Stuff You Should Know: Short Stuff – Can You Not Have A Name?

Release Date: June 4, 2025
Hosts: Josh Clark & Chuck Bryant
Production: iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction to Naming Laws

[00:38]
Josh Clark opens the episode by introducing the topic of naming, highlighting its significance and the complexities surrounding it. He recalls previous discussions about unconventional names, such as the one-word name "Detroit," setting the stage for a deeper exploration into the rules and regulations of naming.

Josh Clark:
"This is so in our wheelhouse, man. We've been talking about this stuff since basically day one of Stuff You Should Know."
(00:46)

Jerry:
"If you need a name legally, it's going to be a big pain."
(02:04)

2. Legal Requirements and Naming Laws

a. State-Specific Naming Laws

[01:35]
Josh and Jerry delve into the legal framework governing names in the United States, emphasizing that naming laws vary by state. They note that while some states are lenient, allowing parents to choose virtually any name, others impose restrictions to prevent problematic names.

Josh Clark:
"In the United States, at least, the laws about what you can or can't name your kid are by the states, and there's at least a dozen states that don't have any laws."
(03:28)

b. Prohibited Names

[03:52]
The hosts discuss specific prohibitions, such as:

• Numbers:
  "You can't name your kid a number, but you could spell out the number."
  (03:52)

• Vulgar and Offensive Words:
  "You can't use vulgar words, racial slurs, or names that could be used to commit fraud."
  (04:34)

• Brand and Trademarked Names:
  "Names like Nutella are also prohibited."
  (04:43)

Jerry:
"Nutella, but it probably is Nutella."
(04:50)

c. International Naming Restrictions

[05:23]
Expanding beyond the U.S., Josh highlights stricter naming laws in countries like Portugal, Iceland, and Denmark. In Portugal, for example, parents must choose from an approved list of names that align with gender norms, with authorities enforcing these rules rigorously.

Josh Clark:
"Portugal is very strict. Not only do they have some serious naming laws, there's a list of approved names that you have to select from."
(05:23)

3. Naming Procedures at Birth

a. Registration Process

[08:00]
The conversation shifts to the practical aspects of naming a child immediately after birth. Josh cites Kristen Conger, who points out that while it's not illegal to leave a child unnamed temporarily, the lack of a name complicates essential processes like obtaining a driver's license or social security number.

Josh Clark:
"If you do leave the hospital unnamed, they might name it something like Baby Girl Smith."
(09:05)

b. Stress and Decision-Making

[09:12]
Jerry emphasizes the emotional strain on parents, especially in unexpected or unplanned births, highlighting the need for time to decide on a suitable name.

Jerry:
"If you don't have it done beforehand, you don't want to just be thinking of it like right after you give birth."
(09:28)

c. Supplemental Name Reports

[10:15]
Josh explains that in states like California, parents have a window (up to a year) to officially finalize their child's name through a supplemental report with the health department.

Josh Clark:
"In California, you have to fill out a supplemental name report with the health department and fill that in."
(10:15)

d. United Nations' Stance

[10:48]
Introducing an international perspective, Josh references the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of the Child, which asserts that every child has the right to a name from birth.

Josh Clark:
"The United Nations has a pretty stern stance on kids names. In the Convention on the Rights of the Child, they said that all children have a right from birth to a name."
(10:48)

4. The Evolution and Significance of Middle Names

a. Historical Context

[11:42]
Josh transitions to discussing middle names, tracing their origins back to the Middle Ages. Initially, middle names were often saint names or familial surnames, serving as a form of personalization beyond the first name.

Josh Clark:
"The modern idea of a middle name started in the Middle Ages, it seems like, but it was pretty specific back then."
(11:42)

b. Modern Usage and Variations

[12:07]
Over time, the usage of middle names evolved to include a broader range of choices, moving away from strictly religious or familial names. This shift was partly influenced by administrative needs, such as military enlistment and computer documentation requiring consistent naming formats.

Josh Clark:
"During World War I, the US government officially recognized the existence of middle names when the enlistment forms for the military asked for a middle name."
(12:18)

c. Cultural Differences

[13:29]
Jerry shares an anecdote about his friend from England who has multiple middle names, illustrating cultural differences in naming conventions between the U.S. and the UK.

Jerry:
"My friend Justin from England has three names: Justin Neil Alexander Stewart."
(13:29)

5. Insights and Conclusions

• Importance of a Name:
  Josh and Jerry underscore that a name is fundamental to personal identity and essential for navigating societal systems.

• Balancing Creativity and Legality:
  While creativity in naming is celebrated, legal frameworks ensure that names remain functional within societal structures.

• Cultural and International Perspectives:
  Naming conventions reflect cultural values and vary significantly across different regions, with some countries enforcing strict regulations.

• Middle Names as Identity Layers:
  Middle names add depth to personal identity and have evolved to accommodate diverse naming preferences.

Notable Quotes:

• Jerry:
  "Any kind of racial slur you can't use, or if it's a name like, intentionally used to commit fraud, like to get out of a debt or something like that. You can't change your name for that reason."
  (04:55)

• Josh Clark:
  "Portugal's hardcore about naming."
  (05:57)

• Jerry:
  "If you don't enter that, they would insert NMI, no middle initial. Because not everyone has a middle name."
  (12:33)

Conclusion

This episode of Stuff You Should Know provides an enlightening exploration into the intricacies of naming—covering legal requirements, cultural variations, and the personal significance of names. Josh and Jerry adeptly navigate the topic, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of why names matter and the regulations that govern them.

Whether you're expecting a child, considering a name change, or simply curious about the evolution of naming practices, this episode sheds light on the essential role that names play in our identities and societal interactions.