Last updated on November 4, 2025
No. Under New Zealand law, names cannot include symbols, numerals, or punctuation marks. The guidelines ensure names are pronounceable, not offensive, and do not resemble official titles or ranks. Parents can be creative, but the Registrar-General will decline names that fail these criteria.
Why This Question Matters
New Zealand is famous for its laid-back vibe and creative spirit, but when it comes to naming babies, the rules are surprisingly firm. While parents have plenty of freedom to choose unique names, the law draws the line at certain boundaries—especially when creativity veers into the realm of punctuation. So, if you were planning to name your child “?” or “@”, think again.
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), through the Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages, enforces naming guidelines designed to protect children from names that could cause confusion, offence, or administrative chaos. These rules aren’t about stifling creativity—they’re about ensuring that names work in everyday life, from school registers to passports.
The Legal Framework
New Zealand’s naming rules are set out under the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021 and enforced by the Registrar-General. The criteria for declining a name include:
- Names that might cause offence to a reasonable person.
- Names that are unreasonably long (more than 70 characters).
- Names that include or resemble an official title or rank, such as “King” or “Princess.”
- Names that contain numerals, symbols, or punctuation marks.
The DIA makes it clear: names must be pronounceable and suitable for official records. A backslash, hashtag, or exclamation point doesn’t meet that standard. Parents can spell out numbers or choose quirky names, but anything involving punctuation will be rejected.
Why These Rules Exist
Names are more than personal choices—they’re part of legal identity. A name with punctuation could break electronic systems, confuse databases, and complicate everything from healthcare records to airline tickets. Beyond technical issues, the law aims to prevent names that could expose children to ridicule or discrimination.
Registrar-General Russell Burnard summed it up well: “Names are a gift, and they are an important part of a person’s identity. We encourage parents to think about their child and how they might feel about their name later in life.”
Cultural and Practical Context
New Zealand celebrates individuality, and its baby name lists reflect that—thousands of unique names are registered each year. But the country also values practicality. The SmartStart service, which helps parents register births online, includes tips to avoid declined names. Among them: steer clear of official titles, numeric characters, and anything unpronounceable, like a punctuation mark.
Each year, the DIA publishes lists of names that were declined. While most rejections involve royal titles or religious references, the guidelines consistently warn against symbols and punctuation. Less than 1% of names are reviewed, but when they are, the Registrar-General considers them case by case.
What Happens If You Try?
If you submit a name with punctuation, the Registrar-General will decline it. Parents can present reasons for their choice, but unless there’s a compelling cultural or philosophical justification—and even then—the odds of approval are slim. The law prioritizes clarity and consistency in official records.
The Bigger Picture
These rules aren’t unique to New Zealand; many countries restrict names to protect children and maintain administrative order. What sets New Zealand apart is its transparency: the DIA publishes declined names annually and offers clear guidance to parents. Creativity is welcome—but within boundaries that make sense for society and technology.
The Bottom Line
No, you cannot name your child after a punctuation mark in New Zealand. The law ensures names are practical, respectful, and compatible with official systems. So while “Comma” spelled out might pass, “,” definitely won’t.
See more on New Zealand
Sources
Declined baby names and naming guidelines – Department of Internal Affairs
https://www.dia.govt.nz/press.nsf/d77da9b523f12931cc256ac5000d19b6/18330eddac3d14c6cc258aae00020b4c!OpenDocument
January 18, 2024
Change your child’s name – New Zealand Government
https://www.govt.nz/browse/passports-citizenship-and-identity/changing-your-name/changing-your-childs-name/
Ongoing