Introduction

Is it a right for parents to refuse to give their child a name? The answer, depending on the jurisdiction, is a resounding no. While the law varies across different regions, it is generally considered a legal obligation for parents to name their child at birth. This article explores the legal implications of naming a child in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

United States

In the United States, the name of a child must be assigned at birth. Although it is true that hospitals will default to naming an infant as “Baby Girl” or “Baby Boy” if the parents do not name them in the first place, this is merely a temporary measure until a legal name is provided.

Moreover, in the absence of a name, the child’s birth certification cannot be legally completed, making it impossible to initiate any official legal paperwork, such as social security cards or insurance documents. The time frame for legally providing a name is strict: in the vast majority of states, you must provide a name within a few days of the birth, and a name must be registered with the birth certificate during the first 10 days to avoid complications.

Case Studies

True Story: Baby Girl Peterson
I once met an adult named Baby Girl Peterson. She was treated at a hospital where I worked, and it was only after we got to know her well that we learned the story behind her unusual name. In the US, hospitals label newborns as “Baby Boy” or “Baby Girl” until the parents provide a legal name. If the parents fail to choose a name, the child will be registered under this default name until the correct name is provided. In Baby Girl Peterson's case, the parents never filed a legal name, leading to her unique moniker.

Consequences of Not Naming a Child
Not providing a name for your child has serious legal ramifications. For instance, a child without a name cannot have their birth certificate officially registered, which is essential for accessing various social services, educational opportunities, and other legal protections.

United Kingdom – England

In the UK, the situation is slightly different but equally stringent. By law, you must register the birth of your child within 42 days, but there is no requirement to name the child at this stage. You can list the child as “Baby” or enter an “X” in the name field.

However, if a name is not provided, the child’s surname must still be recorded, which in most cases will be the mother’s family name. After one year, a parent can request to have the child’s name corrected to an appropriate one, but failing to name the child for this extended period can cause administrative issues and delay necessary legal documents.

Legal Decision

A notable case in the UK involved a mother who wanted to name her twin children “Preacher M” and “Cyanide F,” a decision that was later reviewed in court. The judge clarified that the law regarding unnamed children was that if no name is provided, the child’s name should be represented by a horizontal line in the first name field of the registration. This decision emphasizes the legal requirement to provide a name for the child, reflecting the United Kingdom's stance on the issue.

Conclusion

Throughout the world, the legal obligation to name a child is clear. It is a fundamental responsibility that comes with the privilege of parenthood. Whether it is the US or the UK, the law demands that parents provide a name for their child, enabling them to navigate the legal and administrative systems essential for their child's development and well-being.

Parents must recognize that choosing to have a child involves a significant responsibility to provide them with a legal identity. If one fails to name their child, they risk navigating a complex legal system that can impede the child's ability to access basic services and legal protections.