There’s only one place (so far) where it’s illegal to name your kid IKEA: The Scandinavian-inspired superstore’s home country, Sweden. Thanks to the country’s Naming law , enacted in 1982, parents can’t name their children first names that “can be supposed to cause discomfort for the one using it.” While the law was originally created to keep families from naming their kids after Swedish royalty, it now basically serves to keep name-related awkwardness to a minimum.
Think of it this way: Considering the store has been around since the ‘40s (and has since expanded globally), naming a baby IKEA in Sweden would be like calling an American newborn “McDonald’s” or “Starbucks.”
But don’t dismay, Swedes: If you want to pay homage to your favorite flat-pack furniture paradise, you can name your child (or pet!) after your favorite IKEA furniture instead. Here are a few options to keep in your back pocket (some assembly required).
Nordli
IKEA may be out of the running, but no one said anything about a modular white bed with a surprising amount of storage space. For Kylie fans: If you want your tribute to kill two birds with one stone, think of it as the Scandinavian-fairytale version of “Stormi.”
Gulliver
Whether you’re a former English major looking for a literary shout-out or just want to name your kid after the very crib he’s sleeping in, GULLIVER is a solid (and actually very normal) choice. (Fun fact: Likely unrelated to IKEA, Gulliver is the 1124th most popular name on an American baby name website.)
Vallentuna
Equal parts soft and versatile, this name choice has a lot in common with its modular loveseat namesake. You can call her by her full name, of course, but there’s also “Val.” Admittedly, “Tuna” is a pretty cute nickname for a dog or cat.
Melodi
Who doesn’t love a well-priced pendant lamp with a pretty name? A great choice for music-lovers, obviously, and fans of traditional names with unique spellings.
Besta
Meaningful names are understandably popular, and this one, Danish for “persist” or “prevail,” could be a contender. If the meaning doesn’t necessarily appeal to you, then this storage cabinet’s cool honeycomb pattern might.
Micke
A clean-and-simple name for a clean-and-simple desk, MICKE has a slightly hipster ring to it—the perfect gender-neutral option for lovers of minimalist names and a minimalist aesthetic.
Alex
Self-explanatory.
Aina
Yes, IKEA sells fabric, too. Perfect for curtains, sofa pillows, or other sewing projects, the AINA also comes in handy for a timeless baby-girl name. For a more flowery design and corresponding name option, there’s always the EMMIE ROS .
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