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List of rejected 2018 baby names has some surprises

Deciding on a name that suits your new bundle of joy can be an incredibly challenging task for parents.

But in New Zealand some who may have looked to Kim Kardashian’s child Saint for inspiration, or envisioned their child as a Duke or Gunner did not get their way, with those joining the list of declined names in the country last year.

And others which did not make the cut in 2018 might surprise you.

According to a release from the Department of Internal Affairs, there are no “banned” names in the country, but there are boundaries in place new parents need to abide by.

“The name of any baby born and registered in New Zealand must comply with New Zealand’s rules, regardless of the nationality of the parents,” Jeff Montgomery, Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages explains.

Mr Montgomery says the guidelines are to ensure names are a reasonable length, don’t cause offence and don’t unjustifiably resemble an official rank or title.

“For example, you’ll need to rethink swear words, names of more than 70 characters, numerals or anything unpronounceable, like a backslash or a punctuation mark.”

The Registrar-General says boundaries are in place for a number of reasons, including to make sure names aren’t offensive, or an unreasonable length. Source: PA Wire via AAP
The Registrar-General says boundaries are in place for a number of reasons, including to make sure names aren’t offensive, or an unreasonable length. Source: PA Wire via AAP

Some on the list obviously appear to fail the requirements, such as, Heaven-Princezz-Star, Princess-Dixie-Rose, Rhoyal-Kahurangi, with unusual punctuation or appearing unpronounceable.

Messiah, Queen, Prince, Miss, Major, Emprah, Majestee-Honours, King and Kingdavid apparently are not abiding by the guidelines for unjustifiably resembling an official title or rank.

Of the 66 declined cases in New Zealand in 2018, there were six attempts to name a baby King.

There were another six tries to name a child Royal, four attempts to name a baby Prince, three for Saint and another three attempts to name a child Royalty.

There are certain boundaries in place when naming a baby in New Zealand. Source: PA Wire via AAP
There are certain boundaries in place when naming a baby in New Zealand. Source: PA Wire via AAP

But it’s not all bad news for parents thinking outside the box.

According to the Department of Internal Affairs names can be reviewed by the Registrar-General if they appear to fail the criteria.

Families may have the chance to present their reasons why they’ve decided upon a particular name and the official might accept it, but this occurs on a case-by-case basis.

Less than one per cent of children have their names personally considered by the Registrar-General each year.

There were more than 18,000 unique names registered in 2018, but authorities are reminding people to consider the consequences of choosing something uncommon.

“There’s no problem if you want to give your child a spelled-out number or even silly name, but remember your child has to live with it!” Mr Montgomery said.

Full list of declined New Zealand baby names

  • Allah

  • Avaya-Royal

  • Duke

  • Emperor

  • Emprah

  • Gunner

  • Heaven-Princezz-Star

  • Hunter-Rhouge

  • II

  • III

  • Jahstice

  • Judge

  • Jusdyce

  • Justus

  • Kiing

  • King

  • Kingdavid

  • Kyro-King

  • Lee-Royal

  • Majestee-Honours

  • Majesty

  • Major

  • Messiah

  • Miss

  • Prince

  • Prince-Ryder

  • Princess-Dixie-Rose

  • Prinz

  • Prynce

  • Queen

  • Rhoyal-Kahurangi

  • Rogue

  • Roil

  • Royaale

  • Royal

  • Royale

  • Royale-Bubz

  • Royality

  • Royalty

  • Royelle

  • Saint

  • Sir

  • Sire

  • Zdiam-Bishop