Can You Name Your Kid Jesus?

When it comes to naming your child, there are countless possibilities to consider. Some parents look to biblical names for boys, while others prefer unique and meaningful baby names.

However, if you are considering naming your baby Jesus, you may be wondering if it is legally allowed or if it would be considered controversial due to its religious significance.

In 2022, there were over 800 American children named Messiah. Despite its religious connotation, naming your child after Jesus or Messiah is not uncommon.

However, a recent case in Tennessee raised questions about the limits of legal and religious naming traditions.

A judge ruled that a 7-month-old boy’s name, Messiah, should be changed to Martin because it is a title that has only been earned by one person, Jesus Christ. Some legal experts argue that the judge exceeded her authority, as parents have the right to choose their child’s name without government interference.

This decision raises larger questions about the First Amendment’s protection of religious freedom and the potential abuse of power by a judge. Should parents have the freedom to choose any religious or controversial name for their child, or should there be limitations imposed by the government?

You Will Learn Today

• The case of naming a child Messiah in Tennessee sparked a debate on religious naming traditions and legal restrictions.
• Naming laws vary across countries, with some allowing almost any name as long as it is not derogatory or obscene.
• In certain countries, parents must choose from pre-approved lists or seek government permission for non-traditional names.
• Naming traditions vary across cultures and religions, with some embracing the use of religious figures’ names as a sign of reverence.
• Many countries have regulations and restrictions on baby names to protect children from potential harm or embarrassment.

Naming Traditions and Legal Restrictions

When it comes to naming children, different countries have their own unique laws and traditions. Let’s take a closer look at the naming landscape in the United States and explore how it compares to other countries around the world.

Naming Laws in the United States

In the United States, parents have the freedom to choose nearly any name for their child. However, there are some legal restrictions in place to ensure that names are not derogatory or obscene. Additionally, some states have specific limitations, such as character limits or restrictions on certain symbols.

1. Restrictions on Obscene or Derogatory Names: Most states agree that names should not be obscene, racially insensitive, or derogatory. This is in line with broader societal norms and legal standards regarding hate speech and public decency.
2. Character Limits: Some states have a limit on the number of characters in a name, primarily due to limitations in the software used for official record-keeping. For instance, names may need to be shortened for birth certificates or social security cards if they are too long.
3. Symbols and Numerals: Many states do not allow numerals or pictograms in names. This is often due to the limitations of the character sets used in official databases. However, some states may allow certain diacritical marks for names that are culturally significant or part of a family’s heritage.
4. Mandatory First and Last Names: In some states, a child must be given both a first and a last name. This requirement is partly for administrative reasons, ensuring that individuals can be uniquely identified within government systems.
5. Changes to Names: If parents wish to change their child’s name after it has been registered, they usually can do so through a legal name change process, which might involve petitioning a court.
6. Cultural and Religious Considerations: While states try to be respectful of cultural and religious naming traditions, there can sometimes be conflicts between these traditions and state laws or administrative capabilities.
7. Differences by State: It’s important to note that naming laws can vary significantly from state to state. What is permissible in one state might not be in another.
8. Court Intervention: In rare cases, courts have intervened in the naming of a child, especially if the name is deemed to potentially harm the child. However, such cases are exceptional and often attract significant legal debate.
9. Documentation and Registration: When registering a child’s name, parents must follow the specific procedures of their state, which typically involve the issuance of a birth certificate. The name entered on this legal document becomes the child’s official name.
10. Impact of Federal Law: While naming is generally governed by state law, federal agencies, like the Social Security Administration, have their own rules for what names can be recorded or displayed on federal documents.

Naming Laws in Different Countries

Unlike the United States, some countries have more stringent naming laws. For example, in Germany and Denmark, parents must choose names from a pre-approved list or seek government permission for names not on the list. These lists often consider cultural or linguistic reasons for acceptable names.

