Choosing a baby’s name is exciting. Some parents want something meaningful. Others want something unique.
But before you decide, here’s something many people do not realise. In Malaysia, naming a child is not just a personal choice. There are rules.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Registration Department have clarified that all baby names must follow legal guidelines and social norms. Not every name will be approved.
Why does JPN even check baby names?
Because a name stays with a person for life.
JPN’s role is not just to register births. It also looks at whether a name could affect a child’s identity, wellbeing, or future. That is why Malaysia treats naming seriously.
The laws behind baby naming in Malaysia
Every birth in Malaysia must be registered under one of these laws:
- Births and Deaths Registration Act 1957 (Act 299)
- Sabah Births and Deaths Registration Ordinance (Cap. 123)
- Sarawak Births and Deaths Registration Ordinance (Cap. 10)
Under Section 16 of Act 299, the Registrar General can approve or reject a name that is offensive, inappropriate, or undesirable.
Names that are straight up not allowed
Some names will not be approved at all.
These include official titles or words with unsuitable meanings, such as:
- Tan Sri
- Dato’
- Haji
- Nabi
- Governor
- Dr.
- Mahaguru
- Malang
- Haram
If you try to register these as a baby’s name, JPN will reject it.
Names that might get rejected too
Even if a name is not offensive, it can still be considered unsuitable.
JPN may reject names that could confuse identity or negatively affect a child later in life, including:
- Abbreviations like D, Mohd, Abd, or M.
- Numbers such as 45
- Names of animals
- Names of fruits or vegetables
- Names of equipment or tools
The concern is how the child might be treated socially as they grow up.
What about titles like Tengku or Syed?
Hereditary titles come with strict rules.
Titles such as:
- Tengku
- Engku
- Megat
- Syed
- Sharifah
- Nik
can only be passed down through the father in a legally recognised marriage.
If the father does not hold the title, it cannot be given to the child, even if the mother has it.
Can you change your child’s name later?
Yes, but with limits.
If the child is below one year old, corrections can be made in the Birth Register.
If the child is above one year old
- Name changes can only be applied for during a MyKad application or after getting MyKad
- The new name will only appear on the MyKad
- The birth certificate cannot be changed under Act 299
What parents should do before choosing a name
Before registering your baby’s name:
- Think about how the name will affect your child long term
- Avoid titles, abbreviations, or novelty names
- Check with JPN if you are unsure
You can get clarification at the nearest JPN office or through official JPN channels.
A name is meant to last a lifetime. Making sure it is approved from the start can save you a lot of trouble later.
