After the parents disclosed their newborn son’s name, which is prohibited in several nations and is viewed by some as a “abomination,” a significant choice between them swiftly descended into public indignation.
Unbeknownst to many, governments already control baby names all over the world. Depending on cultural, religious, or legal regulations, some nations forbid names like Facebook or Harry Potter, while others forbid well-known options like Linda or Sarah (Action News 5).
However, few names elicit as much criticism as the one at the heart of this most recent controversy.
A baby named after a television program
Ronni Lily, 29, and her partner Brad welcomed their newborn boy in Birmingham, England, on January 20, 2024. They decided right away that they wanted a name that felt bold and unique.
During Ronni’s pregnancy and while she was watching a popular Netflix series, the pair had a talk that swiftly led to agreement. Later, Ronni clarified that the name felt right and instantly appealing to them.
However, not everyone was as excited.
“A monstrosity”
The mother of four told Metro that while if the name is acceptable in the UK, the criticism started almost instantly, especially online, where many called it “cruel” and “illegal.”
But those closest to home had the strongest responses.
One member of the family didn’t hold back. She told us that it was a “abomination” and that she detested it. She still refuses to use his entire name. Meanwhile, unexpected sources of support emerged. “But my dad loved it right away, saying it was bold and different.”
“Just dumb.”
After Ronni posted the name in a parenting group, internet criticism intensified as commenters warned that her boy may face bullying or disadvantage in the future.
Ronni, the mother of Lola, 8, Lincoln, 5, and Lilac, 4, vehemently disagreed with that notion in an interview with Metro, stating that she is unconcerned by the critiques.
“A child who is a bully will find something to make fun of. “I instill confidence and assertiveness in all of my kids, along with positive affirmations,” she told Metro. “I don’t think his name will cause him issues at school or in the future.
She clarified, “People on Facebook told me I wouldn’t be legally allowed to register him with that name and said they hoped it was only a nickname.” Some parents claimed that because I named him after the devil, he would resemble him. You can’t classify a child negatively, therefore that’s just dumb.
She adds that her son can use Ashley, a more popular middle name, if he so wishes.
“Unusual but powerful”
According to Ronni, many parents privately acknowledged that they liked the decision in spite of the turmoil.
Many other mothers said that they adored the name and had thought about using it, but they gave in to their anxieties. Midwives told us they loved the name when he was born and urged us to keep it the same.
“His name is unique but powerful. Positive remarks outnumber negative ones, and most importantly, we adore it.”
“Morning star” or “light bearer”
The history of the name is lengthy and intricate. Although it is commonly linked to Satan in Christian history, Ronni claims that detractors frequently overlook its Latin etymology, which means “light-bearer” or “morning star.”
Ronni claims that registering the name in the United Kingdom went well, despite the fact that it was prohibited in New Zealand in 2013 and is limited in nations like Germany and Iceland.
“No screams of revulsion or arched eyebrows. All the registrar had to do was verify the spelling. Ronni remarked, “I’m sure they hear far worse names every day.”
When people inquire, I occasionally start by cautioning them that it’s “quite unusual” or contentious. That’s only to let people know that I won’t be bothered by what they say,” she clarified. “In the end, people’s opinions are irrelevant whether they like it or not.”
Not the initial
Similar disputes have already occurred, such as in Derbyshire in 2020 when a registrar opposed the name that parents Dan and Mandy Sheldon had chosen for their baby.
Dan Sheldon told The Sun, “She told us he would never be able to get a job and that teachers wouldn’t want to teach him.” To be honest, we just thought it was a beautiful, unusual name. We didn’t anticipate receiving so much grief over it.
“Lucifer, the mythical
Ronni, however, maintains her confidence in her choice and claims that her kid, whom she called a “cheeky chap,” is not “devilish.”
“We are aware of a certain connotation, of course,” Ronni stated. “However, we don’t practice religion.”
After years of justifying her decision, Ronni claims she has no regrets about naming her son after Lucifer Morningstar, the main character in the dark comedy series Lucifer on Netflix, which stars Tom Ellis.
Ronni told Metro, “He is Lucifer, the legend.” “His name has no bad connotations.”
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