Some baby names are perfectly normal in Ireland – but try registering them abroad, and you might get a different answer.
Spelling. Grammar. Rules and regulations. You name it (yes, pun intended), and it just got even more complicated.
We’re looking at ten of those names that made the headlines for not passing the official checks in other countries.
10. Lauren – popular in Ireland
Lauren is on the list of the most popular baby names in Ireland. So why and where would it be banned? It’s on the list of 50 banned names in Saudi Arabia that circulated online several years back. The reasons for the banned names vary.
9. Rowan – scientifically beautiful
Guess what the issue is? The W. Yes, really. There’s no W in the Icelandic alphabet, so that name can’t be easily approved in Iceland. Fun fact: The name is even on the list of the most scientifically beautiful names.
8. Alice – banned in Saudi Arabia
Are you surprised to see Alice on the list of names that aren’t allowed? It’s been popular recently. Saudi Arabia’s list includes names that go against their religion and traditions, or some that are considered inappropriate or too foreign. Alice is one of them.
7. Harriet – not approved
Another case in Iceland some years back. A girl named Harriet couldn’t get her passport renewed because her name isn’t on the official list of approved names and didn’t meet the official rules.
Can you imagine your name causing this many issues?
6. Camilla – can’t C the list
Still in Iceland. This time it’s Camilla. While not the most popular name in Ireland, there seems to be no issue at first glance. However, just like with Rowan, it comes down to the spelling of the name because the Icelandic alphabet doesn’t normally use a C.
5. Linda – pretty, but not possible
Among the names reportedly banned in Saudi Arabia, you can also find Linda. The name used to be popular in Ireland, but nowadays, it’s no longer among the frequently used names. Who knows – maybe it’ll make a comeback eventually?
4. Elaine – popular in the 1970s
A rather popular girls’ name in the 1970s, Elaine has left the top spots in the Irish name ranking behind. While no longer chosen frequently, it’s still among the registered baby names. Not in Saudi Arabia, though, where it joins Alice and Lauren on the list.
3. Tom – it’s the length
Can three letters really be an issue? Yes. At least in this case, they are. Sort of. Tom is considered a nickname in Portugal – and nicknames are not allowed for your given name. So you can be Tomás, but you can’t be Tom.
2. Aisling – needs to be checked first
Aisling, meaning “dream” or “vision”, is an interesting case internationally. While well-established in Ireland, if you want to name your baby Aisling in Iceland, it’d have to be checked and approved first. The main reason here is grammar and spelling.
1. Liam – not for a girl
In 2018, the name Liam made the news in France. Fairly normal in English-speaking countries as a boy’s name, a couple wanted to name their baby girl Liam. That’s when France said no because it might lead to gender confusion and bullying.
Did your name make the list? Whether names are approved, altered, or banned, one thing is clear: Names, although popular, can cause some issues. Or should we call it attention? At least no one will ever forget your name after that.
