Texas’ Banned Baby Names: Surprising Rules You Didn’t Know!

So, you’ve finally picked the perfect name for your newborn, Lone Star McBrisket Johnson, only to find out it’s illegal in Texas. What gives? Believe it or not, the government actually has a say in what you can and can’t name your baby, and some of the rules are downright bizarre. No, you can’t name your kid after a barcode, and yes, there’s a reason you won’t find anyone legally named “Longhorn” (though in Texas, you’ll definitely meet a few folks who go by it anyway).

Before you start filling out that birth certificate, let’s take a look at some names you definitely want to avoid unless you enjoy paperwork and awkward conversations with the state. Here are some prohibited names and guidelines that might surprise you if you’re trying to find the ideal moniker for your little one. (Not that most of these wacky ideas would appeal to you anyway.)

Which baby names are prohibited in Texas?

According to Freedomforum.org, here’s a list of the Top 9 Banned Baby Names:

1. Santa Claus
2. King
3. Queen
4. Jesus Christ
5. III (Yep, just the Roman numeral—no "Trey" allowed.)
6. Majesty
7. Adolf Hitler
8. Messiah
9. @ (Honestly, how many people have actually tried this?)

Why are these names banned in Texas?

• Using numbers or symbols: Texas' official records system doesn’t play well with numbers, special characters, or emojis. So if you were thinking about naming your kid “Bobby #1,” think again.
• Potential harm to the child: If a name is likely to cause extreme embarrassment or bullying, it might not fly.
• Defamation concerns: If someone can prove that a name is slanderous, like naming your child “Jim Bob Is A Criminal” a court could force you to change it.

I know, I know, more rules to keep up with when picking a name for your baby. But hey, don’t make life harder for your little one by choosing something too out there. Just stick to a good ol’ Texas name like Bubba, Tex, Willie, or even Dallas. Heck, if all else fails, you can always go with "Buddy" it works for just about anybody in Texas.