
You Can’t Name Your Baby R2D2 in Michigan, Here’s Why
So, you're expecting—congrats! Maybe you wanted to pick a truly unique name for your bundle of joy—I've always liked King Supreme or Queen Bee, but they have been vetoed twice with kids and countless times with our pets. Well, before you steal those names, slow your roll because Michigan has some thoughts on what you can name your child.
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King and Queen are off the table, by the way. According to Parents.com, those names have been banned not only in Michigan but throughout the United States, along with Santa Claus, Majesty, Messiah, and Adolf Hitler, just to name a few. Beyond names that have been outright outlawed, Michigan has some pretty specific rules for what you can call your baby.
Banned 'Characters' in Michigan
Before you get too attached to the name R2D2, C3P0, or Johny 5, you need to know that USBirthCertificate.com states that Michigan only allows 'English Characters' to be used in names. Numbers, symbols, and anything that looks less like a name and more like a Wi-Fi password won't fly in the Mitten State.

And, if you're wondering what 'English Characters' are (I had to look it up, too), those are the 26 letters in the English alphabet (you just started singing the ABC song, didn't you? If you weren't, you are now).
Why No Numbers or Symbols?
Why? Because the Michigan's aging computer systems struggle with symbols (but somehow they survive tax season). Plus, nothing screams "clarity" like an entire generation of kids named Jaxxxson and Maddyyssond (the first and third 'x' in Jaxxxson are silent, as is the 's'). But sure, banning "7" makes sense.
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If you were looking to name your child 007 or X Æ A-12, I'm sorry. But Bob is still available.
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