A British couple, Dan and Mandy Sheldon, faced unexpected opposition when they chose to name their newborn son, a decision that initially met with resistance due to the name’s controversial nature.
Selecting a name for a newborn can be a daunting task, often leading to lengthy deliberations and, in some cases, significant disputes. The Sheldons, however, encountered a unique hurdle when their chosen name was met with “utter disgust” by a registrar, highlighting the complexities surrounding baby naming.
Upon visiting the registrar to officially name their son four months after his birth, following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, the couple was taken aback by the registrar’s strong reaction. Dan Sheldon recounted to The Sun their experience, noting the registrar’s dismay and warnings about future implications for their son, including potential employment and educational challenges.
The name that sparked such a response was ‘Lucifer’. Despite its common association with the devil, the Sheldons were drawn to its lesser-known meaning. “I tried to explain that we are not religious people, and Lucifer in Greek means ‘light-bringer’ and ‘morning’ but she wouldn’t listen,” Dan stated.
The registrar proposed an alternative solution, suggesting the couple choose a different ‘official’ name for their son while continuing to call him Lucifer privately. She also informed them of the legal restrictions on the name in various countries, including New Zealand, due to its biblical connotations and its prohibition in several Christian-majority nations like Germany and Switzerland.
Faced with uncertainty about the UK’s position on the name, the Sheldons were initially asked to leave. Reflecting on the encounter, Dan expressed their astonishment at the registrar’s conduct. However, persistence paid off, and the registrar ultimately conceded, allowing ‘Lucifer’ to be officially recorded on their son’s birth certificate, albeit reluctantly.
Dan defended their choice, emphasizing the uniqueness and appeal of the name to them, despite the backlash. “Honestly, we just thought it was a nice name… a unique one. We didn’t expect to get so much grief about it.”
In response to the incident, Derbyshire County Council issued a statement, acknowledging the registrar’s advisory role in naming matters and expressing regret for any offense caused to the couple. The statement highlighted the potential for unawareness regarding the meanings or connotations of certain names.
This case underscores the diverse considerations and potential controversies involved in naming a child, with ‘Lucifer’ likely to remain an uncommon choice among his peers.
