When you're expecting there are plenty of tasks to get done ahead of the big day. Duties like putting the crib together, stocking up on baby food, childproofing rooms, going to birthing classes, attending medical appointments and the list goes on. One of the more exciting duties is picking out a name for your bundle of joy. Although sometimes coming up with a name can be a bit stressful if you and your partner have a difficult time agreeing on one. Perhaps you just want to be surprised on the big day. When you take that first glance at your newborn the name just comes to you which ends up being a stress-free situation. In Massachusetts, the most popular baby names for 2023 were Noah (male) and Olivia (female).

WNAW AM logo
Get our free mobile app

Did You Know That There Are Baby Names That Are Banned Around the World?

Yes, you read correctly. There are places all over the world that have banned certain names for one reason or another. Let's check those out right now.

LOOK: Baby names that are illegal around the world

Stacker scoured hundreds of baby name databases and news releases to curate a list of baby names that are illegal somewhere in the world, along with explanations for why they’re banned.

Gallery Credit: Annalise Mantz

Massachusetts Has Over 10 Baby Names That Are Banned in the Bay State

Did you know that Massachusetts has a law where only letters found on the standard English keyboard may be used in baby names? Had Elon Musk lived in Massachusetts he wouldn't have been able to legally name his third child X Æ A-12. This is according to Baby Name Quest. In addition, there are a few other names that are banned in Massachusetts. Whether you live in Boston, Springfield, Worcester, Berkshire County, or anywhere in between, these names are off the table in the Bay State.

Naming a Massachusetts Baby Any of These 11 Names is Illegal

You probably weren't planning on using any of the banned names anyway but just in case you now know which names are banned in Massachusetts and across the world. Now go assemble that crib.

KEEP READING: Here are the most popular baby names in every state

Using March 2019 data from the Social Security Administration, Stacker compiled a list of the most popular names in each of the 50 states and Washington D.C., according to their 2018 SSA rankings. The top five boy names and top five girl names are listed for each state, as well as the number of babies born in 2018 with that name. Historically common names like Michael only made the top five in three states, while the less common name Harper ranks in the top five for 22 states.

Curious what names are trending in your home state? Keep reading to see if your name made the top five -- or to find inspiration for naming your baby.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

LOOK: The most popular biblical baby names

To determine the most popular biblical baby names, Stacker consulted the name origin site Behind the Name and the Social Security Administration's baby names database then ranked the top 50 names from Behind the Name's Biblical Names origins list of 564 names, based on how many babies had been given these names in 2019. Click through to find out which biblical names have stood the test of time.

Gallery Credit: ELLEN DEWITT

LOOK: The most famous actress born the same year as you

Many of the actresses in this story not only made a name for themselves through their collection of iconic performances, but also through the selfless, philanthropic nature with which many of them approached their stardom. In an age of flipping the script on societal norms, many of these actresses are using their voices and platforms to be advocates for those who are otherwise unheard.

Gallery Credit: Ben Wittstein

More From WNAW AM