Let’s see how these naming laws compare:

Country	Naming Laws and Regulations
Germany	Parents must choose names from a pre-approved list. The name must clearly indicate the child’s gender and not negatively impact the child’s well-being.
Denmark	A list of about 7,000 pre-approved names. If a name is not on the list, parents need to get approval from a special church authority. Names must align with Danish linguistic structure and orthography.
Iceland	Names must fit Icelandic grammar and pronunciation rules. The Naming Committee must approve names not on the National Register of Persons.
China	Names must be compatible with the characters used in the household registration system. Extremely unusual names may be rejected.
Japan	Names must use kanji, hiragana, or katakana characters approved in the official list. Names should not be overly complex or have negative connotations.
Sweden	Names shouldn’t cause discomfort or be unsuitable for the bearer’s age. Names are reviewed for approval if they are unusual.
New Zealand	Names should not cause offense, be unreasonably long, or resemble an official title or rank.
Portugal	Names must be traditionally Portuguese, and gender-specific. A list of approved names is provided.
Saudi Arabia	Names must align with cultural and religious norms. Certain foreign names and names associated with royalty may be rejected.
Norway	Names should be appropriate and not likely to cause discomfort for the bearer. Unusual names may be subject to approval.
Hungary	Names must be chosen from a pre-approved list, or foreign names must be approved and fit Hungarian phonology and orthography.
Morocco	Names must be in line with the cultural and religious heritage of the country.

As you can see, while the United States allows a wide range of names, countries like Germany and Denmark have more explicit regulations in place.

Restricted Baby Names

Restricted baby names can vary significantly between countries. Let’s take a look at some unusual examples:

• Sweden: The name “Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116” was proposed and rejected, intended to protest naming laws.
• Germany: Names must clearly indicate gender; the name “Stompie” was disallowed.
• New Zealand: The name “Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii” was banned in a court case.
• Norway: “Gesher” (Hebrew for ‘bridge’) was rejected, leading to the parent’s brief imprisonment.
• Iceland: Only names fitting Icelandic grammar and orthography are accepted; “Harriet” was not allowed.
• Denmark: A pre-approved list of 7,000 names exists; names like “Anus” are not permitted.
• Japan: Names must use characters reflecting positive meanings; “Akuma” (devil) was banned.
• China: Names must be easily readable by government computers, prohibiting some unusual characters.
• France: Names that could lead to mockery or discomfort, like “Nutella” and “Strawberry”, are often rejected.
• Malaysia: Names associated with animals, insects, fruit, vegetables, or colors are generally disallowed.
• USA (Specific States): In some states, numerals or pictograms are not allowed in names; “5th” or “@” would be rejected.
• Mexico: Names that might be derogatory or lacking in meaning, such as “Facebook” or “Robocop”, are banned.
• Italy: Surnames as first names are often disallowed; “Rossi” (a common surname) would not be accepted as a first name.
• Saudi Arabia: Names contradicting social or religious norms, like “Linda” which was deemed to be of Western influence, are banned.
• Portugal: Names must be traditionally Portuguese; “Viking” and “Nirvana” are examples of disallowed names.
• Sweden (again): The name “Metallica” was initially rejected, then later allowed after a court battle.
• Australia: Names that could be considered offensive or a title/rank, like “Sir” or “Admiral”, are often rejected.
• South Korea: Names must adhere to a limited number of Hanja (Chinese characters) approved for use in names.
• Spain: First names must clearly differentiate from surnames; “Bosco” as a first name was challenged.
• Hungary: Names must fit the native language structure and spelling; “Eleanor” would be changed to “Eleonóra”.

These examples highlight the wide range of regulations and restricted baby names found across different countries.

Cultural and Religious Perspectives

Naming traditions vary across cultures and religions, taking into account cultural and religious perspectives on naming. In many Hispanic cultures, it is common to name a child Jesus as a way to honor the religious figure.

Similarly, naming children after saints is a way to show respect and seek their intercession. These cultural naming traditions hold deep significance and reflect the values and beliefs of the community.

While some cultures may find using Jesus’ name in this way offensive, it is important to understand that it is not intended to be disrespectful. Naming after religious figures or using honorific names is a sign of reverence and cultural pride in many traditions.

“Naming our children after sacred figures is a way to instill their virtues and values onto them from an early age. It connects them to our rich cultural heritage and serves as a reminder of the importance of faith in our lives.” – Maria Rodriguez, a mother of two and member of a Hispanic community.

Honorific names, such as naming a child after a revered religious figure or using titles like “Master” or “Noble,” reflect the desire to bestow respect and good fortune upon the child. These names carry a sense of prestige and cultural significance.

