Choosing a name may seem simple, but in some countries, there are rules to follow. The United States, for instance, has particularly strict laws on this matter. Names that consist of more than just letters can cause problems. Numbers and symbols are not accepted. Consequently, names like '1069' find themselves on the prohibited list. The question that piques curiosity, however, is why this name has been banned.
Let's delve into it...
Symbols, numbers, official titles, and offensive expressions cannot be used as names. This is primarily to prevent confusion in both the legal system and administrative procedures. Additionally, it's crucial to avoid potential mockery that children might face in the future.
For instance, names like 'King', 'Queen', 'Messiah', or 'Nutella' are on the prohibited list. However, these restrictions are not uniform across all states. While some states are very strict, others like Arizona can be more flexible.
In 1976, a man named Michael Herbert Dengler attempted to change his name to '1069' for personal and philosophical reasons. However, the court rejected his request. Dengler even proposed an alternative, wishing to spell out his desired name as 'One Zero Six Nine', but this too was denied.
The court justified its decision by explaining that names composed of numbers could cause serious confusion in legal documents and administrative systems. This incident marked a turning point in the U.S. naming laws.
Most states only permit the use of the 26 letters found in the English alphabet. Consequently, the unusual name 'X Æ A12' given by Elon Musk to his son was rejected in California, necessitating a change.
On the other hand, in states like Hawaii and Alaska, special characters can be utilized to preserve local cultures. Furthermore, certain states have varying rules regarding surnames. For instance, in Mississippi, a child automatically takes the father's surname, while in Florida, if the parents cannot agree, the court makes the decision.