Parents in South Carolina have a lot of freedom when it comes to naming their child, but there are some rules in place to prevent inappropriate or illegal names. While South Carolina does not have an official list of banned names, it does adhere to broad naming guidelines that are congruent with federal regulations and societal standards.
What Names Are Not Allowed?
- Santa Claus – It’s difficult to persuade others that your child can provide gifts to every youngster in the earth in one night.
- King/Queen – We understand that your child holds a special place in your heart, but there is no legal title for them.
- Jesus Christ – This issue is not available for debate. It appears that giving your child the name of the most renowned figure in history is not well received.
- Majesty – While you may believe your child is worthy of the title “Your Majesty,” officials have ruled out thrones.
- Adolf Hitler – Is there really a need for further explanation? Simply avoid it.
- III – Are there numbers in the names? Not happening. It appears that it is more than just perplexing; computers in government offices are straining to handle it.
- @ – Choosing the name “@” for your child may appear to be a playful gesture to the online world, but it appears that authorities oppose the concept of a name that resembles an email address!
Also Banned
South Carolina’s name standards are influenced by United States regulations and suggestions issued by the state Department of Vital Records. Here are several key restrictions:
- Any name that includes profanity, racial slurs, or harsh language is prohibited.
- Excessively long names may be disallowed due to database restrictions.
Religious and Cultural Considerations
While some states have officially forbidden names like “Messiah,” South Carolina does not have a law prohibiting religious names. However, if a name is found to be intentionally misleading or disruptive, regulators have the authority to reject it.
How are Names Registered?
Parents must submit a birth certificate application to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. If a name is deemed unsuitable, the agency will notify the parents and request an alternate name.
Parents can apply for a legal name change through the state’s court system if a child is given a name that later creates complications. Typically, the process consists of a petition, a background check, and court approval.
Conclusion
While South Carolina allows for a wide variety of names, parents should be aware of state and federal restrictions. Avoiding offensive, misleading, or unworkable names may help to ensure a smooth registration process and avoid potential legal issues.