Examples of Cultural Naming Traditions

Culture/Region	Naming Tradition	Biblical Connection/Note
Jewish	Often named after relatives who have passed away; Hebrew names are common.	Similar to how Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew) received a name with Hebrew origin.
Italian	Frequently named after saints; names often have religious significance.	Reflects the tradition of naming children after significant religious figures, akin to many biblical characters.
Nigerian (Igbo)	Names often reflect circumstances of birth or parental wishes; “Chukwuma” means ‘God knows’.	Echoes biblical names like Isaac (laughter), reflecting circumstances or parental emotions.
Greek	Names often honor saints; Name Days are celebrated more than birthdays.	Similar to the naming of John the Baptist, honoring religious tradition.
Arabic/Muslim	Many names are derived from attributes of God or prophets; “Abdullah” means ‘servant of God.	Comparable to biblical names that reflect attributes of God, like Elijah (My God is Yahweh).
Indian (Hindu)	Names often derived from gods, celestial beings, or virtues; “Aarav” means ‘peaceful’.	Resonates with biblical names that embody virtues or divine attributes.
Russian	Often named after saints; patronymics (derived from father’s name) are common.	Similar to how Jesus was often referred to as “Jesus son of Joseph”.
Irish	Gaelic names are popular, often with religious or historical significance; “Aidan” means ‘little fiery one’.	Reflective of biblical names with descriptive meanings.
Korean	Names often chosen for their meanings, sometimes from a generation-specific character.	Aligns with the biblical practice of names holding significant meanings.
Spanish/Latin American	Catholic saints’ names are common; compound names like “Juan Carlos” are popular.	Similar to biblical individuals having significant, often compound, names like John Mark.
African (Yoruba)	Names often reflect circumstances of birth; “Adeola” means ‘crown of honor’.	Mirrors the biblical practice of names reflecting circumstances or blessings.

These examples highlight the diverse cultural naming traditions around the world.

Can naming a child Jesus cause any issues for the child?

The child might face misunderstandings or biases based on cultural or religious perceptions associated with the name. It’s important to consider the potential social impact on the child when choosing such a name.

Does the spelling or pronunciation matter in different cultures?

Yes. For instance, “Jesus” in English-speaking contexts is directly associated with the religious figure, while “Jesús” in Spanish-speaking areas is a common name and not necessarily seen as directly religious.

Is the name Jesus popular in any regions or cultures?

The name is quite popular in Latin American countries and among Spanish-speaking communities, less so in English-speaking countries.

Are there alternative names similar to Jesus that might be less controversial?

Alternatives like Joshua or Yeshua (the original Hebrew form of Jesus) might be considered. Each of these names carries a different cultural and linguistic connotation.

Famous people called Jesus

Name	Nationality	Profession	Notable Achievements/Contributions
Jesús Navas	Spanish	Professional Footballer	Known for his speed and skill on the wing; played for Sevilla and Manchester City.
Jesús Luzardo	American-Venezuelan	Professional Baseball Player	Pitcher in Major League Baseball, known for his time with the Oakland Athletics.
Jesús Rafael Soto	Venezuelan	Artist	A prominent figure in kinetic and op art movements; famous for his interactive sculptures.
Jesús “Chuy” García	Mexican-American	Politician	U.S. Representative for Illinois; notable figure in Chicago politics.
Jesús Franco	Spanish	Film Director, Writer	Known for his work in horror, erotic, and exploitation films.
Jesús Aguilar	Venezuelan	Professional Baseball Player	First baseman in Major League Baseball, known for his power hitting.
Jesús Montero	Venezuelan	Professional Baseball Player	Former Major League Baseball catcher and designated hitter.
Jesús Molina	Mexican	Professional Footballer	Defensive midfielder known for his play in Liga MX and the Mexican national team.
Jesús Corona	Mexican	Professional Footballer	Winger and forward, known for his time with FC Porto and the Mexican national team.
Jesús Andújar	Dominican	Chef	Noted for his appearances on reality cooking shows and his innovative culinary style.

Conclusion

Choosing a baby name is an important decision that combines personal preference with cultural and religious considerations. While some names may be controversial or restricted in certain countries, it is crucial to respect and understand the diversity of naming traditions.

Parents have the freedom to select names that carry personal or cultural significance, reflecting their values and beliefs. However, it is essential to be aware of legal regulations surrounding baby names and ensure compliance with them.

Understanding the nuances of naming traditions and legal considerations can assist parents in making informed decisions that respect both personal choices and societal norms. In United States of America, you can use the name Jesus for your son.

Ultimately, the decision to name a child Jesus should be guided by one’s own beliefs and cultural traditions. It is vital to approach the topic with sensitivity and consideration for cultural and religious perspectives. By doing so, parents can choose a name that not only holds personal meaning but also celebrates cultural diversity and fosters unity.