You cannot legally register a baby as Nutella in France; the name will be rejected as contrary to the child’s best interests.
Legal framework for naming children in France
Since the 1993 reform that abolished the Napoleonic list of approved names, parents can propose any name. However, the officier d’état civil must alert the public prosecutor if the name appears likely to expose the child to ridicule or harm. The prosecutor then refers the case to a family court judge, who applies Article 57 of the Civil Code, which prioritises the "intérêt de l'enfant".
The Valenciennes precedent
In November 2014 a couple tried to register their daughter as Nutella in Valenciennes. The registrar reported the name, and the family court ruled it would subject the child to teasing. The judge ordered the name removed and replaced it with Ella. The decision confirmed that commercial or overly whimsical names can be barred.
Why commercial names are problematic
French courts view the use of a trademarked brand as a personal name as a form of commodification that may infringe on human dignity. The law does not contain a specific blacklist; judges assess each case based on potential embarrassment, cultural context, and the child's future well‑being.
How the process works
- Parents submit the name at the mairie within five days of birth.
- If the registrar deems it unsuitable, they must notify the Procureur de la République.
- The prosecutor decides whether to forward the case to the family court.
- The judge can uphold the name, modify it, or require a new one.
Comparison with other countries
Unlike the United States or the United Kingdom, where most names are accepted, many European nations have stricter oversight. Germany and Italy also reject names that could harm a child, while Iceland maintains a pre‑approved list. France sits in the middle: freedom is granted until a name is judged detrimental.
Common misconceptions
Many think the 1993 reform gave unlimited naming rights; it only removed the historic list, not the protective safeguard of the child’s best interests. Also, there is no immediate fine for a rejected name— the matter is handled through the judicial process.