In New Mexico, parents have a lot of freedom when picking names for their babies. However, there are certain rules to follow. Some of them are simply not allowed. It’s important to know what could be rejected before you choose one.
Names that break the rules and are not allowed
New Mexico doesn’t accept every name. There are specific types that are off-limits. These include royal status, tied to history, religion, and even certain symbols or numbers.
Titles, honorifics and royal names
King, Queen, Prince, or Majesty are not allowed in New Mexico. They are connected to titles that suggest someone has royal or official status. The state doesn’t allow names that might mislead or confuse others about a person’s social position. For example, naming your child “King” might be seen as trying to give them an official title, which is not allowed.
Names linked to controversial or negative figures
New Mexico also has rules about history. Names like Adolf Hitler or others with strong negative connections are not allowed. They can cause harm, and people often find them offensive. Because of this, names linked to controversial or harmful figures will be rejected. The state wants to avoid allowing anything that might hurt people or cause problems later in life.

Religious names that could cause problems
Parents can choose religious names, but there are limits. While Mary or Joseph are okay, others might raise concerns. For example, naming a child “Jesus Christ” could be rejected. They are allowed, but they cannot be misleading or cause confusion. The state makes sure that they don’t cause problems in the future.
Offensive or inappropriate language
New Mexico strictly bans bad words, hate speech, or offensive language. Any name that uses curse words or derogatory terms is rejected immediately. The state takes this rule seriously to make sure every child is respectful and suitable for all environments.
Special characters and numbers
The state also does not allow special symbols or numbers. Symbols like @, #, or $ are not accepted in legal names. The same goes for numbers. For example, “John3” are not allowed. The state insists on names that are clear, easy to write, and easy to read.
Registering a baby in New Mexico
To register a baby’s name, parents must submit a birth certificate application. This is done through the New Mexico Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics. Once the application is submitted, the office reviews the name. If it violates any of the rules, parents will be notified. They must then choose a new one that follows the guidelines.
What happens if you want to change your baby’s name
In some cases, it might cause problems later on. If parents decide they want to change their child’s name, they can do so legally. This requires a court process. Parents must submit a petition, go through a background check, and receive approval from the court. It’s a way to fix any problems that may come up with after it’s been registered.
Things to keep in mind when naming your child
New Mexico offers a lot of freedom when choosing a baby’s name. But, it’s important to follow the rules. Avoid using offensive, controversial, or too difficult word. It’s also a good idea to avoid confusion. Following these simple guidelines can help parents avoid problems when registering their child. And it helps prevent any issues that might come up in the future.