Judge orders baby name change based on her Christian beliefs

Are there any legal limits on what one can name one's children in the US?I understand that some countries publish lists of legally acceptable names from which parents must choose (Germany, Argentina etc.)

quote:

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UK permits any name, except for those deemed offensive.

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But there have been two children named Superman in the UK since 1984, along with six boys named Gandalf and 29 Gazzas, according to figures released last year by the genealogy website findmypast.com. There are even 36 Arsenals of both sexes.

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Link"Deemed offensive" is pretty vague. Somebody somewhere could find almost anything offensive and the name (Messiah) in this case would arguably qualify.Should I have any more children I'll have to test the waters a bit and have some fun with the name registrars before lumping for something like John or Sarah.

10 illegal names from around the world: Link

Denmark, Portugal, Morocco and Norway are countries that I think have approved lists (or did until recently if it has now changed)Germany has some fairly tight restrictions (must be gender specific for example) but, as you say, doesn't have an approved list.

Argentina has a list too I believe but you can petition to get names added to it.

And my point was not that these lists are somehow immutable. Some places have pretty strict rules on these things that would probably rule out the sort of names mega-star celebrities give their kids these days stupid celeb baby names as well as the name "Messiah" that sparked this thread.Danes can choose a pre-approved name from a government list of 7,000 names (about 3,000 for boys, 4,000 for girls). Common ethnic names such as Ali and Hassan, have recently been added. But places, objects, fruits etc. as well as weird spellings are all banned.Those wishing to deviate from the official list must seek permission at their local parish church, where all newborns' names are registered. A request for an unapproved name triggers a review at Copenhagen University's Names Investigation Department and at the Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs, which has the ultimate authority.Just call the kid Gustav or Frida and be done I say......