is it illegal for someone not to have a name?

Answer 1

It is illegal. A baby cannot leave the hospital without a name. The legal system can change someone's name in certain circumstances but will not remove it. Prince did have a name; it was an unpronounceable symbol. He has restored his original name now, since he did this to avoid a contractual arrangement with his music company. Presumably such contracts will now be written with an additional clause to prevent the exploitation of such a loophole.

Answer 2

Legally, one can use any name he chooses. As long as there is no fraud, or other illegal activity involved a person can call himself whatever he wants.

I have to make a guess, here, but I must assume that a person can choose to not have a name.

Where difficulties arise is when a person must identify himself for various reasons, such as taking out a loan, voting, perhaps even to get a driver's license.

What HAS been established, over the years, is that a person need not be able to write his name on a document, as long as that person's mark (such as an "X") is properly witnessed by someone who can verify the identity. Perhaps that is how someone who chooses not to have a name can legally sign documents.

As in, "I have no name, and this (X) is how I spell it."

Answer 3

In Switzerland (or Sweden, I can't remember) about 10 years ago there was a couple that named their child some numbers and letters mixed up so when the child was old enough he could pick his own name. The Courts made them change it.
They were calling the kid "Mike" or some such common name for the sake of ease though, so they really did give him a name, they just didn't involve the gov't. in it.

Answer 4

Parents have 4 weeks from the birth of their child to register the child with a name. Don't know if this has to be a proper name, though, or if X can mark the spot.

Answer 5

No its not if you do not name the child with a 1st name the city or state would name it boy or girl and the last name you have. for example girl john or boy john

Answer 6

I reckon this is what the legal people call "a gray area". You have to try it first and see how the court would interpret any laws on the issue

Answer 7

Good question and something I assumed everyone had, guess they could call themselves X if that's how they feel, as much as I dislike my name I would rather have that than be an X.

Answer 8

Not so much illegal as impossible. I mean they would end up calling you something, even if it was just, "Hey." How can anyone speak to you if they can only say, "___"?

Answer 9

I am not sure. You should ask Prince. By the way, I'm thinking of changing my name to an unrecognizable symbol. What do you think?

Answer 10

Never heard of someone with out a name. What do you call him/her? Hey you? Hey guy/girl? Or just call him/her dude