Saudi Arabia: Ban on baby names
Issue 966
- 24 Mar 2014
| 1 minute read
The Saudi interior ministry has issued a list banning 50 names on the basis that they offend the culture or religion of the kingdom, are foreign, or inappropriate. According to the Gulf News, the ban – which has been widely covered by the international press – includes western names such as Alice and Linda, names such as Abdul Nabi and Abdul Hussein – opposed by some who suggest Abdul means ‘worshipper of’, and therefore implies worship of someone other than God – and those that are associated with royalty, such as Malika (queen), Mamlaka (kingdom) and Amir (prince).
Don't have an account?
Register for access to our free content
An account also allows you to view selected free articles and set up news alerts.
Register