numerals are the way to go for generational names. While M3gan the 3rd is illegal, Megan III is okay.
But, No Roman Numerals as a Standalone Name
But wait! There’s a caveat with the use of Roman numerals. They can’t be used in or as a name. They can only be used to indicate the second, third, or fourth, etc.
No Special Characters Are Allowed
No special characters like the popular Scandinavian “Ø” are allowed in Texas. That just seems discriminatory against Northern Europeans, but we did not make the rules.
That Also Means Tildes or Umlauts
Considering that Spanish is spoken widely in the state sitting next to the southern border, it is very odd to us that Texas has outlawed tildes (ñ). What a shame! Umlauts (ö) are also illegal.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 30 Bad Bad Baby Names Parents Have Actually Given Their Kids
Not so Merry Down There
All is not merry and bright in the state of Texas. They have outlawed the name Santa Claus for use as a baby’s name. They’re canceling Christmas, folks!
Final Thoughts
There are still thousands of legal names in Texas, but it is odd that they have specifically called out these few. It really makes you wonder how these laws ended up in the books. It’s one state with some of the strictest baby-naming laws. Live free, but not in Texas.
For even more laughable baby names, keep reading. People shared the worst baby names they have ever heard and they will blow your mind!
The Worst Baby Names of All Time Await You:
Reinbeaux
“Reinbeaux (pronounced rainbow).” —u/sir-ripsalot
Xy
“Xy. Pronounced ‘Christy.’” —u/criticallyAnalytical
Jacuzzi
“I’m teaching in an elementary classroom and had a boy named Jacuzzi. That was a fun one.” —u/Pm_me_fluffy_stuff
Chaotic Rage
“Chaotic Rage. Kid was not surprisingly very hyper.” —u/AJablonski
Chase Cox
“I went to school with a guy named Chase Cox.” —u/Cthulhuhoop
Jageorgeson
“Jageorgeson. Pronounced Jason. The entire ‘George’ is silent. Parent actually got upset because it was mispronounced.” —u/uglypelican
Kviiilyn
“Kviiilyn. Pronounced Kaitlyn as in K-8-lyn.” —u/joadgr
Paige Turner
“Paige Turner (as a pianist I find this hilarious).” —u/adne001
Cocain
“I worked with a guy named Cocain once.” —u/ashpash111
Phelany
“A kid named Phelany (pronounced the same as Felony).” —u/devourthegalaxy
Anakin
“I know a couple who named their daughter Anakin. Their family is almost painfully normal too; their other kids have normal names. I don’t get it.” —u/ihopeyoulikeapples
Pestilence
“Pestilence. Dunno what was going through their mind, but I have a strong guess what was going through their bloodstream.” —u/metric_football
Crystal Shining Waters and Blue Clear Waters
“Crystal Shining Waters and her twin brother, Blue Clear Waters.” —u/Inexperiencedascrap
Keep Reading for Even More of the Worst Baby Names
Taqueria
“Taqueria, and for those who don’t speak Spanish, a ‘Taqueria’ is a place that sells tacos.” —u/marcusmf
RELATED: 25 Popular Baby Names for Girls with Bad Meanings
Diesel Duramax
“Diesel Duramax. I wish I was kidding.” —u/mandy6919
Kingslayer
“Wife came home from work one day (works at a hospital) and told me a couple had a baby boy and named him Kingslayer.” —u/tree42o
Psamantha
“I’m related to a girl name Psamantha.” —u/MicolashCaged
Nevaeh
“We had a family friend with a child named Nevaeh, and we all just called her Heaven Backwards.” —u/sayoso
Neptune, Galaxy, and Uranus
“My kids used to have friends in school whose names were Neptune, Galaxy, and Uranus. All girls. And no, this is NOT a legend or a myth. Their parents were astronomers. Poor Uranus got it the worst.” —u/mpdscb
Jennifert
“Met a girl named Jennifert in college…Jennifer with a T. Why? Because her parents wanted her to be different.” —u/NippleBuddy
Khaleesi
“Khaleesi. What the hell are you thinking?” —u/PunchBeard
Rhythm
“I taught a boy named Rhythm. He was a fat white kid.” —u/LittleLint
Heorgie
A kid named “Heorgie” is in my class. Weird name. It’s pronounced “he – orshie.” —u/mosin-user
Strawberry Rain
“My coworker named her baby ‘Strawberry Rain.’ Which would be a great baby name, if she had given birth to a bottle of shampoo.”—u/captainmagictrousers
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Lasonja
“A girl in my class was called “Sonja” pronounced like Sonya. I didn’t think it was that bad of a name until I saw her full name was “Lasonja.” Her parents named her freaking lasagne and spelled it wrong.” —u/Merrio1220
There you go! Now you know the worst baby names people have ever heard. This is a great time to remind you to make good choices, as you would not want your little one’s appellation to end up on the worst baby names list.